Guide to Bulldog Training

Guide to Bulldog Training: How to Start And What You’ll Need For Training

Are you excited to welcome a new bulldog puppy into your family? Have you recently adopted a sweet older bulldog from the shelter? From puppies to older adults, we’re going to go through the best methods for bulldog training.

From learning their name to following simple hand commands and more, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your bulldog to be well-socialized, well-trained, and happy. Let’s get started!

exercising british bulldog

What Can You Expect from this Guide?

In this guide, we’ll cover how to train your bulldog from puppyhood to their older adult stages. Whether you have a new puppy from the litter, found an old friend in a senior pup, or are worried bulldogs are hard to train, we have easy-to-follow training advice.

We’ll also give you our top recommendations for the best bulldog training gear. This must-have training gear includes treats, clickers, potty pads for puppies, and more.

Tips On When to Start Training Your Bulldog Puppy

Our first section will include tips on when to begin training your bulldog puppy. We’ll walk you through what to do at what ages until a puppy grows to be a year old and discuss why it’s essential to socialize your puppy.

A Guide to Training an Old Bulldog

Our next section will cover how to train an old bulldog best. Old bulldogs can be taught new tricks, after all! The key to training an old bulldog is patience, and with a few simple tips, it won’t be so tricky!

Top Training Gear Recommendations

In the last half of our training guide, we will go over the best products for bulldog training gear. In our top training gear recommendations, we list three products each for:

  • Best bulldog training leash
  • Best bulldog training collar
  • Best bulldog training clicker
  • Best bulldog training treats
  • Best bulldog training belt pouch
  • Best bulldog puppy potty-training pads
  • Best bulldog teething toys

Are Bulldogs Hard to Train?

The answer to this question is yes and no. Bulldogs, including American bulldogs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs, are incredibly sweet and calm-tempered. They’re protective of children, they enjoy human companionship, and they want your attention.

When it comes to training, bulldogs can be stubborn. It’s true. They’re known for being a stubborn breed, which is why patience is required on your part. The good news is, once you do form a bond with your bulldog and get the hang of training them, the rewards will be so worth it.

When Should I Start Training My Bulldog Puppy?

Some say that the best time to start training your bulldog puppy is as soon as you take them home. This is a good answer, but you want to start preparing your puppy between 8-16 weeks for a more specific one. Your puppy is very impressionable at this age, and it is crucial to forming good habits when learning about how the world around them works.

english bulldog plays the ball

Guide for Training a Bulldog Puppy

Next, we’ll give you some advice about training your bulldog puppy during all its stages of puppyhood. Beginning training between the 8–16-week mark is very important if you buy your puppy from a new litter. We’ll explain why.

8-16 Weeks

During this time in your puppy’s early life, you want to create positive interactions between your dog and other dogs. Also, you want positive social bonds between your puppy and other people. While your bulldog puppy is still very young, you’ll want to:

  • Socialize your puppy with people and other dogs
  • Teach them what is okay to chew on
  • Teach them that grooming is a positive experience

From the first day you bring your bulldog puppy home, you’ll need to clean their wrinkles and keep them dry. Use dog treats made for puppies or peanut butter to keep your puppy calm as you use a paper towel or cloth to wipe their wrinkles.

Wiping down their wrinkles keeps bulldogs dry, which is necessary for preventing yeast and bacteria growth. Don’t forget-puppies love to chew on things! Bulldog puppies are no exception, so teach them what is okay to chew on (rope, rubber balls, toys, etc.) and what isn’t.

Instead of punishing your puppy if they chew on something they’re not supposed to, show them they’re doing something right when they use the correct chew toy by clicking a training clicker.

6 Months Old

In this next stage in your puppy’s life, it’s time to start teaching them basic “tricks” or commands. These commands are needed for your puppy to eventually grow into a well-behaved dog that doesn’t jump on guests and chew holes in your furniture.

It’s also time for potty training and crate training (if you plan on using a crate.)

