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How to Teach a French Bulldog to Ride a Skateboard
I have seen many French Bulldogs ride skateboards like pros. I own a French Bulldog and purchased a skateboard to teach him how to ride a skateboard like the French bulldogs you see on YouTube riding skateboards. Does anyone know how to teach a French bulldog to ride a skateboard? I want a comprehensive step-by-step instruction on teaching my French Bulldog how to ride a skateboard and enjoy it. Please tell me the success rate of French bulldogs and whether they enjoy riding skateboards.
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How to Teach French Bulldogs Skateboarding
Bonding with your French Bulldog by teaching him how to ride a skateboard offers physical and mental stimulation. Here are the steps to make it a fun and bonding experience.
Required Items
Skateboard:
- Get a flat board one inch wider than your dog’s stance.
- The board should have ball bearings that enable it to roll slowly.
Protective Gear:
- Safety equipment includes a helmet, harness, and paw protectors.
- The dog should be fitted with a harness instead of a collar.
Treats:
- Use high-value chicken or cheese.
Practice Area:
- Driveways and empty parking lots are smooth places with no hazards.
Guidelines Step 1: Assess Age Appropriateness
- To pass the health check, your dog should be more than a year old, mentally confident, healthy, and have no respiratory problems.
- Consult a vet and ensure the dog is physically ready to take the challenge.
- Check whether your dog comfortably sits on the skateboard (optimal weight range is 15-28 pounds).
Step 2: Introduce Skateboard
- Place it on the carpet or grass to do your rolls.
- Sniffing or simply touching it earns payoffs, so does looking at the board.
- Make all the noise possible while your dog remains calm (tap the board and spin the wheels).
- Reward them as well.
- If they are curious, roll the board slightly away (not toward) them.
Duration: daily practice for multi-day sessions targeting 3-5 minutes per day until mastery.
Step 3: Motivation through Engagement
- Ensure the board is secured (wheeled locks engaged or on carpet).
- With a treat, command the dog to “get on” (or “Skate!”) while only putting one paw on the board.
- Reward immediately.
- Progress through two paws, then all four paws using “Yes!” marker or clicker.
- Stabilize the board if they choose to climb on.
Duration: 3-5 minute sessions, 1-2 weeks, aiming for 80% success.
Step 4: Stand on The Stationary Board
- Again, lure your dog to stand fully on the secured board with all paws.
- Use a set command: “Skate” or “Step”.
- Reduce luring and rewarding to only verbal cue responses.
- Hold trucks tightly so rocking doesn’t occur.
Duration: 1-3 weeks, achieving 80% with short sessions.
Step 5: Slight Movement Introduction
- Change area to flat, smooth surfaces, e.g., driveway.
- Gently push the board forward 1-2 inches with the dog still on, using the command “Go” or “Skate.”
- Reward with a treat while they’re still on the board.
- Progress to 4 feet in increments using a leash for control.
Duration: 2-4 weeks, only progressing when calm.
Step 6: Balancing and Steering
- Loosen trucks a bit to enable rocking.
- On grass or carpet, reward shifts of weight to one side with treats.
- Reward for steering.
- Pulling the board with a leash on a flat surface simulates a turn.
- Reward staying centered.
- To keep them on board, use “Stay”.
- Advanced skills take 2-4 weeks.
Step 7: Teach Pushing
- While on the board, reward touching the hind paw to the ground.
- Associative movement cues: pull the board forward when a hind paw touches.
- Push or Go commands can be given.
- Gradually decrease support while rewarding self-initiated pushes of 1-2 feet.
Duration: 3-6 weeks.
Step 8: Increase Speed and Duration
- Extend practice rides to 10-20 feet while rewarding intermittently.
- Teach “Whoa” or “Off” to stop or dismount.
- Introduce gentle slopes controlled by leash once proficiency is mastered.
Duration: 4-8 weeks, still prioritizing comfort.
Step 9: Practice and Have Fun
- The session duration is 5-10 minutes to maintain skills.
- Leashed practice in safe areas (driveway, park) encourages exploration.
- Add variety with tricks (e.g., “Sit” on the board).
- Check paws regularly to monitor for wear and tear.
Safety Tips
- Supervision is critical: avoid roads and uneven surfaces, such as hills.
- Controlled environment: Use a harness and leash.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Check pavement for overheating.
- A dog showing fear, fatigue, or strained breathing necessitates stopping.
Notes
- With proper training, French Bulldogs achieve a baseline riding achievement of 60-80% and an advanced skillset of 20-40%.
For example, it awakens interest, and skateboarding brings activity, breeze, and attention while respecting personal choices.
Avoid frustrating your dog; try to enjoy his company, reward him when he behaves correctly, and make it fun for him.