Everybody knows that Pug’s breath heavier than other dogs – they also snore and they may even snort!  But did you know that there are reasons behind why Pug’s do this?  Read on to learn just what these reasons are:

• Smaller nostrils

  Did you know that some Pugs have undersized nostrils?  Due to these smaller nostrils, less air is able to be drawn in, which in turn makes it harder for a Pug to breath.  Luckily this nostril problem can be fixed with surgery.  This surgery has a high success rate and it will help in easing your Pugs heavy and difficult breathing problems.

• Elongated Soft Palate

  When learning about heavy Pug breathing, snoring and snorting you will most likely come across information on the Pug’s elongated soft palate.  This elongated soft palate can slightly block your Pug’s airway.  If this happens then your Pug will have a difficult time breathing.  They also may snore, snort and gag as they try to deal with the problem.  Again, this can be fixed with surgery.

• Obesity

  One thing you need to know about heavy pug breathing, snoring and snorting is that it can be caused by obesity.  This is due to the fact that when your Pug is obese it puts more pressure on their system, which in turn may hinder their breathing.  You can prevent your Pug from becoming obese by feeding them a healthy diet and by taking them for walks on a regular basis.

• Overheating

  When a Pug overheats their first reaction is to try and cool themselves down.  They do this by trying to breath in cooler air.  However, due to a Pug’s breathing difficulties and sometimes smaller nostrils this can be a very difficult task.  The best way to prevent this from occurring is by not letting your Pug become too hot to begin with.  If you Pug does become too hot then it’s important you take steps to cool them down as soon as possible.  If you try this and your Pug’s breathing still doesn’t improve then you should take your Pug to a vet immediately.

• Bacteria

  You will also hear about bacteria when learning about heavy Pug breathing, snoring and snorting.  This is because the Pug has numerous rolls around the face area.  If you do not clean this area on a regular basis then bacteria can build up – which in turn can cause nasty infections.  If these infections occur on your Pug’s nose then it can cause serious breathing problems.  If your Pug does develop an infection like this then make sure you take them to the vet.  Your vet will be able to offer a treatment plan to help cure the infection, which in turn will help fix your Pug’s breathing.

If you own a Pug then it is so important that you learn all about heavy Pug breathing, snoring and snorting and the causes behind these problems.  If you know what to look out for then you can get treatment for your Pug as soon as any breathing issues arise.

It’s common knowledge that Pug’s love food and they have no sense of when to stop eating.  Therefore it is up to the owner to control the Pug diet to make sure they stay fit and healthy.

The following is some useful information to help in controlling the Pug diet:

• Different sized and different aged Pugs will be fed different amounts.  For example a Pug puppy will be fed different compared to a more mature Pug.  The best way to figure out how much you should be feeding your Pug is to consult your local vet.  They will be able to give you a guide based on your Pug’s weight and age.
• One important Pug diet tip is to stick to your vet’s recommendations.  This means not feeding your Pug more than their daily requirement.  If you overfeed your Pug then this can lead to obesity, which in turn can lead to further health complications.
• An important aspect of the Pug diet is choosing the right food.  It’s best to buy your Pug’s food from a reputable brand.  It’s also a good idea to check the back of the packet to make sure your chosen food has all the important nutrients your Pug requires.  The main ingredient should be a source of meet.  If it is something else then you should look at a different brand of dog food.
• Part of the Pug diet is also making sure they eat food that is beneficial to their teeth.  A nice bone or special chew food every few days can help in combating plaque and other Pug teeth problems.  Another great way to help aid in your Pug’s teeth upkeep is to choose dry dog food over wet dog food.  The dry food will be much more beneficial to your Pug’s teeth over the soft food.
• As previously mentioned Pug’s like to eat and will eat anything they can find.  Because of this reason it’s best if you keep food in locations that your Pug can’t reach.  A great tip is to also keep a tight lid on your rubbish bin.
• Part of the Pug diet is making sure they never, ever eat chocolate.  Chocolate is extremely bad for Pug’s and can make them very sick.
• An extremely important part of the Pug diet is making sure they always have enough water.  Your Pug can become very sick if they become dehydrated.  To avoid this check your Pug’s water bowl a few times a day to make sure it’s full.
• Along with a healthy Pug diet, it’s also important to exercise your Pug daily.  This is another great way to stop your Pug from becoming obese.  Any type of exercise will do – from daily walks to playing games in your backyard!  It’s also a great way to bond with your Pug.

