At what age do English Bulldogs get lazy

At What Age Do English Bulldogs Calm Down?

Many pet owners think that since English bulldogs are often small in size and not very active, they are perfect for smaller apartments and houses. However, once you bring an English bulldog into your family, you soon realize the truth. My English bulldog is a ball of energy. English bulldog puppies are often hyperactive and cannot stay in a single place for a long time.

You might be wondering, do English bulldogs ever calm down? After spending years with my English bulldog, I can now answer this question.

At what age do English bulldogs calm down?

English bulldogs generally remain hyperactive up to the age of 4 to 5 years. During a bulldogs younger years they will still have plenty of energy left after a long walk.

A common way to calm down dogs with excess energy is to provide them with calming chews every so often. I think thiscalming chewavailable at Amazon is one of the best.

When they are younger, the best thing to do is to take them for long walks and/or let them play with other dogs. This will help them to expend some of that energy, and help calm them down when youre back home.

Instead of worrying about the energy levels of your dog, you should take it as a sign of their excellent health. As long as they have plenty of energy and do not rest in one place till the age of 4, you can be sure that your English bulldog is completely fit and fine. It is just the puppy phase, when they are full of energy and therefore will always bother you or play around you to get your attention.

Heres a video of our little guy not being calm

Are male or female English bulldogs calmer?

Female English bulldogs are often more aggressive while defending their territory. Due to this reason, they are often more active compared to males, but this is generally when they sense a threat that they can become aggressive.

English bulldogs are often known for their watchful gaze and their natural tendency to guard. This tendency is slightly higher in female bulldogs, which makes them slightly more aggressive, vigilant, and active than their brothers.

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Can you train the hyperactivity out of your bulldog?

Training can be useful when youre looking to calm your English bulldog. Generally keeping your bulldog active is also a great way to expend its energy and calm it down.

Some training techniques to calm your English bulldog:

Use treats

The best way to calm them down is to lure them with a treat. First, you should figure out which treats your dog favors morenot too difficult with bulldogs as they tend to like all treats! Once armed with your treat of choice, you are ready to start with some training exercises:

When you want the dog to sit, you can hold the treat and let him sniff it. Once he starts sniffing it, it is a good idea to move it towards his head, which will make his nose point upwards and he should automatically sit down, and you can gently push on his rear to encourage the sitting down motion. Make sure you say sit every time, so that your dog starts to associate that word with the act of sitting down. You can then reward him with a treat every time he does it right.

If you want your dog to lie down, you should place the treat near his nose and create an imaginary L from the nose of the dog and on either side of his paws. Your dog will likely follow the motion of your hand with his eyes, and will follow along with his body. When he does lie down, you know what to do: reward him with a treat! As with the sit command, make sure youre saying lie, down, or lie down every time, so that your dog understands the command.

Puppies, like children, can have pretty short attention spans, so each of these training sessions shouldnt last more than ten minutes. The key is to be patient and understand that it will likely take a few sessions before your English bulldog learns these commands.

Establish your leadership

Its important to establish who the leader of the pack is when you bring your puppy home, so that he learns to respect and listen to you. Yes, it can be hard to be stern when youre staring at those adorable puppy eyes, but if youre not firm from the start, your bulldog is going to take you for a ride. Here are a few tips you can use to show your bulldog who is boss:

Use a firm, strong voice but not an angry one.

Be consistent with your training.

Reward your dog with toys or treats when he/she follows the commands.

Never use violence

Are English bulldogs calmer than other breeds?

Bulldogs are known for their calm, sedate behavior, so the short answer is yes, English bulldogs are generally calmer than most other dog breeds. However, you might not see this calm behavior until after your bulldog matures, which usually happens around age 4. Before that, your bulldog will likely be quite active, full of that puppy energy and inquisitiveness.

Your bulldogs behavior and personality also depends on how your bring him or her up. If you let them run wild and encourage their excited bursts of energy all the time, they might continue to behave badly even when they are older. It is best to nip this behavior in the bud at an early age, by training them and establishing your role as the pack leader.

So, if youre wondering when do English bulldogs calm down, the answer is after reaching the age of 4 to 5 years. Till that time, you will have to get accustomed to that ball of energy, and try and teach it to calm down and channel that energy to learn some new tricks and skills.