At the 6-month mark, it’s time to:

  • Teach your bulldog puppy to “drop it,” “stay,” and “sit.”
  • Potty training your puppy, so they get used to going to the bathroom at regular times
  • Crate training your puppy, so they aren’t scared of using a crate later

To potty train your bulldog puppy, take them to the same place every time you take them out to do their business. This will get them used to a routine. A few hours before bed, don’t give your puppy any more food or water to prevent accidents from happening throughout the night. We recommend some great puppy training pads down below.

It’s also time to crate train your puppy if you plan on using a crate regularly. Your puppy may whine inside the crate, so start by only having your puppy in the crate for minimal amounts of time.

1 Year Old

This is the final stage of puppyhood for your bulldog puppy. You should already be exercising with your puppy, and since bulldogs have a hard time breathing in humid air, try exercising them at times in the day when it’s cooler.

At this stage, it’s a good idea to sign your bulldog puppy up for extra training classes. You’ll be able to bond even more with your puppy by doing this, and they’ll get to learn more advanced commands with other dogs. This is great for socializing your puppy, too.

The Importance of Socializing Your Bulldog Puppy

During the 8-16-week period, your puppy must form bonds with other dogs and people. Your puppy must be socialized during this time because bulldogs love and need social time spent with members of their own species and members of yours.

Choose wisely which other dogs your puppy spends time with because they’re sure to pick up social cues and traits from others. By consistently having positive social interactions when they’re young, they’ll love getting to play with others while knowing how to behave.

What is a “Marker Word?”

bulldog carries a stick

A marker word is a word you tell your puppy when they’ve done something right. “Good dog,” or “good [puppy’s name]” or, “you did it!” all work. Try to be consistent with the marker word or phrase you tell your puppy when they get a command right or chew on the right toys. This makes it easier for your pooch to understand what you’re trying to convey to them.

Can You Train an Old Bulldog?

You certainly can train an old bulldog! We know bulldogs are a stubborn breed compared to other dogs, but they are sweethearts, too. You just need to be patient with them. Remember that positive reinforcement is everything. It is much more effective to reward your dog for positive behavior than to punish them for wrong behavior. Punishments can make dogs defensive and even harder to train.

How to Train an Old Bulldog

Here are three easy tips for training an old bulldog.

Potty-Train Your Adult Bulldog Like You Would a Puppy

Routine is vital when teaching any dog potty training. Not all adult bulldogs will be potty trained, or they may have to be potty trained again because they aren’t used to the new environment. Take your dog to the same place to do their business at hourly intervals every day and buy some potty-training pads.

Use Treats to Reinforce Positive Behavior

Dogs love treats! In much the same way with puppies, you can teach older bulldogs what behaviors you want to reward them for by giving them treats.

Put Your Dog in a Crate When You Can’t Watch Over Them

We advise crate training until you feel confident your bulldog won’t chew up all the furniture without your supervision. By putting your dog in a crate when you aren’t home to watch over them, you can ensure they stay safe and won’t chew on anything dangerous to them.

How to Teach Your Bulldog Its Name

Again, you want to be positive while teaching your dog something new. First, to teach your bulldog its name, wait for your dog to be distracted by something else. When your dog is busy and not looking at you, call out your dog’s name in a cheerful voice.

When they finally look over at you, use your clicker trainer and sometimes a treat to reward them for looking over at you. Eventually, this cycle of positive reinforcement will teach your puppy its name.

Easy Hand Commands You Can Teach Your Bulldog

It’s easiest to teach your dog hand commands by accompanying the hand command with a verbal command, at least at first. For example, when telling your dog to “stay,” put your hand up with your fingers pointed in the air.

Eventually, you can just put your hand up for the stay command instead of verbalizing the word “stay” as long as your dog is looking at you.

Essential Bulldog Training Gear

In this next part of our bulldog training guide, we’d like to show you some essential training gear that will make the training process with your four-legged friend go much smoother. We love these products for their quality, and that they can be bought for a reasonable price.

