Training A Pug

Pug Training Tips

Training a pug can be a lot of fun, but requires a lot of patience.  Pugs are not the quickest learners when it comes to dog training. 

Housebreaking A Pug

Housebreaking is the first type of training you will do with your new pug puppy.  Pugs do not learn as quickly as some other dog breeds, like poodles, but do learn.

The main key to housebreaking a pug is consistency on everyone in the household's part.

When you first bring your pug home make sure you let it outside to use the bathroom almost every hour so it gets in to the routine of going to the bathroom outside.

Every time it goes outside make sure you reward it with lots of positive attention or treats.  Make sure your dog associates good things with using the bathroom outside.

Also be sure to take your pug outside first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and right after meal time.

Obedience Training A Pug

Training a pug also involves obedience training.  The most basic command is usually the sit command which is what almost everyone teaches first.

The sit command is a great command to start with when training a pug because it can be incorporated into all other forms of training and is used a building block.

After your pug has mastered the sit command, proceed to the other building block commands of stay and fetch.

Leash training is also an important part of pug training.  Although pugs are small and cannot pull you around like other big dogs, it is important that they follow you on the leash and not the other way around.

The best way to train a pug or any dog is through positive reinforcement.  You should never hit your dog.  It is a proven fact that with positive reinforcement you can teach your dog quicker.

If you dog does something wrong gently correct it and divert its attention back to what it is supposed to be doing.

Another tip to help you train your pug is to do the training in a room where there are few distractions.  Pugs seem to get easily distracted, like beagles, and so training in a room where it is just you and your dog seems to be the best way to go.

Remember when training a pug, expect them to make mistakes.  Making mistakes is how we all learn.  You are the pack leader and the dog should look to you on how to behave.  Be gentle but strong.  If your pug knows what is expected of it, it will work to please you, the pack leader.