If you follow the above Pug diet tips, then your Pug should stay nice and healthy.  And in turn they will live a long and happy life.  So start feeding your Pug the right diet today!

Pugs are usually very content and predictable dogs. If you have a good relationship with your pug and he has a happy and stable home environment, there should be no reason why he would want to escape.  This can give you some clues as to why he would try to do so.

How to Stop Pug Escaping – searching for a cause

As pugs are normally home bodies, an escaping pug must be unhappy with something. If yours has taken to escaping, a thorough investigation of possible reasons will need to be carried out.

Consider the following reasons:

• Medical. Conditions such as pug dog encephalitis makes pugs very agitated when they sense a seizure approaching and they may try to hide or escape. Have your dog thoroughly checked by a vet to rule out any medical condition, especially if this behaviour is unusual in your pug.
• Hormones. Dogs tend to get the wander lust when they feel the urge to mate. Get your pug spayed or neutered at an early age to stop pug escaping.
• Insecurity. A pug, like any dog, that is unsure of its place in the family hierarchy, will feel insecure at home. He may try to escape to find you or because he is restless and unhappy at home.
• Loneliness. Pugs are not independent dogs and thrive on human company. If your pug spends too much time alone he might try to escape to find companionship.
• Boredom. Pugs, especially pug puppies, need stimulation and attention. If he is not getting enough of either he may try to find some on his own.
• Fear. There might be something at home that is frightening your pug and his escape could be an attempt to get away from it.

Suggestions to Stop Pug Escaping

Investigate all possible causes and then if you have ruled out any medical conditions try implementing the following solutions:

• Training. This is so important for forming a strong bond between you and your pug.  Correct and thorough training allows a dog to find his place in the home as well as show him boundaries. This makes for a happier, more secure dog.
• Comfort. Make sure your pug has clean and comfortable bedding as well as a space that he can call his own.
• Affection. Pugs thrive on attention and affection. They, more than other breeds, crave human companionship. If you are away from home a lot, consider day care, a pet sitter or another dog. Perhaps you could get a neighbour or friend to pop in and give your pug some attention during the day to break the monotony of a long time without you.
• Stimulation. Make sure your pug has plenty of toys to play with so that he can keep himself occupied when you are not around.
• Security. Secure your home properly so that your pug cannot escape easily.

If your home is loving and secure and your pug knows where he stands, he is less likely to want to escape. Make his environment more exciting than anywhere else and you are sure to stop pug escaping for good.

Training is one of the most important aspects of owning a dog. It helps with bonding, strengthens the relationship between you and your dog and ensures that he is a pleasure to have around. It requires patience, time and perseverance, however, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Pug Training Advice – Where to Begin

The best time to start training your pug is the very first day you get him home. This means that he knows from day one what is expected and you don’t have to try to undo bad habits later.

• Be consistent. Think carefully about how you want your adult pug to behave and then proceed from there. If you don’t want a fully grown pug in or on your bed, do not allow a puppy on the bed. Apply this rule to everything from chewing your fingers to sleeping arrangements. Puppy behaviour can be cute and harmless but completely unacceptable in an adult dog.
• Reward good behavior. Pugs and humans thrive on positive reinforcement and wither with criticism. Don’t shout at your dog and never punish him unless he can make a direct connection between the punishment and the action. Be firm, but kind and watch your pug blossom.
• Keep it short. Rather than lengthy, boring training sessions that might exhaust you and your dog, go for more frequent, but short stints scattered throughout the day. This will have the added benefit of reinforcing commands.
• Make it fun. If training is fun for a pug he will be eager for more. Pugs can be enthusiastic little dogs and are always keen to please. Make sure you praise every little success to build a healthy self-esteem for your pug.
• Patience. Be tolerant with your pug and always assume he is doing his best. Be prepared to repeat yourself often. Keep it simple though and only move on when the current lesson is mastered.
• Leadership. No pug training advice would be complete without a word on this. Leadership is so important for maintaining a healthy relationship with your dog and for the success of any training. You need to set the rules and the standards and you need to lead your dog, not the other way around. This is not about ego or dominance but about the safety and happiness of your dog. Dogs naturally have a place in the pack hierarchy and if you do not assert your place as leader he will automatically assume that he must do it, putting a lot of responsibility on his furry little shoulders.

Pug Training Advice Essentials

There are lots of areas where you can train your pug, but there are a couple of areas where training is essential.

