Training a Pug
Training a pug successfully hinges on the relationship you have with your pug. Pugs are people pleasers and will strive to keep you happy. Your job is to be confident and committed so that he knows what to expect.
Pugs are primarily pack animals and need to know their place in the pecking order of the home. This must be unambiguous and consistently applied from the very first day.
Training a Pug the right way
Pugs are happy go lucky animals with quirky personalities. Make training fun and rewarding for them so they come to associate it with pleasure. This can be done in a number of ways.
- Treats. Always reward your puppy with treats. This will create the expectancy that a job well done will have a positive outcome.
- Praise. Your pug will know by the tone of your voice when you are pleased. Be enthusiastic and sincere.
- Realism. Don’t expect more from your pug than he can deliver. Never punish him for something after the fact. This just causes confusion and fear.
- Brevity. To keep training fresh, limit it to several short sessions a day. Your commands should be short too and used one at a time until your pug knows what they mean.
Crate Training and Leash Training
House training a pug is a time consuming and messy business, but it has to be done. One of the easiest ways is with a crate because pugs don’t like to mess where they eat or sleep.
- Start early and get your pup accustomed to a crate which is just big enough for him to stand and stretch out in. use a treat to show him the crate is a positive thing. Say “crate” and put the treat inside. Keep repeating this and soon you will be able to say the word and puppy will run to the crate on his own. Keep him in the crate for short stretches of time.
- Feed your pug in the crate and be watchful for signs afterwards that he needs to be taken outside. The minute he starts whining, get him to the spot where you would like him to relieve himself. Praise him enthusiastically when he performs.
Leash training a pug requires a step by step approach so that your puppy gets used to a collar and leash.
- Put the collar on for a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the length until he is accustomed to the feeling.
- Add the leash, but do not try to lead him yet, just play with him.
- At the next session, gently encourage him to go with you when you pick up the lead. A treat can be used to entice him. Again, praise, praise, praise for willingness and progress.
- Keep the sessions short, fun and exciting.
- Only when your pug can happily be led by the lead should you venture out for short walks.
Your pug must come to see you as the source of comfort, food and stability. If you are unwavering in discipline and affection, training a pug will be a pleasure.