This puppy phase does not last very long, so enjoy it while you can! Yes, it might seem like a lot of work, but its all worth it at the end of the day when you get to sit back and enjoy snuggles from your little bundle of wrinkles.

Here are some of my favorite Dog and Bulldog Products

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful for your dog and bulldog questions. Here are some products I like that I hope youll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, and I am compensated for referring traffic. But in all honesty, these are the exact product that I use or recommend to everyone.

Food For Bulldogs: Royal Canin Bulldog was the dog food our breeder recommended for our bulldog with a bit of canned pumpkin added for each meal to give a bit of extra fiber

Poo Bags:For poo bags we use Greener Walker poop bags. We have used them for over a year without having a single leak. Also, these bags are made to be friendlier for the environment.

Wrinkle Cleaning Wipes:We use Huggies natural care fragrance free baby wipes to clean out our bulldogs wrinkles. They are good for sensitive skin which bulldogs are known to have.

Durable Dog Bed:I cant begin to tell you how many dog beds we have gone through as many fall apart over time. Without a doubt, the most durable one I have found is PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed. I love this dog bed because it has an outer liner which can be replaced if it gets too beat up.

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Are Bulldogs Lazy?

English Bulldogs are known for their wrinkles and cuddly disposition. Many people also think that they are lazy dogs, too. These nap loving pups may have lower energy levels compared to other dogs, but they may not be as lazy as they seem.

Are Bulldogs really a lazy dog breed?

One common misconception of Bulldogs is that they are lazy. In reality, they are fun loving dogs that just so happen to also love their sleep. A Bulldogs energy level can be depleted quickly when playing, but that doesnt mean they are lazy dogs.

English Bulldogs are often described as lazy for a few different reasons. The good news is that there are things that Bulldog owners can do to help keep their furry friends active.

What Are Bulldog Energy Levels Like?

English Bulldogs are often thought to be lazy because they are so easy going. Dont let their mellow mannerisms fool you, they can be quite energetic when they want to be. On the AKC energy scale of couch potato to high energy, English Bulldogs typically fall in the middle of the scale.

You see, these dogs love to play and are quite social, but can tire quickly. It only takes about 15 minutes of activity before they want to rest up before their next play session. Thankfully, their energy levels complement their temperament.

What Kind of Temperament Do English Bulldogs Have?

Easygoing, laidback, and calm are just some of the words used to describe an English Bulldogs temperament. These descriptors would lead you to believe that they are lazy dogs. However, other descriptions of their personality include: fun loving, energetic, playful, and social.

English Bulldogs are also known to be stubborn. This is in part because Bulldogs are incredibly intelligent dogs. They are very smart and know how to get what they want. Thankfully they are easy to train because they are highly motivated by food. Some Bulldogs have even been trained how to skateboard and surf. How can that be lazy? Check out Tillman, the worlds fastest skateboarding Bulldog; he can surf too!

Well, part of the myth that English Bulldogs are lazy may be due in part to the fact that Bulldogs have low levels of endurance. The way these dogs were bred has created a number of health problems that lead to fatigue at a quicker rate when compared to other dogs of a similar size.

Health Problems That Can Be Mistaken for Laziness

Dont confuse an English Bulldogs fatigue as laziness. There are many common health problems that can lead an English Bulldog to get tired quickly. Some of these conditions are normal and dont pose any threat, while others are a major cause for concern and should be prevented.

Body Style

The American Kennel Clubs official breed standards describe the body style of an English Bulldog as a dog of medium sizewith heavy, thick-set, low-swung body, massive short-faced head, wide shoulders and sturdy limbs.

A large head, broad chest, and short legs all contribute to the English Bulldogs tendency to tire easily. Theres nothing wrong with a Bulldog for being built this way, it just means that they may need more frequent breaks between activities. Frequent breaks between activities doesnt mean the pooch is lazy.

Another characteristic of the English Bulldog breed is its short nose. Believe it or not, this feature can have an effect on its activity level, too.

Brachycephalic Breeds and Heat Sensitivity

Dogs with large heads and short snouts are called brachycephalic breeds. In addition to English Bulldogs, a few other dog breeds that are brachycephalic breeds include: Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tisus, and Mastiffs.

