How to Train Pug Puppies

Your pug puppy, like all pure bred dogs, has natural characteristics. Pugs have been bred to keep these traits consistent. Your pug puppy will develop these even if out haven’t seen them yet. Being informed is your first step to knowing how to use these characteristics to your advantage. Since your pug believes he is the center of the earth, your reaction to a completed command needs to be very expressive and requires praise equivalent to winning a national championship. The steps below explain how to teach your puppy the command, “Sit,” but the techniques can be used to teach him any command.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A cool spot indoors with no TV, other animals or children
• A comfortable place to sit on the floor
• Dog brush
• Damp paper towel

1. Choose the word or phrase you are going to use to praise your dog. Use this same word or phrase, no matter what command you are teaching him. Keep it short but it is a good idea to include his name, such as, “Great job, Rex!”
2. After your puppy has eaten and had time to relieve himself, sit on the floor with him in a cool, quiet environment. There should be no other animals, children, television or other distractions around.
3. You should be able to get his attention, since even pug puppies hang onto your every expression. Put one hand under his chin, and the other gently on his backside. Say his name, pause as he looks at you, and then say in a firm but pleasant tone, “Sit.”
4. With one hand keeping his attention toward you, lightly lower his back side. Do not press down hard, as this can damage his hips. His sit may consist of crouching, but that’s OK for now.
5. Once the dog is seated, however so slightly, use the phrase you chose. Here you need to put a lot of energy into it. Then give him at least 20 seconds of praise by repeating the phrase and make it a big party. Lift him up, hug him, rub his head, or have him roll over and rub his belly. Whatever he likes. You will need to go over the top every time he obeys. Since your pug already assumes he is a good dog, and you adore him, you must be very excited about his accomplishment to show him how much more you adore him now that he has learned a trick.
6. Keep up with just one command for at least seven days. Although you may be tempted to go move onto something new, stay with just one at a time. The connection between his action and the adoration needs to be solidified.
7. Every seven to 10 days, you can add other simple commands to his repertoire. You’ll need to continue to practicing the ones he’s learned, and continue to give him lots of praise. Remember, “It's Party Time!” each time he is successful. If his attention span is short, this is a sign of immaturity. He can still learn, but you will need to teach him in shorter, separate intervals each day, rather than all in one sitting twice a day.
8. At the end of each session, give him a brief brushing all over. This will stimulate his skin like a massage. It will also keep him from shedding as much, a trait typical for pugs. Use the damp paper towel to wipe down and collect the hair off the floor and the brush.

Tips & Warnings

• Since your pug is a small breed, his puppy training should be done with you sitting on the floor with him. If you have trouble kneeling, another option is to have it on a table or counter-top while training it. If this is the case, have another person present to be sure he doesn’t leap off.
• Work with your puppy 10 minutes a day, twice a day to start out. As he matures and gets used to paying attention, increase the time, and always practice at least twice a day.
• Don’t alter the words you use to praise him. Don't use a long phrase or alter it by saying things like, “Good dog, Rex, that was great, way to go, buddy!” and “OK Rex, good boy.”
• If your pug gets excited, he may snort. This is typical of pugs and is due to their short noses. See "Warnings" for information about excessive snorting.
• If your pug snorts continuously, or gets so excited he can’t catch his breath, stop, calm him down immediately. Try again for a shorter period of time another day.
• Never, ever hit your dog.
• Your pug will not respond the way you want him to if you use harsh or negative words. He is very sensitive to your facial expression and tone of voice and will not understand your intentions.
• Using treats is not a good idea for your pug. While getting a pug to follow commands for treats will usually work, this will lead to a very overweight dog. Remember: Pugs are stubborn. Once your pug knows a reward is coming, he will likely become so stubborn that he will want to see the treat in your hand before attempting to follow a command. Use praise instead.
• Do not train your pug outdoors in warm weather. His short nose keeps him from being able to inhale enough air to pant properly and stay cool. Always work in a cool environment.