How to Potty Train a Puggle

Puggles are very popular small hybrid dogs (a mixture of a pug and a beagle). They are noted for their intelligence and willingness to please. Puggles are never too old to learn housetraining and some are reported to even know how to use a cat litter box. "ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs" (Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD, 1999) states that the fastest way to train a puppy or adult dog is with a crate.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Enzyme-based cleaner (for accidents) Dog crate with toys and a soft blanket Litter box with litter (optional)

Crate Training

1. Find a spot outside of the house for the puggle's toilet area. Even if you choose to litter-train the puggle, she will still need to go outside. It's best to choose this area before the puggle comes home. Whenever she walks around in circles, sniffing the floor, take her outside to the area. Praise her when she squats.

2. Choose a dog crate that is large enough for the puggle to lie down on his side. Stock the crate with a soft dog bed or blanket and toys. The goal is to make the crate a special den and not a place to go for punishment. Leave treats in the crate to encourage the puggle to explore it himself. Keep the puggle in the crate when you cannot supervise.

3. Take the puggle outside when she wakes up, after playing and every two hours if a puppy. Dogs have an instinctive urge to not soil their beds, but adult puggles can't hold their bladders more than eight hours. Praise the puggle whenever possible.

4. Place the puggle in a cat litter box filled with litter whenever you see him walking around in circles sniffing. Give him a special treat after he squats. This step is only for those who plan on litter training their puggles, but not every puggle gets the idea, especially if he has already been taught to do their business outside.

5. Take the puggle to a vet if the she is over a year old and still is not housebroken. Also, take the her to the vet if she suddenly starts having accidents in the house after a long time of no accidents. Both of these situations can point to health problems such as colitis or bladder problems.

Tips & Warnings

• If the puggle is a rescue or from a puppy mill, then she will be used to lying in her own waste. Be patient with training this dog. She will eventually learn that she has a choice, and going outside is better. It is normal for a puggle to leak a few drops of urine in excitement or fear until she is about a year and a half old.
• Many puggles do not understand the concept of paper training. They have excellent noses, and if they smell any traces of urine on the floor or carpet, they will continue to use that spot. They may also seek out all kinds of papers as a toilet. Never rub a puggle's face in his waste. This will not teach the puggle to stop using the home as a toilet. Never use an ammonia or vinegar cleaner for accidents in the home. They will leave a scent that smells like urine to the puggle.

Resources

• How to Clean Dog Urine