• Sit, stay, and come commands. These are the basic commands that you must get right before anything else. You can start these right away and they will help you with all other training. Get your pug to sit before being fed, getting a treat and while you attach a collar.

Pug training can be fun if you take the right approach. Apply this pug training advice and enjoy your pug.

Barking is a dog’s way of communicating and can develop into a habit if you respond in a way that encourages more barking. You have to use a certain amount of dog psychology to get around the problem if the barking becomes a fixation.

Hints on How to Stop Pugs from Barking

All dogs bark and to expect your dog not to bark at all is unrealistic. Incessant barking, however, is annoying and must be inhibited if you want peace in the home. Finding out why you pug barks is the first step in eliminating this behaviour.

• Boredom. Some dogs bark to get rid of pent up energy, so make sure your pug is getting enough exercise.
• Attention. Pugs are very social creatures and your pug might be barking to get your attention.
• Incorrect cues. Has your pug learnt that when he barks you open the door or feed him? This is an inappropriate response to barking that you may be reinforcing inadvertently by rewarding him with the desired action.
• Pain. If your pug is injured in some way he may be barking to let you know.
• Warning. Barking is often a warning signal from a dog in an effort to protect you.
• Noise and discomfort. A pug might bark if something is irritating him or hurting his ears.

Eliminating the Source

Once you figure out why your pug barks, you can take steps to eliminate the source.

• Positive reward for good behaviour. This is more about you than it is about your pug. Watch how you respond when he barks. If you get excited and react he might take it as encouragement to continue. Quietly show your displeasure without fanfare and make sure you reward him when he stops.
• Remove possible causes. Is the doorbell too shrill for your pug’s ears and he’s barking to let you know? Is he in pain, bored or under stimulated? Look for all the possible reasons, it might be something you have not considered before in figuring out how to stop pugs from barking.
• Distraction. If you find something that sets your pug off, try to distract him before the barking starts or remove him from the situation.
• Dominance. Perhaps your pug is confused about who is in charge. If this is the case, his barking might be his way of controlling what he perceives to be ‘his pack’. Again, this is more about your behavior and how you treat your dog. Firm, consistent and dedicated training is in order to set boundaries and reassure your pug that you are the leader. This will go a long way to helping you discover how to stop pugs from barking.

Pugs are smart dogs but they are still dogs. They need care and training to bring out the best in them. With a little patience and thought you can find out how to stop pugs from barking.

All dogs chew, it’s a part of their nature to use their teeth on you, your furniture and your clothes, but pugs seem to like chewing unusual things like your hair! All this can lead to injury and damage but there are effective measures to minimize this behavior.

How to Stop Pug Chewing – 3 Important Points

There are three main reasons why a pug might chew. You need to address all three if you want this behavior to stop.

• Teething. Puppies love to use their teeth on everything they can find because it is soothing to them and helps with the teething process. You need to make sure your pug has plenty of toys and chew things to satisfy this craving. He must learn that his toys may be chewed, but your possessions may not. As soon as you catch him chewing on something forbidden, give a firm command like “stop” and immediately replace the object with one his own toys.

• Boredom.  Pugs are very social animals and they like companionship. If they get bored, they might take to chewing as a way to entertain themselves. Make sure you spend enough time playing with this loveable animal and give him the affection he craves and you could find the chewing becomes less of a problem.

• Attention. Pugs are very clever dogs and can be attention seekers. If you tend to run after your pug when he grabs a shoe, he could interpret this as a good way to get you to take notice of him. Don’t reward negative behavior by getting excited, because this will not teach him how to stop pug chewing. Rather say a firm “No”, and calmly replace the shoe with one of his own toys, then reward him with enthusiasm when he takes it. Try to give him more positive attention by taking him on regular walks and by playing with him.

The Role of Obedience

Pugs are easy dogs to train because they are people dogs and like to please. If your pug is well trained, you will find out how to stop pug chewing is easier. There are a few important considerations to remember when training your pug:

• Consistency. This is probably the most important thing when it comes to training a pug. Decide on what behavior is acceptable from the beginning and stick to it.
• Timing. Don’t reprimand your dog for chewing something unless you can actually catch him in the act, otherwise he will just be bewildered and it will be a waste of time.
• Establish authority. Your pug needs to know who is the boss and that must be you. Dogs that have leadership confusion can act out inappropriately. It is up to you to lay down firm but fair boundaries and apply them.

