How to Potty Train a Pug

Pugs are an instantly recognizable dog breed because of their playful personalities, cute wrinkled faces, wide eyes and pleasant temperaments. Pugs are excellent choices for apartment-living and minimally active lifestyles. Bringing a cute pug puppy into the home is an exciting experience. However, potty training should begin immediately to ensure the pug develops into an obedient, housebroken adult. Following simple potty training steps can alleviate stress (for both canine and owner) during the teaching process and quickly reap desired responses.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Practice effective pack leadership. Pugs are a sensitive breed, vulnerable to the tone of your voice. Therefore, practice leading with a calm, assertive energy (and avoid harsh scoldings). As pugs are willful, ensure you remain the alpha dog of the family through effective leadership exercises. A pug that respects its pack leader is more likely to follow commands and, therefore, housebreak quickly.

2. Choose a potty-training method. There are plentiful housebreaking supplies on the market. Dog crates provide the benefit of controlling a puppy's environment and are an effective method for quick housebreaking results. Additionally, utilize pretreated potty-training trays or pads in the home, if the pug puppy soils frequently in the house.

3. Harness the pug puppy's intelligence. As pugs are an intelligent species, teaching a pug to ring a bell when it needs to go outside may prove effective. Tug on a roped bell (dangling from a doorknob) each time the pug goes outside. Repetition and a verbal command are keys to success. Soon the pug will learn to pull the bell itself.

4. Establish a consistent schedule. Always take the pug puppy outside to go to the bathroom after a meal, nap and playtime, and in the morning and evening. Additionally, each time the puppy is released from its crate, it should go outside. Watch your pug puppy for soiling signs, such as circling an area, and take her out immediately. Always leash the untrained puppy, and state a simple verbal command, such as "go potty."

5. React positively to desired behaviors. Pug puppies will work to gain your approval. Each time the puppy responds appropriately (going potty outside), give joyful praise, affection and a tiny treat. The pug will soon understand that going outside is a pleasant experience that makes its pack leader happy.

6. Stay patient. Pug puppies will inevitably make a mistake here and there. Should you discover an in-home mess, clean it up efficiently and do not scold the puppy. Instead, consider putting a pretreated potty pad in the area (especially if it's a recurring area). Over time, move the pad closer to the back door. Ultimately, the pad should be moved outside and the puppy should limit in-home soils.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain positive and consistent throughout the training process.

• Never harm or hurt a puppy, no matter how frustrated you get with unsightly in-home messes. Instead, continue housebreaking training in a positive way, and the pug will soon learn to go outside.