Best Bulldog Training Leash

You have to have a leash for exercising your bulldog outside in public places. Since not all leashes are the same, we recommend these when you’re still in the training phases with your pooch.

Grand Line Reflective Rope Slid Training Lead

Grand Line Reflective Rope Slip Training Lead

Best for: Hiking with Your Dog

About

This is the perfect and sturdy leash you need to hike with your furry friend if you enjoy hiking. The leash is 5ft. long and made of strong rope. It can withstand even large and heavy dogs, which is why this is great for adult bulldogs.

  • Material: Nylon
  • Price Range: $10-$16
  • Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
  • Best Feature: Includes a collar

Leash and Collar in One

The slip rope design of this leash makes it a leash as well as a collar. If you were trying to save money on an expensive collar, you wouldn’t have to worry about that when this leash easily and comfortably fits your dog’s neck size.

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Colors to choose from
  • Includes a collar

Cons

  • Technically the most expensive leash on the list

Bolux 5ft Dog Leash

Bolux 5ft Dog Leash

Best for: Adult Bulldogs

About

If you are training an adult bulldog and want a stylish new leash to take your pup on walks, this is the leash for you. There are several different color combinations to choose from, all of which can be bought in either a 5ft. or 6ft. length.

  • Material: Nylon
  • Price Range: $10-$16
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Sleek design

Padded Handles for Comfort

You know when your dog is pulling at the leash, and it’s straining your hand? This leash was built with that problem in mind because it has extra padding around the handle.

Pros

  • Perfect for adult dogs
  • Sleek design
  • Padded handle

Cons

  • Does not come with a collar

Strong Durable Nylon Dog Training Leash

Strong Durable Nylon Dog Training Leash

Best for: Puppies

About

This is an inexpensive, great first-time leash for any bulldog puppy. The nylon is strong enough to keep your puppy in check on a walk, and the clip is easy to attach to any collar. You’ll be able to choose between a selection of colors for this leash.

  • Material: Nylon
  • Price Range: $4-$8
  • Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
  • Best Feature: Inexpensive

Care

It is entirely safe to throw this leash in the washing machine and dryer when it’s time to clean it. We recommend doing your puppy’s laundry and doing your laundry separately, just for sanitary reasons.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Great starter leash for puppies
  • Lots of colors

Cons

  • Not the best choice for adult bulldogs

Best Bulldog Training Collar

What’s a leash without a collar? Choosing the right collar ensures your bulldog will be comfortable, which helps them enjoy walking outside.

Supet Dog Prong Collar

Supet Dog Prong Collar

Best for: Dogs Who Struggle with Walking on a Leash

About

This is a stainless-steel bulldog collar that gently pressure trains your dog to walk correctly on a leash. The prongs that line the inside are rounded and smooth so that they won’t poke your dog or actually hurt them in any way.

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Price Range: $18-$25
  • Warranty: 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
  • Best Feature: Pressure training

Care

Handwash this collar when it is time to give it a good clean. Use warm water, dish soap, and a sponge. Then, hand-dry this collar.

Pros

  • Pressure training without harming your dog
  • Perfect for rambunctious walkers
  • Extremely durable

Cons

  • Harder to wash

DOG CARE Dog Training Collar

DOG CARE Dog Training Collar

Best for: Digitized Option

About

We’re getting digital with this dog shock collar that comes with a remote. Not all dogs respond well to shock collars, but some are already used to them. This collar comes in black and has adjustable shock levels so that the product will not harm your dog.

  • Material: Polyresin
  • Price Range: $35-$45
  • Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
  • Best Feature: Digital

Adjusting the Levels

Since the shock levels are adjustable, we recommend checking in with your vet to see what shock levels are okay for your bulldog pup. Setting the levels too high could potentially harm your dog.

Pros

  • Great quality
  • Sleek design
  • Effective training method

Cons

  • Some believe shock collars are inhumane

Country Brook Design-Vibrant 26 Color Selection-Premium Nylon Dog Collar with Metal Buckle

Premium Nylon Dog Collar with Metal Buckle

Best for: Price

About

You’ll have your pick of the litter when it comes to color choices for this nylon dog collar. This is the least expensive dog collar we have but is perfect if your dog is already used to behaving on a leash.