Pugs are wonderful little dogs and with the correct training, patience and love they can make great pets. Learning how to stop pug chewing is a chance to get to know your dog better in all respects.

Pugs pick up on their owner’s feelings and their anxiety could be a reflection of your anxiety. The relationship you have with your pug hinges on your ability to be in control of the situation at all times.

Stop Pug Separation Anxiety before it starts

Asserting your position as leader is paramount in both preventing separation anxiety and helping to stop pug separation anxiety. If your pug thinks he is your whole world he will naturally be anxious when you are gone. If his position in the household is ambiguous, this confusion could be the cause of the anxiety. A dog who thinks he is the pack leader will be beside himself when one of his charges leaves the house and he cannot keep an eye on them.

• Leaving the house. Don’t make a big fanfare when you leave. Don’t indulge in long goodbyes, just step out. Do this frequently in the beginning so that your pug gets used to you coming and going without being nervous.
• Coming home. Again don’t make a big production of this. Ignore your dog for at least the first few minutes. This can be very hard to do, especially if you have a puppy, but it is vital in order to maintain your place as the leader. If you are confident your puppy will take his cue from you.
• Boredom. Pugs get bored on their own so make sure your pug has plenty of toys to distract him when you are not around or your furniture and slippers could end up providing the entertainment.
• Confinement. Have a safe place to leave your pug where he can’t get up to any mischief.
• Training. When you are with your pug train him to obey your commands. This strengthens the relationship between you and makes your dog feel comfortable that you are in charge.

Further measures to stop Pug Separation Anxiety

If you can’t stop pug separation anxiety using the above methods, there are some other things you could consider.

• Puppy day care. This might be an expensive option but you could try it for a couple of days a week or for an interim period until your pug becomes better adjusted.
• Animal behaviourist. Sometimes seeking professional help is the only answer. It can provide you with an objective, unbiased approach to the problem.
• Getting a companion. Pugs are very social creatures and having another dog around to play with might be a good solution.

Owning a pug is a big responsibility but can be very rewarding if you take the time and the trouble to understand your dog and his needs. A holistic approach will help you to stop pug separation anxiety and reinforce the bond with your pet.

Stopping pug aggression involves understanding the sometimes complex pack nature of the animal and acting accordingly.

Signs of Pug Aggression

These signals will alert you to aggressive behavior:

• Raised hackles
• Raised tail
• Raised ears high on head
• Growling, snarling and snapping
• Unwillingness to part with toys

Pug Aggression towards Other Dogs

If you have several dogs or several pugs in your household, it is natural for there to be a certain amount of infighting among them to establish the natural pecking order. Careful attention to your pack will soon reveal who is the top dog. This takes many forms:

• Territorial aggression. Just like humans, pugs need their space. They need to know that a certain territory is theirs and will defend it with aggression towards the other dogs that threaten to trespass.
• Dominance. Pugs might show aggression towards other dogs in an attempt to establish authority. This is quite natural and owners should allow this to happen.
• Confusion. If pug owners do not respect the natural hierarchy of their dogs, then the leader will have to constantly reassert his position, leading to continued aggression. the
• Lack of socialization. A pug that is taken away from its litter too early may not have learnt the necessary social skills that would allow it to peacefully co-exist with other dogs. Your job would be to make your pug feel safe and secure whilst enforcing your role as pack leader.

Pug Aggression towards Humans

As pugs are usually easy-going and amiable creatures, any form of aggression beyond the norm should be investigated for possible causes.

• Injury or pain. Make sure that your pug has not been hurt in some way. An undetected injury may be making him irritable and snappy.
• Illness. If your typically docile pug suddenly starts acting with hostility, assume that something is wrong and get him checked out at the vet for a medical assessment. An underactive thyroid or neurological disorder may be the cause of his atypical behavior.
• Possessiveness. Pugs love their food and may become aggressive when they feel their food is threatened in some way, like when a small child approaches. You have two choices here. Either avoid the circumstances where your pug might feel threatened, which is not always possible or practical, or apply training techniques. This will take some time while your pug unlearns the behaviour, but will be the better route to take in the long run.
• Trauma. Your pug might be reacting badly because of fear or insecurity.
• Hormones. Aggression can be limited by spaying or neutering your dog, as peaks in hormones tend to aggravate hostile behaviour.

Overall, pugs are peaceable dogs, so hostile reactions are fairly rare. Pug aggression, therefore, should be taken seriously any time it occurs and dealt with.

