Pug Puppy Training
Pugs are extremely clever dogs and love to be loved, so it is always best to use positive reinforcement when pug puppy training.
As soon as your puppy arrives, the training should begin. It will take patience and perseverance but all your efforts will pay off if you start on the right foot.
Pug Puppy Training Basics
Pug puppies are adorable and it is easy to let them get away with things because they are so cute and cuddly, but you must be clear about your goals from the beginning.
- Consistency. This is the golden rule of pug puppy training. You cannot let up for a moment if you want a happy, well behaved dog and peace in the home. Do not let your puppy do what an older dog would not be allowed to do.
- Be the boss. Very often pet owners confuse their dogs with people. Whilst pugs are intelligent and loveable, they are still primarily dogs. Dogs play by different rules to humans and you need to treat your pup accordingly. It is stressful for a dog when he thinks he is in charge.
- Praise. Your pug puppy will do whatever he can to please you. Always praise him lavishly when he does something right, no matter how small. If you get excited and enthusiastic, so will he. He will come to associate good behaviour with approval and treats.
- Attention. If you pay attention to your dog in a positive manner you will be more exciting to your dog than other distractions and the bond will be stronger.
- Bribery works. Pugs are very fond of food, so have plenty of treats to reward him for good deeds.
- Be firm. Say no when you need to, but always follow up with praise when your pug puppy obeys.
Sit, Stay, Come
These three commands are fundamental in pug puppy training and will form the bedrock of all future training. Use short commands and always keep the following in mind: Repetition, consistency and praise.
- Sit. Gently push the pug’s hindquarters down while repeating “Sit”. Give him a treat and say “Good boy!” Keep doing this on and off until he responds to the command at will. Make him sit for everything from feeding, to having a collar put on to being petted.
- Stay. Get your pug to sit and then step away, saying “Stay”. Hold your hand up and gradually increase the distance between you and the puppy. Use a word like “Release” or “Ok” when you want him to get up. Don’t overdo this because puppies can’t concentrate for too long. Make it light and fun.
- Come. Wherever your puppy is and whatever he is doing, you need to train him to come to you when you call. Again use a short word that always means the same thing and reward him for compliance.
These basics should be implemented continually until your pug puppy becomes familiar with your voice and your commands. If you apply them with a firm but gentle hand you will have a happy pug that will enjoy pug puppy training.
