How to Raise Pug Puppies
Friendly, full of life and rambunctious are just a few of the characteristics that pug puppies are known for. These small dogs have big personalities and can stop almost any pet lover in her tracks with their distinct pushed-in faces. If you are thinking about raising a pug puppy, there are a few things you can do that can turn the puppy into a well-mannered adult.
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Instructions
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Show your pug that you are in charge. Pugs don't generally vie for power in the house, but there's a chance it won't obey your commands if it doesn't view you as the leader. To establish your dominance, always eat in front of and before the pug puppy. Avoid letting the puppy sleep with you until your dominance is established, and when playing with toys, always end playtime with the toy in your hands. Lastly, walk through doors ahead of your pup, and if the pug is in your way, make it move instead of you.
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Teach your pug to come to you. Pugs are very social and friendly and will greet almost anyone. Although friendliness and trust are positive characteristics, they can also cause a pug to go off with someone else. For this reason, you must teach your pug to come to you when called. Place your puppy down in front of you with a leash attached. Say "come," then pull the leash so that the pug walks toward you. When it does so, reward it with a treat and praise. Practice this routine until the pug comes to you without a leash pull, then remove the leash and continue to practice. If your pug knows this command, you can probably draw it back to you no matter where you are.
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Wipe your pug's face and nose daily. Pugs are prone to developing eye and nose issues, such as dry eye, corneal ulcers, eyelash problems, cataracts and undersized nostrils. Many of these issues result in eye and nose discharge. If this discharge is not wiped away daily, it can result in staining and infection. Start wiping your puppy's eyes and nose daily with a wet cloth. Doing so will get it used to the process and make it easier when it is an adult.
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Wipe out the wrinkles in the pug's face weekly, or as needed. One of the signature trademarks of the pug is its wrinkles. Though cute, these wrinkles are prone to developing issues because they are dark and moist inside. To prevent problems, wipe the folds using a damp tissue or cloth. Note any change in smell in your pug's face, as this could be a symptom of infection.
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Feed your pug puppy small kibble. Pugs have small mouths and even smaller teeth and cannot tolerate kibble that is too large. Look for organic puppy food that is made for small breeds. Feed your pug the amount that is recommended on the bag.
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Keep your pug in a crate or closed-off area when you cannot provide supervision. Doing so will help with housebreaking and will prevent your pug from injuring itself or getting into something dangerous when you are not around.
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Exercise your pug puppy daily. Pugs can become overweight easily. Being overweight puts them at risk for certain health issues, including diabetes and orthopedic problems. Get your pug used to a healthy lifestyle as a puppy, and it will probably maintain good health as an adult.
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References
- Photo Credit Santa Pug image by wingsinmoonlight from Fotolia.com
