Dear Zena:
We recently got a Pug puppy and I heard that Pugs are difficult to house break. Is this true? Do you have any tips for us on how to house break our Pug puppy? Sincerely, Amy Brockport, NY
Dear Amy:
I chose this question not only because it is a good question but because it is what me and my family are experiencing right now. I recently acquired a new baby sister, Phoebe, she is a Pug also. She is about 12 weeks old and for a puppy she is not doing all that bad with the Puggie potty training. I think what helps is that she has me to follow around and to learn from. Also, if at all possible, my mom prefers to get a puppy when it is spring, summer or fall, definitely not winter. The cold and snow just makes it more difficult to house train a puppy.
Obviously, training your puppy to do its business outside also depends on your family's lifestyle. Not every dog is the same nor is everyone's lifestyle so you will need to choose the appropriate method of house training that suits your dog's personality and your daily routine. Let us begin with your first question, "Are Pugs hard to housebreak?" The answer is neither yes or no. Pugs are somewhere in the middle. Pugs are very intelligent dogs but they also have a stubborn streak, which unfortunately can rear its ugly head during the training process. Just keep calm, keep focused, and stay consistent. Here is some information that can aid you in the training process and help keep you realistic about expectations of your new puppy.
Pugs (and other small dogs) do not have the muscular ability to control their urges until they are about 12 weeks old, so anytime before that, when they have to go, they have to go. This does not mean that you can't start training before then but don't get upset when they have an accident, they just can't control it. Remember, praise is the key. When your puppy does his/her business outside, where they are supposed to, be sure to give them lots of hugs and kisses for doing the right thing (Pugs are attention and affection hogs). Pugs, and other small dogs, do not have the ability to hold it like large breed dogs, their bladders are smaller and they need to go more often. So, if your dog leaves you a present on the floor, which will happen, please choose to be calm and cool about it, scolding them will only teach them to fear you and you don't want that. If your dog does have an accident, please be sure to clean it up with a an odor eliminator (follow the directions on the label carefully) and clean it thoroughly. You may not smell it but your dog (and other dogs) will and chances are they will have a mistake in that same spot again.
There are many different methods to house train your dog, what you choose will all depend on your lifestyle, what may have worked for your friend and their dog may not work for you. Some methods are: • Crate Training - teach your Pug to hold themselves when in their crate - best if you are home some of the day and remember to get a crate that is big enough for them to lie down, stand up, and turn around but no bigger than that. • Paper Training - teach your Pug to go on a designated spot of house training paper - best if you are not home most of the day and do not have help • Schedule Based Training (SBT) - teach your Pug to go out at consistent, regular times - best if you are home most of the day or have help who is home, and you can be absolutely regular with the schedule Pick a method that works best for your lifestyle, as it's critical that you be consistent and set yourself up for success.
Also, learn the behaviors of your dog. By observing your dog's habits you will start to notice certain things that he or she does right before they are about pee or poop. When you see your dog doing these tell tail signs, bring them outside quick and when they do their business outside, give them lots of praise. Remember house breaking does NOT happen over night. Be patient and be consistent, some dogs can take up to 6 months before they are fully house trained. Another secret my mom told me (she learned this from me and my sister Buffy) that sometimes us Puggies like to go outside and play rather then do our business and then come inside and realize "oh, I forgot to pee or poop" and then do it inside. Be sure to watch your dog when they are outside and see if they are really going or if they are too busy playing with the others. You may have to let them out separately. If they are out there alone and too busy sniffing and checking out the sites and sounds of the world, you may have to stay out their with them and take them to a designated spot in the yard and repeat a certain command like, potty or whatever term suits you, until they do their business and then they can play, just keep an eye on them!!!
Well, I could go on and on about this subject so your best bet is to go on the Internet and do some research or pick up a book on Pugs with house breaking tips and look it over and find what method will work for you and your dog. Just remember, you made a commitment to be a parent/guardian to this dog. Don't be like the other 3,000,000 people per year that surrender their dog because they we're not successful at house training them. More often than not, it is the person's fault for not sticking to the method they have chosen and lack the persistence and patients that is needed to do this correctly. Please live up to your commitment.
Thank you Amy, I hope this information helps.
Sincerely,
Zena Marie Pugsly
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