How to Train a Pug Puppy
Learning how to train a pug puppy can be an exercise in frustration because pugs are smart, stubborn and not the easiest of dogs to train. However, with patience and the right approach, it can be done.
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.
