How to Housebreak a Pug Puppy

Pug puppies are adorably wrinkled, highly playful, often sensitive and incredibly charming. Potty training should start as soon as a pug puppy is brought into the home to promote obedience and reduce undesired home messes. As an intelligent breed, a pug puppy will soon respond to an encouraging training program.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Determine a housebreaking method. Consider utilizing a dog crate to positively control the puppy's environment and reduce in-home soils during the training process. Use pretreated puppy pads if messes often occur in the house. Put the pad in a given area (away from the dog bed) and, over time, move it closer to the back door (and eventually outside).

2. Consider a housebreaking bell. Pugs are highly intelligent; therefore, they can quickly learn from encouraging training exercises. Loop a roped bell around the back door knob. Each time the puppy goes outside, tug the rope and allow the bells to jingle. State a housebreaking command, such as "Do your business." Repeat this step every time the puppy goes outside. Soon, the pug will learn to tug the rope herself.

3. Follow a regular schedule. The pug puppy should not have to guess when she can go outside. Alleviate stress (and messes) by repeating consistent behaviors. Take the puppy outside after each meal and playtime, upon its waking (even from naps) and before bedtime. Additionally, watch for circling or carpet-sniffing, as this may signal your pug needs to go outside.

4. React in a positive and appropriate way. As the home pack leader, the pug will watch your responses. Exert a calm and assertive alpha energy. Each time she goes potty outside, praise her verbally, offer affection and give her a small treat. A pug puppy will housebreak quickly once she understands that obedient behaviors are a positive experience.

5. Remain positive. Pug puppies are bound to make in-home mistakes. Never verbally scold your puppy, as pugs are sensitive to their alpha's tone. Instead, thoroughly clean the mess and continue with the training process. Soon the pug puppy will be a housebroken, obedient companion.

Tips & Warnings

• Consistency and encouragement are key behaviors for successful puppy housebreaking.

• Never harm your pug puppy, despite frustrations. Remain positive and encouraging and your pug will soon be housebroken.