Bringing home a French Bulldog puppy brings instant fun and joy. Clumsy and clownish, they are full of personality and quirkiness. But just like people, puppies come with their own worries, dislikes, and can sometimes develop anxiety.

A bit of nervousness and wariness is completely normal. Puppies are tiny explorers in a massive, confusing world. Everything from the postman to a plastic bag blowing past can seem scary when you're that small. But when fear starts taking over, or your puppy is not learning to accept things that are not really dangerous, that's when anxiety becomes a real issue. French bulldog puppies tend to be quite high-energy. Unfortunately, this can make any anxiety issues escalate faster.

What is anxiety in dogs?

Anxiety is an increased state of fear in response to perceived threats.Think of it as your dog's brain being on high alert, anticipating danger even when there isn't any real threat present.

• Fear is a normal, immediate response to something scary that's happening (like a loud noise or an aggressive dog).

• Anxiety is worrying about something that might happen or anticipating a threat that isn't actually there yet.

• A phobia is an extreme, irrational fear that triggers an over-the-top reaction. 

It’s completely normal for dogs to feel anxious now and then, but it becomes a problem when that anxiety gets too intense or frequent. Additionally, every time a Frenchie puppy overreacts or goes into a state of anxiety, everything starts to look scarier. This can create a vicious cycle. If it’s left to build up, it can turn into an anxiety disorder. 

What causes anxiety in puppies?

Frenchies can develop anxiety for lots of reasons, and often it's a combination of factors rather than just one. 

• Inadequate socialisation

• If they don’t have positive, gentle exposure to new people, dogs, sounds, and situations during early life (especially up to 16 weeks old), they may become reactive to these things when introduced later. This can develop into long-lasting fears.

• Genetics

• Frenchie puppies are inquisitive, but they can also be quite wound up. They can work themselves up to a point where they are too overwhelmed to realise there is nothing to worry about. 

• Past experiences

• Puppies are like little sponges trying to absorb and figure out the world. Even something that seems minor to us can leave a lasting impression, especially if they don’t see it again for a long time.

• Health issues

  • Pain and discomfort can make a puppy defensive and less receptive to their surroundings. Skin and digestive issues, which are common in Frenchie puppies, can lead to withdrawal or heightened reactions to normal experiences.

Common triggers of anxiety

• Loud noises: Including fireworks, thunderstorms, and the hairdryer. Sound phobias are common, especially if the exposure is very occasional.

• Separation: Frenchies have a lot of energy and curiosity, and they don’t like being left alone, even for short periods. Being alone can be quite scary as well, especially in the early days after leaving their mum and littermates.

• Other dogs and people: Frenchie puppies need time and a safe environment to get used to new dogs and people, and may become frightened or overwhelmed if introductions are too abrupt or in a place where they are not comfortable. It becomes easier as they meet more and more animals and people. 

• New places: Anything outside their comfort zone can trigger anxiety in a young puppy, especially if there are a lot of noises and smells. Some experiences can be particularly challenging, like the first car journey or vet visit. Being prepared with treats, familiar blankets, and lots of patience makes a big difference.

• Changes in routine: Puppies are learning about everything around them. Sudden changes to what they had already learned can be very confusing. Moving house, a new baby, or even just a change in routine can unsettle them.

What are the signs of anxiety in French Bulldog puppies?

Signs of anxiety can be related to fear, like trembling, pacing, panting or barking at something. Sometimes they can be less obvious, like destructive behaviours, avoidance or being excessively reactive.

Subtle signs include yawning, lip licking, looking away, growling, or trying to hide. Some puppies may freeze completely and glue themselves to the floor or look like they’re pretending not to see the scary thing. 

In more extreme situations, fear can actually turn into aggression. If your puppy feels cornered or threatened, they might snap, lunge, or even bite. This behaviour should be managed with the help of a professional.

What to do if your French Bulldog shows signs of anxiety

1. Get your Frenchie checked by a vet to rule out medical problems that might be causing or worsening the anxiety. 

2. Next, a qualified behaviourist is your best bet. They'll create a behaviour modification plan tailored specifically to your puppy's needs. 

3. Your vet or behaviourist might suggest anti-anxiety medication alongside the behaviour plan. 

4. Avoid the things that trigger your Frenchie’s anxiety as much as you can whilst you're working on the problem. Try to slow their routine and avoid overstimulation or very intense situations.

In the meantime, create a safe space at home where they can retreat when they're feeling overwhelmed. Fill it with their favourite blankets and toys and place a calming pheromone diffuser nearby. Provide long-lasting, safe puppy chews to promote calm. Keep to a consistent daily routine to help them feel safer. Frenchies have a lot of energy, but try to get them to settle down if they look like they’re getting overexcited.

What NOT to do

• Never punish an anxious puppy. It might be frustrating when they've destroyed your favourite shoes, but punishment will worsen the problem. Your puppy isn't being naughty—they're genuinely distressed. Punishing them only adds confusion and fear.

• Avoid relying solely on calming supplements or pheromones as a solution. Guidance from a qualified behaviour professional is almost always needed.

• It’s also important not to ignore anxiety-related behaviours in the hope they will resolve on their own, as they typically worsen without appropriate intervention.

• Avoid neutering without prior discussion with both a veterinarian and a behaviourist. In some puppies, fear and anxiety can intensify following neutering, so focusing on confidence-building first may be beneficial.

• Avoid exposing your Frenchie to situations where they tend to get overexcited or hyper until the anxiety is controlled.

Finding the right help

When you're looking for a behaviourist, make sure they're properly qualified and use modern, ethical techniques. Look for professionals registered with organisations like the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), which maintains standards for the profession. Your vet can help you find someone suitable. 

Q&As French Bulldog Puppy Anxiety

Q: Can Frenchies grow out of anxiety? 

A: Unfortunately, no. Anxiety doesn't disappear with age—in fact, it usually gets worse without proper intervention. However, with the right help from a vet and behaviourist, most puppies can learn to manage their anxiety and become more confident. Starting as early as possible gives you the best chance of success.

Q: My Frenchie destroys the house when I leave. Is this separation anxiety or just bad behaviour? 

A: It could be either, which is why professional support is so important. Puppies with true separation anxiety experience genuine distress when left alone and may show signs such as excessive barking or howling, toileting indoors, pacing, or drooling. If you’re seeing these behaviours, early professional help can make a big difference.

Q: Should I comfort my puppy when they're scared, or will that reward the fear? 

A: You can't reinforce fear by comforting your puppy. If your puppy is scared, offering gentle reassurance is fine. What you want to avoid is making a massive fuss or acting overly dramatic, which can actually increase their stress.

Q: How long does it take to treat puppy anxiety? 

A: Unfortunately, there's no quick fix. Every puppy is different, and the timeline depends on the severity of the anxiety and what's causing it. Some puppies show improvement within weeks, while others need months of consistent work. The key is patience and consistency.

Q: Can you prevent anxiety in dogs?

A: Unfortunately, not always. But you can help by slowly introducing new experiences, building up alone time gradually and offering plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Puppies thrive on a predictable and stable routine. 

Anxiety is not a common problem in French Bulldog puppies, but if it develops, it's not something that'll just go away with time. Puppy anxiety is something you should tackle with the right professional support. Most puppies can learn to feel more confident and cope better with the things that scare them. Yes, it takes patience and consistency, but the payoff—a happy, well-adjusted dog—is absolutely worth it.

Join us next month for a blog all about neutering your Frenchie—what to expect, when to do it, and how to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.