Pug Training – How to train a pug

There are many different clubs, websites and organizations devoted to the Pug. This breed of dog has quite a following, due to its adorable appearance and small size. Pugs were first bred to lapdogs to the Chinese sovereigns, which took place around 400 BC. Today’s Pugs may be different in appearance, but they still retain many of the behavioral traits of their ancestors. Due to their stubborn nature, Pugs have a reputation for being slightly difficult to train. In reality, however, understanding how to train a Pug is simply a matter of being aware of your Pug’s temperament. Here is some information about Pug training.

How to Train a Pug Puppy

As a general rule, the first 6 months of your Pug puppy’s life with you set the standard for how well-trained your Pug will be throughout the rest of their life. This is one of the main reasons why proper Pug training is best implemented as soon as your Pug puppy becomes a member of your household. If you’re not careful, you could inadvertently train your Pug to bark, bite, jump on strangers and beg for food. This is because Pug puppies are naturally adorable, and you may not see it immediately necessary to correct any bad behavioral traits that they may exhibit. However, it is not suggested that you begin punishing your Pug for bad behavior when they are still a puppy. Instead, it’s much more effective if you take a slightly different approach.

Instead of punishing your Pug for bad behavior, you should implement a training program that involves rewarding your Pug puppy for good behavior. This means that when your Pug puppy doesn’t bark at visitors, you will be giving them a small treat reward. However, if your Pug puppy barks when visitors enter your home, you will not give them a treat. Though you may not fully understand how this is effective, it is actually part of a relatively new training concept called “positive reinforcement training”. According to many dog behavioral experts, this method is the most effective to use for training a dog. Since Pug puppies have a natural tendency to be stubborn and independent, it’s best to use this type of training if you hope to establish good behavior in your Pug.

How to Crate Train a Pug

Depending on the specific temperament of your Pug, crate training may or may not be able to be used as an effective method. However, it is best if you try to crate train your Pug before becoming frustrated. Begin by purchasing a crate that is “cozy”, and is just large enough for your Pug to sleep in comfortably. If you choose a crate that is the correct size, this will help your Pug by playing off of their instinctual desire to keep a clean sleeping area. In general, most dogs will try to avoid going to the bathroom in the same area in which they sleep.

Make the crate comfortable for your Pug, since you want to encourage your Pug to think of the crate as their “Sanctuary”. Place bedding material in the crate that already carries some of your Pug’s scent, such as bedding material from an area in which they commonly sleep. This can help your Pug to become more comfortable with being inside the crate. You can also hide toys, treats or other objects in the crate, which can help to keep your Pug occupied while they are confined to the crate. Remember, a crate should be a place of “Safety” for your Pug, and should never be used as a form of punishment.

How to House Train a Pug

Many people view Pugs as one of the more difficult breeds to effectively house train. However, this is not necessarily true. Proper potty training of your Pug simply requires you to closely monitor your Pug’s behavior at all time. When your Pug is still a puppy, be prepared for “accidents” that will undoubtedly occur. It’s important that you are patient, and avoid punishing your dog for going to the bathroom indoors. Even though it may mean a messy cleanup, punishing your dog for going to the bathroom can send the wrong message, and may actually make house training more difficult.

Pug Training Tips

In general, Pugs are not defined as being aggressive dogs, and will be able to be good pets for families with small children. Pugs can be a very docile breed, though do display a measure of stubbornness which can make training slightly difficult. However, they are also very social, and will thrive in a home environment that allows them to be in constant contact with their human owners. They love to play, and will eagerly attempt to please you in any way possible. When training a Pug, be sure to provide lots of rewards for good behavior.