Pugs are adorable. When you come across one on the street, it’s hard not to stop and admire this cute little dog who is the biggest member of Toy Breed. They have that distinctive “worried” look, a lighthearted ride, and an extremely friendly disposition. The Pug is a unique breed with physical characteristics and personality traits that distinguish it from the other dogs in its group. It should come as no surprise that when you want to train your little companion, it is worth learning about some of the traits that might help you through that process, as well as some of the little challenges that most Pugs will present in dog obedience school. A little information can make the experience really enjoyable for both you and your Pug. Let’s take a look at some of the more troublesome myths or misconceptions that exist around Pug training.
One of the most common misconceptions about Pugs is that they are difficult to train. Some people believe that this breed can be a bit stubborn and too playful to withstand the rigors of training. While they may not be as motivated as other dog breeds to learn different training commands, they are certainly a very trainable breed. They will probably never achieve the same reputation as a Golden Retriever or German Shepherd, but they are a very intelligent dog and love nothing more than to please their owner. We will tell you how to harness that to your advantage.
A second misconception is that since the Pug is a small dog, training is not as important as with a larger breed. After all, given its small size, you can lift your Pug out of troublesome situations. This is a mistake and could put your little companion in a dangerous situation. You want your Pug to be able to respond to at least basic commands. We’ll explain some of the most important commands that can be mastered so that you have a well-behaved Pug that you can be proud of. After all, the only thing cuter than a lovable Pug is a lovable, well-trained Pug!
Pugs are, in fact, very trainable dogs that do well in competitions or shows. They are highly intelligent, love to be the center of attention, and seem to exist only to provide total loyalty and companionship to their owner. They respond very well to almost any display of affection from their owner and, as most owners will attest, they live to eat. That forms a perfect base for training! With Pugs, however, you have to be careful that your training sessions are short. This is especially true for a puppy. They are very curious and playful, and long sessions to learn specific commands can backfire. You will get amazing results if you are firm and consistent in your training methods and always work with fifteen to twenty minute sessions. If the session doesn’t start off well, consider postponing your time until both of you are in a better frame of mind. But remember, you must always be in charge. Don’t let training be put off too often. Pugs can pick up on that very quickly.
Training generally focuses on specific commands and takes place in short sessions at a particular time of day, but is also appropriate at any time if there are certain things you want your Pug not to do. If there is a certain behavior you want to stop (like sleeping on the couch or begging at the table), it should be consistent. Do not allow it at certain times and not at others. One of the biggest obstacles is when one or more household members allow behavior that you find objectionable. This is quite common with children. You want to make it clear that it is best for everyone to be consistent at all times. You’ll have a much happier Pug when he knows what to expect.
Your Pug doesn’t have to learn hundreds of commands to be a model of good behavior. If your Pug learns a few commands very well and socializes carefully as he grows older, chances are you have a dog that is a pleasure to be around. Many people focus on the “obey orders” part of the training. While obeying orders is very important, carefully socializing your Pug as he grows can have an even greater impact because it will condition him on how to respond to new situations. If you are bringing a Pug puppy into your home, you can have his crate in a busy part of the house where he gets used to the sounds and action of family life. If possible, introduce him into new situations gradually but consistently. A Pug who knows nothing more than his owner’s home cannot be expected to act calmly in a strange environment.
Two of the most useful commands are “sit” and “come”. Sitting is also one of the easiest commands to teach and will be very helpful in calming your Pug in a stressful situation. Ensuring that your Pug responds to your name or approaches you when ordered is extremely important if you take your dog outside. You should never let go of it if you are not sure it will come back when you call. You can add new commands gradually over time and you should always be working on something new. You can give both the dog and the owner a great sense of accomplishment when others praise your Pug’s behavior.
One of the common themes of successful dog training programs is positive reinforcement. If you research this topic, you will find that a positive approach will yield better and longer lasting results. This is especially true with Pugs. They are very sensitive animals. In the end, you don’t want your Pug to be afraid to come to you. This can save your life in a dangerous situation. Many books have been written on the subject of dog training and if you take into account the unique traits of your Pug, you will find that the basic methods are very successful. The greatest asset for any trainer or teacher is patience and you will find that a firm but loving and patient approach will yield the best results.
