Pugs make for great pets. They’re personable, well-tempered, and are one of the most expressive dog breeds, making for a holy trinity of adorableness.
Of course, you’ll need to work on training your pug to make sure they’re always on their best behavior. And sometimes, that’s easier said than done.
To make the pug training process easier, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you along the way. Keep reading to find out how you can have the most well-behaved dog on the block.
Don’t Yell
If it ever seems like your dog can read your mood when you’re having a bad day, you’re onto something. Dogs, and pugs, in particular, are more in tune with our emotions than we give them credit for. Furthermore, your dog wants nothing more than to have your total approval.
At the same time, your dog is going to mess up. And when they do, your natural inclination is to raise your voice to them.
While it might seem harmless enough, remember that your dog won’t understand why, exactly, you’re angry. They’ll just know that you’re upset with them and that they might be in danger.
Long term, this can have an extreme effect on your canine companion, leading to increased stress, behavioral issues, and more.
Next time your pug makes a mistake, look them in the eye and calmly walk them to the area of concern. Or, if it’s a behavioral issue, hold one finger up and say ‘No!’ in a stern yet even tone.
Curb Separation Anxiety Early On
Pugs are social creatures that want to be with their owners as often as possible…even when all you want is a moment alone. When they can’t be with you, they experience increased levels of stress, and yes, even full-blown anxiety.
There’s going to come a time where you’ll have to leave your pug pup alone, so it’s best to ease their anxiety as early as possible.
To start, put your dog in their cage while you’re in the room. Just stay with them for a few moments. Repeat this process over the course of a few days until your dog seems okay.
Next, try a similar tactic while you’re in the next room. No matter how much they whine or cry, try not to give in. It’s going to be heartbreaking, but they need to learn that their crate is a place of safety, not one of danger.
When it comes to pug care and training, this is one of the toughest parts. So be patient and work on it gradually.
For tips on curbing pup anxiety, including one heck of a cute video, read on at this link.
Reward Good Behaviors
When discussing how to train a pug, we spend so much time focusing on the negative. However, positive reinforcement works wonders.
When you catch your dog doing something good, like alerting you that they need to go outside or going into their crate alone, make sure to reward them with a treat or favorite toy.
Remember, dogs want approval. When they learn they’re going to get praised for doing something well, they’re more likely to do so without your instruction.
Pug Training 101
Ultimately, the key to pug training is to stay patient. It’s going to take time, and that’s okay. Keep at it and you’ll have a well-behaved pooch in no time.
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