Training should begin the moment you get your puppy home and be consistently applied. This will set the stage for all its behaviors from that moment on.

How to Train a Pug Puppy successfully

• Begin early. This is so important because if you allow certain behaviour in the beginning and then try to backtrack your puppy will be confused and your job will be that much more difficult.
• Be clear about the rules. Decide what you think is acceptable and be clear in your mind what this entails. Is your pug allowed on the furniture and the bed? Is he allowed to jump up? Is he allowed to bite your hands and feet? If the answer is no, then make sure you express this right from the word go.
• Consistency. This is a combination of the first two points but bears repetition. Puppies are cute and adorable and it is easy to let them get away with things that you would not tolerate in a grown dog. However, it is not fair on the dog or yourself to change gears later.
• Patience. Remember a puppy is just like a human baby and needs affection, positive reinforcement and a firm, loving hand.
• Repetition. If you are consistent and thorough in the beginning, you will save a lot of time in the long run. Be prepared to repeat disciplinary measures until your pug understands what is expected of him.
• Be the leader. It is very stressful for a dog if he perceives that he is the leader of the pack because then his job is to keep all his ‘charges’ in check. You must establish yourself as the pack leader and the dog as the follower, and then your understanding of how to train a pug puppy will be better.

The Nitty-Gritty Of How to Train a Pug Puppy

Keeping the above points in mind, there are a few things you must teach your pug to make your life easier and ensure that your pug is a joy to have around.

• Sit. Have a treat ready in your hand and hold it just above your dog’s head while you say ‘sit’. Move your hand back and he will be forced to sit, whereupon you can praise him and feed him the treat.  Keep doing it and then do it without a treat and soon you will be able to get your puppy to sit before feeding, to get petted and before having a leash put on.
• Stay. This is a development of the sit routine where you say ‘stay’ and step away a bit before giving the treat. Delay the reward a little longer each time until your puppy can sit for a while on his own.
• Socialization. Take your puppy out to meet people and other dogs in a safe environment so that he gets used to being around them.

If you follow these guidelines with consistency and patience, you will discover how to train a pug puppy is not so difficult.

The pug has a long, illustrious history, dating back over two thousand years and has developed into a true human companion. As lap dogs, pugs are friendly, loyal and social, good with adults, children and other dogs.

Interesting Things about the Pug Breed

• Thought to have originated in the orient. There are records as far back as 400BC that indicate the existence of pugs in China.
• Bred to be human companions. Pugs were bred as lap dogs and companions, which is probably why they are regal and confident dogs.
• Favoured by royalty and the upper class. From emperors in China to the nobility in Holland to Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife Josephine, the pug has enjoyed popularity amongst the rich and well to do.

Things You Need To Know About the Pug Breed

• They are noisy dogs. Pugs snort, sniffle, grunt and snore because of their short noises and compressed faces.
• They are needy. Pugs need constant attention, affection and company. They are not happy to be left alone to their own devices.
• They have more than their fair share of health problems. Because of the way pugs have been bred, they have large protruding eyes and compressed skulls. This gives them the cute appealing look that attracts many people to the breed, but it is also responsible for eye and respiratory problems. Apart from that they have weak knees and other health issues.
• They sleep a lot. Pugs love to nap and will spend up to fourteen hours a day doing it.
• They are not energetic dogs. Pugs have trouble cooling down if they get hot so don’t get a pug if you want it to go jogging with you. They can do with a daily walk, but that’s about it.
• They like to explore. Whilst they are not terribly active dogs, pugs have short bursts of energy where they are playful and nosey and will stick their snouts in anywhere.
• They need special care. Pugs shed a lot, despite the fact that their coat is short, so to avoid having dog hair all over the house, they need daily grooming. Their facial folds need regular cleaning and their nails have to be clipped frequently.
• They are not guard dogs. Pugs love everybody, from the postman to the cat burglar, so if you are looking for a good watch dog, this is something you need to know about the pug breed.
• They are dependable. Pugs have very predictable and stable personalities. They are solid little creatures, both in character and body and you can depend on a pug to be friendly and steadfast to the end.
• They are playful. Pugs have a great sense of humour and love to please. They stay in puppy mode for a long time before settling down.
• They love food. Pugs love to eat, so it is easy to overfeed them. On the other hand, they are easy to bribe with treats.

At the end of the day, the most important thing you need to know about the pug breed is that this dog will love you unconditionally and be a loyal, faithful and devoted friend.