  • Material: Nylon
  • Price Range: $10-$16
  • Warranty: Please contact the seller directly
  • Best Feature: Many colors to choose from

Care

Just like with the nylon leashes, it is perfectly okay to put this dog collar in the washer and dryer.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Lots of colors to pick from
  • Nylon is sturdy

Cons

  • Other collars on the list are higher quality

Best Bulldog Training Clicker

Bulldog training clickers are perfect for positive reinforcement. When you need a clicker for training your new bulldog, we’d like to recommend any of these next 3.

HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker with Wrist Strap

HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker with Wrist Strap

Best for: Convenience

About

This plastic dog training clicker has a strap that fits around your wrist, which we love for its convenience. If you’re going to the park to train your dog, you won’t have to worry about where you set the clicker down. This clicker comes in a 2-pack with black and blue clickers.

  • Material: Plastic
  • Price Range: $5-$9
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Strap for your wrist

How to Use

Using a dog training clicker is very simple! All you have to do is press down on the center button to make the clicking sound.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Strap that goes around your wrist
  • 2-pack

Cons

  • Some may not like the wristband

PetSafe Clik-R Dog Clicker

PetSafe Clik-R Dog Clicker

Best for: Price

About

This is a very inexpensive dog training clicker if you train your bulldog on a budget. Nothing about the clicker is digital, so it is straightforward to press down on the center button to use it. This clicker comes in purple and green.

  • Material: Plastic
  • Price Range: $2-$6
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Easy-to-use button

Care

If you happen to spill something on your clicker, wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe. Then, you can dry it off with a paper towel.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
  • Colorful

Cons

  • Some may not like the bold colors

Terry Ryan Clik Stik for Pet

Terry Ryan Clik Stik for Pet

Best for: Extendable Clicker

About

This is an extendable dog training clicker so that you can use the clicker to both direct your dog with visual commands and use the clicking feature. Though this is the most expensive clicker on our list, we think it’s worth it for the quality and extra functionality.

  • Material: Plastic
  • Price Range: $15-$21
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Extendable

Extending the Clicker

This clicker easily extends when you pull on the lime green ball at the top. The lime green ball is attached to a metal pull-out rod.

Pros

  • Great quality
  • Extendable
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Most expensive clicker on the list

Best Bulldog Training Treats

Bulldogs of all ages will be wagging their tails for these training treats. Training treats allow you to show positive attention when your dog does something right, which is why we advocate for using them.

Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, Lamb and Salmon

Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Natural Grain Free Puppy Training Treats

Best for: Puppies

About

These soft puppy bites are perfect for training bulldog puppies in their first year. As we learned above, training in the first year is crucial, and so is finding the proper treats and food. We like that with these puppy treats, the first ingredients are natural food products.

  • First 3 Ingredients: Lamb, salmon, chickpeas
  • Price Range: $3-$7
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Easy for puppies to chew

When to Give to Your Bulldog Puppy

Try giving your bulldog puppy a treat when:

  • They follow a command correctly
  • They are following potty-training protocol
  • They are learning their name
  • They are learning to socialize correctly

Pros

  • Least expensive
  • Soft, easy for puppies to chew
  • Real ingredients

Cons

  • It’s easy to go overboard with treats

Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats

Blue Buffalo Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats

Best for: Adult Bulldogs

About

This is the perfect soft treat for adult bulldogs, but puppies can still enjoy it, too. Blue Buffalo added DHA to these treats, which is good for your dog.

  • First 3 Ingredients: Deboned beef, brown rice, oatmeal
  • Price Range: $8-$12
  • Best Feature: Added DHA

Why is DHA Added?

DHA is added because it is proven to help with cognitive development in your dog. This will help them learn commands and stay alert throughout their life.

