Bringing home a French Bulldog is equal parts joy, comedy, and chaos. These little clowns charm their way into our hearts fast—but they’re also famously curious, mouthy, and determined explorers. One minute your Frenchie is snoring adorably, the next they’re chewing a phone charger or trying to squeeze behind the couch “just to see what’s back there.”
Whether you're welcoming a new puppy or simply tightening safety habits for your adult Frenchie, creating a secure environment is essential. Frenchies may be small, but they’re strong, clever, and surprisingly talented at getting into trouble. This guide will help you Frenchie-proof your home room by room—so your pup stays safe, entertained, and (mostly) out of mischief.
Why Frenchie-Proofing Matters More Than You Think
French Bulldogs have a unique combination of traits that make safety prep especially important:
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- They chew… everything. Frenchies explore with their mouths, especially during teething or boredom.
- They love squeezing into tight spaces.
- They overheat easily, so airflow and temperature awareness are musts.
- They’re stubborn and persistent when they want something—food, socks, paper towels, you name it.
- They’re indoor dogs, so their environment matters more than for many other breeds.
A safe home keeps your pup healthy, reduces emergency vet visits, and saves your sanity. Plus, preventative prep is much easier than correcting dangerous behaviors later.
Room-by-Room Guide to Frenchie-Proofing Your Home
1. Living Room Safety: Because Curious Noses Go Everywhere
The living room is usually where Frenchies spend the most time—and where the most hazards hide.
Secure Loose Cords and Electronics
From TV cables to phone chargers, cords are irresistible to Frenchie teeth.
How to secure them:
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- Use cord concealers or cable management boxes
- Run wires behind furniture
- Use bitter spray for extra protection
- Keep chargers unplugged when not in use
Recent Frenchie boxes have included durable chew alternatives (like rubber bones and textured toys) designed to keep pups busy while protecting your cords.
Anchor or Block Tippy Furniture
Frenchies are sturdy but curious. They may jump on, push, or crawl under items that can tip.
Secure:
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- Bookshelves
- Side tables
- Lamps
- Freestanding mirrors
Consider blocking access behind couches using rolled blankets or foam guards—many Frenchies love to wedge themselves back there, which can trap them or damage your walls.
Choose a Durable, Washable Dog Bed
Frenchies love comfort, but they also love drooling, shedding, and sometimes chewing the edges of their beds.
Look for dog beds that are:
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- Orthopedic (for joint support)
- Machine-washable
- Chew-resistant
- Breathable for temperature control
2. Kitchen and Dining Area: AKA “Treasure Island” for Food-Obsessed Frenchies
The quickest way to a Frenchie’s heart is through their stomach—which makes the kitchen a top-priority danger zone.
Use Trash Cans They Can’t Break Into
Invest in:
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- Step-pedal cans with locking lids
- Under-sink pullout trash bins
- Heavy stainless-steel cans Frenchies can’t push over
Keep Food Out of Reach
Remember: Frenchies can jump higher than you expect when food is involved.
Store food:
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- In upper cabinets
- In sealed containers
- Away from the counter edges
Common kitchen foods that are dangerous for dogs include chocolate, grapes, xylitol (found in sugar-free products), onions, and cooked bones.
Install Safety Locks If Needed
For extra-determined Frenchies, use safety latches on:
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- Pantry doors
- Lower cabinets
- Cleaning supplies closets
Offer Safe Chews as Distractions
A busy Frenchie is a safe Frenchie. Provide safe, long-lasting chews to keep their attention off the kitchen chaos.
3. Bedroom Safety: A Cozy Space… With Hidden Hazards
Bedrooms are full of tempting chewables—clothing, tissues, shoes, hair ties, and more.
Keep Laundry in Closed Hampers
Dirty socks are Frenchie gold. But swallowing fabric can lead to intestinal blockages.
Use a lidded hamper or store laundry in a closed closet.
Store Medications and Cosmetics Safely
Chewable vitamin bottles, pill packets, and makeup can all be dangerous.
Always keep them:
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- In drawers
- On high shelves
- Inside nightstand organizers
Hide or Cover Under-Bed Spaces
Frenchies love dens—but can get stuck or find “fun” treasures under the bed. Block access with storage bins or low barriers.
Offer Calm, Soothing Toys for Wind-Down Time
Soft, low-energy toys help Frenchies settle at bedtime.
4. Bathroom and Laundry Room: Small Rooms with Big Risks
These areas contain chemicals, detergents, small objects, and tempting toilet water (yes, many Frenchies will try).
Close Toilet Lids
Aside from hygiene, toilet water can contain cleaning chemicals that are harmful if ingested.
Store Chemicals on High Shelves
This includes:
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- Detergents
- Cleaners
- Fabric softeners
- Bath products
Avoid floor storage whenever possible.
Keep Small Objects Out of Reach
Bathrooms often contain:
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- Razor caps
- Cotton swabs
- Hair ties
- Dental floss
All common causes of emergency vet visits.
Provide Bathroom-Safe Chew Toys
Keep a toy basket in or near the bathroom so your Frenchie has a distraction while you get ready.
5. Outdoor and Patio Safety: Fresh Air Without the Risks
Even if you have a small balcony or yard, outdoor Frenchie-proofing is crucial.
Check Fence Gaps and Weak Spots
Frenchies are small enough to squeeze through surprisingly narrow gaps—or dig under them.
Remove Toxic Plants
Common harmful plants include:
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- Aloe
- Sago palm
- Lilies
- Oleander
- Ivy
When in doubt, look up each plant before placing it outside.
Avoid Outdoor Heat Risks
Because Frenchies overheat easily:
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- Provide shade
- Use cooling mats
- Keep outdoor time short during summer
Essential Tools and Products for Frenchie-Proofing
Here’s a roundup of items (including those featured in Frenchie Boxes) that make Frenchie-proofing easier:
Chew-Resistant Toys
Durable rubber toys, textured chewers, and natural bones keep your pup mentally stimulated.
Interactive Puzzle Toys
A must for preventing boredom—the root of most mischief.
Pet Gates and Room Dividers
Create safe “Frenchie zones” without restricting their movement entirely.
Cooling Beds or Mats
Helps regulate temperature, especially during summer.
Soft, Supportive Dog Beds
For joint health and preventing pressure spots.
Toy Baskets or Storage Bins
Keeps floors clear and reduces temptation to chew non-toy items.
Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
Avoid harsh chemicals on surfaces your Frenchie may lick or touch.
Bonus: Frenchie-Proofing Tips Specifically for Puppies
If you’re bringing home a baby Frenchie, everything is 10× more urgent.
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- Use a playpen or puppy zone when you can’t supervise.
- Expect teething—provide LOTS of chew options.
- Feed consistent meals to avoid scavenging behavior.
- Avoid floor clutter (socks, cords, small objects).
- Start crate training early for safety and comfort.
Puppies are naturally mischievous, so prevention is key.
A Safe Home Means a Happy Frenchie
Frenchie-proofing isn’t about restricting your dog—it’s about giving them the safest, happiest life possible. A well-prepped environment reduces stress, prevents accidents, and gives your Frenchie freedom to explore without danger.
As you build your Frenchie-proofed home, don’t forget to rotate in engaging toys, treats, and safety gear—many of which arrive right at your door when you subscribe to Frenchie Box. Each month brings new enrichment items that help keep your pup busy, safe, and out of trouble.
A protected Frenchie is a confident, joyful Frenchie—and with a little planning (and the right tools), your home can become the perfect playground for your snorting little sidekick.
