If you just brought a pug home or plan on getting one, you may have several questions about how to train them. We have conducted our research to give you just the information you need. By reading this article, you will be able to know just how your pug is likely to behave.
How are pugs to train?
Pugs are not an easy breed to train. They are highly distracted little pooches that take significant effort to train. They get bored with tasks that are repetitious and are sometimes rebellious. However, with consistent efforts and timely treats, you can train your pug well.
To train a pug well, it is important to first understand their behavior. Each little pug’s behavior differs, and with a little effort, you will learn all the nuances of your pug’s actions. Further, while training, you may feel that you are too harsh on your pet.
Read ahead to know just what you can do so that your pug behaves well. You will also figure out where you can draw the line with the training so that you are not too harsh.
Training Your Pug
Since pugs are not the easiest dog to train, keeping certain routines and practices consistent will help. Before you begin training, it is best to have an idea of the temperament for your pug.
In general, pugs are friendly, energetic dogs with a playful attitude. They are great with children and make good house dogs. However, they are also quite stubborn and may not always listen to you. Yet, they are not an aggressive breed. In most cases, you will not have to worry about them being aggressive and may not have to train them in this aspect.
To begin training, the first thing you should know is that pugs love to please their owner. You can use this to your advantage while training your pup. In order to do this, you will first have to show your pug that you are in charge. Following this, positive reinforcement is key. Whenever you are pleased with your pug, it is a good idea to show them the same.
Through this, your goal is to show your pug that their stubbornness and refusal to behave well is not appreciated by you. When your authority is established, your pug will slowly begin to replace rebellious behavior with pleasing ones.
Establishing Your Authority
When you just bring your little pug home, know that they may not listen to our instructions. Pug owners often become frustrated as this initial behavior becomes a habit. To avoid this, you should begin showing your pug that you are in control very early on.
You may want your pooch to come to you when called or sit down when asked to. Initially, your pug may not comply. If this continues, it is highly probable that you have no established yourself as an authoritative figure in the eyes of your pug.
Once you do this, your pug will begin to respect your commands. The idea is not to scare them but to keep them accountable to you. In this way, they will look to please you and hence, behave well.
How to do it?
One of the best ways to do this is to set visual reminders of your authority. When you enter or leave a room, always lead the pug. Do this anywhere there’s a door. Let your pug follow you and not the other way around. This shows the pug that you are in charge. Do this consistently.
Another visual reminder is close to a pug’s heart. By using food, you can establish needed boundaries for pug training and good behavior. This should send the message that you are in charge across to your pug well. To do this, always eat before your pug. It is best to do this in the presence of your pug.
In most cases, your pug may use little gestures to demand food, but it is best not to give in. This lets your pug know that you are important and that your importance exceeds theirs. This may seem like a cruel method, but it only teaches your pug patience. Further, by restricting food and disciplining food timings, your pug will be kept away from obesity-related issues in the future.
Other little gestures can help establish your authority. Always get your pug to move out of your way when they are on the floor. Try not to circle around them. Pay attention to your pug when you want to, not when the little one throws a tantrum. Keep a sleeping area for your pug, and do not let them sleep in your bed.
These little things, done consistently, will show your pug that you are in charge. You can then begin training your pooch.
Routines for Training
Once you have established your authority, you can use little practices and measures to train your pug. However, it is best to be consistent with them and turn them into habits.
· Teach Your Pug His Name
You will need the treat to do this. Begin by calling your pug by name. When your pooch makes eye contact, give the treat to him. Over time, the gesture will pay off. Your pug will respond to the name called.
· Teach your Pug to Sit
To teach your pug to sit, you can begin by saying the command. Whenever your pug listens and sits, move a few steps back. Give the little one a treat. Slowly, you can begin asking your pug to stay in place after sitting. When the pooch sits, move a few steps back to a wall. You can even move behind the wall. For each new level, designate treats. In this way, each time your pug learns a little more, you can treat it.
· Potty Training Your Pug
The first thing that you need to know about potty training a pug is that they need to relieve themselves often. At times, this may be in intervals as small an hour or two. It is also not very easy to potty train them.
The best bet is using a litter box. Take your pug to the litter box every two hours or when there is an indication needing to use it. Whenever they use the box, treat them. Over time, your pug will learn to use the litter box and any other dedicated potty space by themselves.
Additional Information
With pugs, there is a basic rule that goes a long way. This is simply that your pug is looking to please you. If you know this, you can use this to your advantage. This may seem immoral. However, it is best for both your pug’s and your well-being. This can be beneficial in the following ways.
- This may also be extremely helpful if you have kids at home. Pugs are great with kids but may need a little training to behave well. By using your pug’s loving nature to your advantage in the early stages, you will be able to give your well-behaved pooch lots of uncomplicated love later on.
- Further, training them will also include socializing them properly so that they are able to get along with other dogs. Hence, learning to train your pug right is a life-long investment. Through this, your pooch and you can have a social life. As pugs grow, new training needs may crop up.
By initially laying the foundation of establishing your authority, the rest of the training becomes easy. Once this is done, a few treats should do the trick for any training activity.