Pros

  •  Real ingredients
  • Plus DHA, which helps with cognitive development
  • Healthy

Cons

  • Some bulldogs are allergic to brown rice

Buckley Trainers-All-Natural Low-Calorie Grain-Free Dog Training Treats

All Natural Low Calorie Grain-Free Dog Training Treats

Best for: Overweight Bulldogs

About

Many bulldogs struggle with obesity, which is why this is such a good choice of treat. These treats are low-calorie, being only four calories per piece. If you are trying to help your bulldog lose weight, these treats are ideal.

  • First 3 Ingredients: Peanut butter, potato starch, dried whey
  • Price Range: $5-$9
  • Best Feature: Great for weight loss

Training an Obese Bulldog

If the bulldog you’re training is overweight, use treats more sparingly. Instead, reward them with petting and getting to play with their favorite toys, too.

Pros

  • Low-calorie
  •  Inexpensive
  • Made to taste good to dogs

Cons

  • Ingredients aren’t as good as other treats on the list

Best Bulldog Training Belt Pouch

You’ll need somewhere to hold all your essentials for all this training you’re about to do! These pouches are perfect for holding a variety of items you need when you take your bulldog out for training at the park.

Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch

Dog Treat Training Pouch

Best for: Multifunctional

About

This is a multifunctional dog treat training pouch with pockets to carry much more than treats. You’ll be able to carry your dog’s toys and clicket, too, with the amount of room in this pouch. Also, you’ll have a poop bag dispenser.

  • Material: Nylon
  • Price Range: $10-$20
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Many pockets for multiple uses

Care

It is safe to wash this bag in the washer and put it in the dryer.

Pros

  • Multifunctional
  • Easy to clean
  • Comes with poop bags

Cons

  • Most expensive treat pouch

Wellbro Dog Treat Pouch

Wellbro Dog Treat Pouch

Best for: Least Expensive

About

This is the least expensive treat pouch that still has room for your dog’s training needs. You can carry your bulldog’s treats and a few favorite toys in this simple black nylon bag.

  • Material: Nylon
  • Price Range: $10-$14
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Single color and simple design

Color to Choose from

You’ll be able to choose between 3 different colors for this nylon bag, including:

  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Multiple colors
  • Durable material

Cons

  • Not as many pockets as the other treat bags

AMZNOVA Dog Treat Bag

AMZNOVA Dog Treat Bag

Best for: Best Design

About

We love the design of this nylon treat bag. The straps are adjustable, there are so many pockets, and you’ll also get a poop bag dispenser. You’ll be stylish at the dog park with this bag.

  • Material: Nylon
  • Price Range: $8-$12
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Cute design

Multiple Ways of Carrying this Bag

The straps on this treat bag allow you to carry it either on your back or around your waist. The instructions that come with this bag will tell you how to do this in detail.

Pros

  • Great design
  • Many pockets
  • More than one way to wear

Cons

  • Some people may find all the straps confusing

Best Bulldog Puppy Potty Training Pads

Sometimes, even adult bulldogs have accidents if they haven’t been potty trained. These training pads are perfect for preventing accidents from happening all over your carpet or hardwood floors.

Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads

Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads

Best for: Quantity

About

This is a 100-pack of super absorbent puppy pads provided by Amazon. You won’t be running out of pads anytime soon with this pack available for a very reasonable price.

  • Material: Plastic lining and padded material
  • Price Range: $20-$26
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: 100 pads

Care

Keep these puppy pads on a high shelf or in a cabinet your bulldog cannot reach. We recommend this so that your dog does not chew on these pads and shred the material.

Pros

  • 100-pack
  • Super absorbent
  • Liquid turns to gel

Cons

  • Most expensive pack on the list

Hartz Home Protection Odor Eliminating Scented Dog Pads

Hartz Home Protection Odor Eliminating Scented Dog Pads

Best for: Price

About

This is the least expensive pack of puppy training pads on the list, and it is also the only scented one. These training pads are lavender scented and work to remove odor before releasing it into the air.

  • Material: Plastic and padding material
  • Price Range: $7-$11
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Scented

Why Puppy Pads?

