Always use a harness with a Frenchie for walking. The video below describes good reasons why any dog is better served by using a harness for walking- but for frenchies who are breed disposed to disc problems, muscoskeletal issues and sensitive tracheas- harnesses should be the first choice for collar safety when walking.
The Sensations or Easy Walk harness are good choices(the Sensations may be a better fit for frenchies) but an inexpensive basic harness from Petco works fine too- especially since it has a front ring where a leash can be attached.
A significant percentage of Frenchies tend to be pullers- for them attaching a leash to the back of the harness actually makes this worse- so make sure you use a harness that has a front attachment or ring for them. A significant percentage of Frenchies are also dawdlers and brakers - a front pull keeps the momentum going easily in the right direction when you sense a slowing down. See how Minnie has her leash attached to a basic petco harness.
Never use aversives like a prong or choke collar. When prong collars are graded down to fit a smaller dog like a frenchie - the prongs also get sharper and more likely to pierce the skin. Choke collars increase the possibility for trachea and nerve damage. These are aversive tools that cause pain- we know now that dogs learn best with positive methods and there is no longer any need to be using these outdated methods. For frenchies with serious behavioral issues involving lunging and reactivity while out walking a Snoot Loop combined with a sound training plan is the best choice.
Retractible Leashes are not a good idea in urban areas with human, automobile or dog traffic but make sense in large open areas with little traffic. See the Pros and Cons of retractible leashes.