Dogs that belong to a brachycephalic breed are at a higher risk of having respiratory problems. In some cases there are dogs who benefit from surgery to correct brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

Even if an English Bulldog hasnt been diagnosed with BOAS or ever required surgery, they should still be monitored during times of higher activity to ensure their safety. If they start panting heavily they need to be calmed down and take some time to rest. Heavy panting isnt just a sign getting worked up from being active, it can also be a sign of respiratory distress.

If you live in a warmer climate or the weather is abnormally warmer than usual, your Bulldog may appear to be lazier than normal; however, you should keep an eye out to make sure they are not overheating.

Overheating can be life threatening to an English Bulldog and brachycephalic breeds are more prone to overheat on walks. The reason they are so sensitive to heat is because they are unable to cool themselves off as easily and effectively as non-brachycephalic dogs.

If you believe that your English Bulldog is overheating you should help them cool down and get some rest before resuming any activities. This does not mean the dog is being lazy, it means they need to cool down and calm down.

Joint Problems

Unfortunately, English Bulldogs are predisposed to a variety of joint problems. They may experience one or a combination of the following joint problems: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or arthritis. If a dog is experiencing any one or more of these joint problems they may be lounging around not because they are lazy, but because they are trying to avoid painful movements.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Hip or elbow dysplasia is the deterioration of the joint over time that causes the loss of joint function. If a dog has been diagnosed with dysplasia in their hip or elbow, then moving around at higher levels of enthusiasm could cause them to be in pain. Decreased activity caused by joint dysplasia isnt laziness, its typically a response to avoid pain. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, over 70% of all Bulldogs will experience hip dysplasia and 30% will experience elbow dysplasia.

Thankfully there are a few options that owners have to help a dog resume their normal activities and avoid any lazy tendencies. Veterinarians often recommend one or more of the following treatments to help dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia:

• Weightloss to decrease the amount of stress on the joint
• Supplements or anti-inflammatory medication to support joint health
• Hard surface restriction to decrease discomfort
• Physical therapy to support healthy activity

Arthritis

Another joint problem that could make any dog seem lazy is arthritis. While not exclusive to Bulldogs, arthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint becomes damaged from age or injury and bones rub each other in the joint.

Veterinarians will typically suggest one or more of the following treatments to help dogs with arthritis:

• Supplements or anti-inflammatory medication to support joint health
• Pain medication for the management of pain
• Physical therapy to support healthy activity

Obesity

English Bulldogs love to eat and, if left to their own devices, may not get enough exercise. When put together these two characteristics could lead an English Bulldog to develop obesity. The more overweight a Bulldog is, the more they will want to lounge around and avoid activities that cause them to be physically active.

To help an overweight or obese Bulldog, veterinarians generally suggest a combination diet and increased activity to promote weight loss.

What Should You Do If Your Bulldog Has Sudden Onset Laziness

A bout of sudden onset laziness could indicate that your dog is experiencing a health problem. Reasons why a dog might have sudden onset laziness include infection, illness, or internal blockage, just to name a few.

If you believe that your dog is exhibiting laziness that is not in relation to being recently active and is also out of character, seeking help from a veterinarian is suggested. A veterinarian will be able to examine the dog and suggest potential tests to run to ensure the dog is not in any danger.

On the other hand, if your English Bulldog is lethargic after being active, its completely possible that they just need to get some rest. You might be surprised at how many hours of sleep an English Bulldog has to have.

Getting Proper Sleep Doesnt Make a Bulldog Lazy

Getting the correct amount of sleep with help to ensure that Bulldogs are able to maintain a good activity level. The amount of rest that each English Bulldog needs can vary from dog to dog. The amount will depend partly on the dogs activity level, age, and overall health. Generally speaking, the average English Bulldog needs anywhere from 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day.

That much sleep can make anyone think a dog is lazy and other breeds, like Great Danes, can have the same problem.

Like most dogs, English Bulldogs will typically break their hours of sleep up into several short naps and one long stretch of sleep overnight. Just because Bulldogs enjoy their mid-morning and afternoon naps, it doesnt mean theyre being lazy. In reality, theyre just gearing up for the next playtime.

When English Bulldogs are more active, they will need more rest, too. This helps them to be sure that they will not overheat and do not overexert themselves. Just like active dogs, English Bulldogs get the zoomies and run off excess energy, too.