If you keep your bulldog indoors and it isn’t potty trained yet, there is a big chance your dog is going to pee on the floor. Puppy pads keep the urine from seeping into surfaces where the odor will remain.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Scented
  • Odor Eliminating

Cons

  • Not for people who don’t like the smell of lavender

All-Absorb Extra-Large Training Pads

All-Absorb Extra Large Training Pads

Best for: Large Size

About

These extra-large training pads are perfect for potty training an adult bulldog. Or, if you have multiple bulldog puppies at once, you may want to consider more oversized training pads like these. This pack comes with 40 pads.

  • Material: Plastic and padding material
  • Price Range: $18-$22
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Extra-large

Potty Training Your Adult Bulldog?

Potty train your adult bulldog with training pads the same way you would with a puppy. Make sure your dog always has access to its training pad to prevent accidents from happening on the floor.

Pros

  • Extra-large
  • Great quality
  • Perfect for adult bulldogs

Cons

  • Only 40 pads in the pack

Best Bulldog Teething Toys

Bulldog puppies go through a teething stage where they want to chew on everything. To make sure your puppy chews on toys they’re supposed to chew on and not your favorite shoes, we recommend these.

Zzanggu Puppy Toys

Zzanggu Puppy Toy

Best for: Variety

About

This variety pack of puppy chew toys includes three different colors. The chew toys have ridges on them to keep your puppy’s teeth clean and help relieve the ache of teething.

  • Material: Natural rubber
  • Price Range: $8-$12
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: 3 in a pack

Care

Handwash this product when it is time to be cleaned. Use warm water, soap, and a gentle sponge.

Pros

  • 3 in a pack
  • Different colors
  • Teething ridges

Cons

  • All the same shape

Nylabone X-Shaped Dog Bone Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers

Nylabone X-Shaped Dog Bone Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers

Best for: Bulldogs’ Strong Teeth

About

This is an x-shape, beef-flavored chew toy that is made for aggressive chewers like bulldogs. Bulldog puppies teeth a lot, so this toy is perfect for withstanding their bite force.

  • Material: Rubber
  • Price Range: $5-$9
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: Beef flavored

When Should You Give this to Your Puppy?

Your puppy should always have access to teething toys. Without teething toys, they’ll start to chew on your furniture.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Least expensive
  • Beef flavored

Cons

  • Only one toy

Dog Chew Toys for Puppy Teething

Dog Chew Toys for Puppy Teething

Best for: Puppies

About

This 3-pack of teething toys for bulldog puppies has toys with three different shapes and three different colors. These toys also have ridges to improve your dog’s dental health and help with the ache of teething.

  • Material: Rubber
  • Price Range: $8-$12
  • Warranty: Please contact seller directly
  • Best Feature: 3 different shapes

How Do the Ridges Help Dental Health?

The ridges help your bulldog’s dental health by scraping against their teeth. The scraping from the ridges helps remove plaque that would otherwise build up.

Pros

  • Three different colors
  • Three different shapes
  • Teething ridges

Cons

  • Not flavored

FAQs

Question: Are Bulldogs Easy to Train?

Answer: Bulldogs can be easy to train because they are so sweet, but they are also stubborn. Be patient with your bulldog, and you’ll have a longtime friend.

Question: Are Bulldogs Stubborn?

Answer: Oh, yes. Bulldogs can be very stubborn. This has become a lovable trait in their breed, and with enough time, your bulldog will listen to you.

Question: Why are Bulldogs so Aggressive?

Answer: Typically, bulldogs are not aggressive. In fact, bulldogs are known for being great with children. If your bulldog is aggressive, consider going to a professional trainer.

The Bottom Line

We discussed how to train bulldog puppies and how to train adult bulldogs. We covered how positive reinforcement is the best method for training your dog, and we went over the best bulldog training products. Did you have a comment or question for us about bulldogs? Please leave us a comment in the section below! For more great tips about training dogs, check out our total guide to bulldog toys!

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