Pug Puppy Training

As your puppy gets older, you can teach him to sit. Always use a simple one-word command, such as Sit, while exerting gentle pressure on his rump to show him what you expect. This will take a little time, but you will soon succeed. Always remember to give your pup plenty of praise when he performs the exercise. Never shout or get angry when your dog does not achieve your aim, for this will do more harm than good. If yours is destined to be a show dog, you may decide not to teach sit, as in the show ring he will be expected to stand. One option is to teach him to sit, but not sit/stay, teaching the stand/stay instead.

When your Pug puppy can venture into public places, begin by taking him somewhere quiet, without too many distractions. Soon you will find his confidence increasing and you can then introduce him to new places with exciting sights, sounds and smells. He must always be on a safe lead that cannot be slipped (quite different from the type used in the show ring). When you have total confidence in one another, you will probably be able to let him off-lead, but always keep him in sight, and be sure the place you have chosen for free exercise is completely safe and securely fenced in.

Whether you have a potential show dog or your Pug is purely to be a companion, you will need to train your puppy to stay in a crate when required. At shows in most countries, toy breeds are housed in crates for at least part of the time while not being actually exhibited in the ring. Crates are useful for safe traveling and, if used in the home, most dogs seem to look upon their crates as safe places to go and don't mind staying in them. The crate also is an invaluable tool in housebreaking, as the pup will not want to soil his special place and will thus learn to hold it until he is let out to relieve himself.

When you commence crate training, put your pup into his crate and remain within his sight. Give him a toy or treat to occupy his mind and to help him associate the crate with good things.To begin, leave him in the crate for very short spells of just a minute or two, then gradually build up the timespan.

It should not take your Pug long to get used to his crate, and you will be pleased with the results of your efforts. The crate will benefit you and your Pug in so many circumstances that the time you take to accustom your Pug to his crate will be well worth it. Its an essential tool for training and, most importantly, for your dogs safety.

Next step: Training Overview

Reprinted from Breeders Best: Pug © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.