How Much Exercise Should English Bulldogs Get?

One quick internet search may leave you confused on just how much exercise an English Bulldog truly needs each day. The AKC recommends that English Bulldogs should get a moderate amount of exercise. This means that they should exercise for at least 30 minutes per day.

Getting in a full 30 minutes may be too much at one time for an English Bulldog. Many dog trainers suggest that English Bulldogs start out with short training and exercise intervals. This allows the dog to rest between sessions and stay safe at the same time.

English Bulldogs should not exercise when it is hot outside. The increase in activity level combined with the heat can cause serious health problems. If you suspect that your dog has been active for too long it is important to calm them down. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to help your English Bulldog exercise inside when its too hot to be outside.

How to Prevent Bulldog Laziness

There is no reason to believe that your English Bulldog has to be a couch potato for its entire life. Simply teach your Bulldog not to be lazy. You can do this by creating a routing, training them, feeding them a proper diet, and ensuring they stay hydrated.

Create a Routine

While English Bulldogs do not require a highly structured routine, they will benefit from some sort of reliable schedule. One way to help prevent laziness is to create a routine that your Bulldog expects. Some things that you may want to do the same every day are:

• Feeding your dog at the same time
• Playing the same indoor game
• Having one place to sleep at nighttime
• Keeping toys in the same place
• Following a potty routine

When your dog knows what they should expect at a given time they are more likely to be active around that time. Likewise, they will also know when its time for them to rest and recharge.

Training

English Bulldogs can be trained to do some pretty cool things. You may think that because English Bulldogs are short and fat that they are lazy, but would a lazy dog compete in an agility competition like Rudy the English Bulldog?

Dont think that you have to stop your Bulldogs training once they are potty trained and know how to sit or walk on a leash. Get creative with what you want to teach your Bulldog. You will help encourage them to be active by continuing to train them. Just make sure that if you are using treats to promote their training that you are not over feeding them.

Proper Nutrition/Diet

It can be easy to overfeed a Bulldog, after all, how do they get all fat and cuddly if they dont eat a lot? English Bulldogs will overeat when given the chance, so owners need to be sure to feed their Bulldog a proper diet. The right nutrition and correct amount of food will help to ensure that the dog does not suffer complications due to being overweight or obese.

Proper Hydration

In addition to a proper diet, English Bulldogs need to stay hydrated, too. This is one of the ways that a Bulldog is able to regulate its body temperature and remain active even after theyve had some exercise.

Help Your Bulldog Stay Active

Not only can you do things that help prevent your English Bulldog from becoming lazy, there are things that you can do to help your Bulldog stay active.

Break Up Active Times Throughout the Day

One of the best ways to promote activeness in your English Bulldog is to have multiple times where your dog is active throughout the day. These dont have to be long periods of activity, in fact, its recommended that you keep your dogs activity times to about 15 minutes. By having several short active times your Bulldog will learn how to have fun and play.

Introduce a Playmate

Like humans, dogs are social creatures. English Bulldogs are friendly dogs that enjoy social interaction. They are known for how great they are with children and most Bulldogs enjoy the companionship of another dog.

Having multiple dogs can be beneficial because they can entertain each other when you are busy. However, dont worry if you dont have a live-in playmate for your pup. Dog parks and doggie daycares are great ways to promote social activity with your dog.

Play Games

Keeping your English Bulldog active doesnt mean that you have to go on a lot of walks. Activity can be as easy as playing a game with them. Teach them how to play games like tug or hide and seek. Not only are these games fun and healthy for the dog, but it will also promote bonding and can help teach other skills. For example, when playing tug with your dog you can also teach them how to drop the toy when given a command.

Offer Activity Toys

There will be times when you want your English Bulldog to be active, but you are pressed for time. One way to promote activity in your dog is to offer them an activity toy. Activity toys for dogs can not only promote a dog to be active, but they can prevent boredom, too.

All Things Considered, Bulldogs Are Not as Lazy as They Seem

English Bulldogs have a reputation of being lazy dogs, but its simply not the case. Their easy going personalities combined with how quickly they tire during activity only perpetuates this common misconception. Bulldogs are intelligent, love to play, and are food motivated. They can be quite active dogs so long as they are healthy and stay out of the heat. Help keep your bulldog active by training them, playing games, and keeping a routine.