Pug Basic Training

Untrained pugs are not so cute.

As soon as a pug is brought into the home, the training process should begin in order to ensure obedience to the owner. If the pug is allowed to behave destructively or inappropriately as a puppy, the behavior will only continue with age. Pugs will do just about anything for food, which is a helpful tool to the owner.

Housebreaking

The housebreaking process should begin immediately.

Crate training is effective because the dog does not have free reign of the house, which easily leads to urinating or defecating inside when the owner is not watching. The dog will most likely not want to use the crate, its safe spot, as a bathroom. When the pug is out of the crate, the owner should take it for a walk as soon as the dog begins to sniff around. Immediately after the pug releases waste, the owner should offer praise and a treat, so the dog associates going to the bathroom outside with a reward. If the pug releases itself in the house, the owner should not yell, but should rather bring the dog to the waste and firmly say, "No."

Sit Command

Teaching pugs to sit is useful.

Sitting on command is an important skill, because it teaches the pug not to jump when it wants something. The owner holds a treat in his hand, then places his hand above the pug's head while saying "sit." Slowly rolling the hand over the pug's head and back will naturally put the dog in a seated position. Once the dog is seated, the owner gives him the treat. Repeating this technique will teach the dog the meaning of "sit."

Stay Command

Simple steps help the pug to learn "stay."

Once the pug is sitting, owners should say "stay," then provide a treat after a few seconds. Eleanore.net suggests saying "release" when the stay period is over, and before the treat is given. Increasing the amount of time between the stay and release commands, as well as adding some distractions or movements to that time period, will eventually teach the dog to stay seated for longer periods of time. Owners should not give treats to dogs who move before the end of the time period.

Socializing

Pugs should socialize with other pugs, other dog breeds and people.

Another process that should begin early in the pug's life, socialization is important because owners do not have to worry about their pug bothering company or becoming overly excited or aggressive when seeing other people or animals when outdoors. Socializing the pug is very simple, and involves bringing it to meet family and friends, dog parks, pet shops that welcome dogs, outdoor cafes or streets that are crowded with people and animals.

Leash Training

Regular leashes are necessary, as choke collars hurt pugs.

Choke collars are too tough for the pug's sensitive neck, so owners need to use verbal commands when the dog starts to pull. If the dog starts to pull on the leash, the owner needs to firmly stop and say "no pull." When the dog stops, the owner should praise the dog and take one step forward. If the pug continues pulling on the leash, employing the same method continually will eventually lead to the elimination of leash-pulling problems.

References

• Eleanore: Overview, Housebreaking, Sit Command, Stay Command, Socializing, Leash Training