| Author | Message | ||
     Tom V (Cozmo) Member Username: Cozmo Post Number: 187 Registered: 09-2002 |
We recently got a pug and I'm are discovering their personality. Can they be trained? Just how diffrently do they need to be handled? Thanks Tom | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 754 Registered: 08-2002 |
For any dog, get some good socialization early on in a group obedience class. Consistency in how you train is very important, daily and constant training. Make sure to tell the instructor the type of dog, it would be ideal to get into a new dog, puppy and/or small dog course. of course follow all rules from your vet regarding shots and socialization. Typically with puppies, you would ideally not take them anywhere near another dog or dog poo until they are completely done with distemper shots. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 829 Registered: 09-2002 |
Tom, I have two pugs; a boy and a girl. Yes they can definitely be trained but they are stubborn. It will take a bit more patience than with dogs like labs or retrievers. Pugs learn fairly quickly, especially if you use a food reward system. I don't like that method because of a couple issues. Pugs put weight on very easily so food reward can result in a fat little pug. The other thing is that they tend not to respond if they see no food reward. This may be the same with most other breeds but pugs in general are more attuned to the food thing. Repetition and patience will pay results. If you notice your pug learn a command quickly and then not do it laterwards, it's not because they're dumb. They just may not want to do it. They don't have any innate instinct that drives their behavoir a particular way. Unlike a lot of other breeds, pugs were not bred for any other purpose than to be a companion/lap dog. That's what they excel at and what they crave. They are a very social breed in general and like Brian said, socialize as early as possible whether it's in obedience class or just taking them to the dog park or if your pet store allows it, bring them there. The more you socialize a pug, the more of a social butterfly they become and little phazes them. My girl doesn't realize she's tiny and will walk up to any big dog and say hi. The boy is a little more cautious and tends to take cues from the girl. The only thing is to keep an eye on them though because their "socializing" tends to get them in trouble, as in they may get lost if you don't watch them or they may follow someone else. They aren't he most loyal of dogs so all it may take is a little food and they're gone. On the health side, watch their breathing. Most pugs are prone to breathing problems because of their flat face but if you got him from a reputable breeder, that won't be an issue. All pugs snore to a certain extent, just watch for labored breathing. They don't do well in heat so avoid taking them out when it's hot outside. They can get heat stroke if not careful. I can't stress this enough, DO NOT OVER FEED YOUR PUG! Pugs put weight on very easily so be regimented in the amount you feed and try to avoid treats during the day. I only use treats for very, very specific situations (like cleaning their ears or folds). And yes, keep their folds clean. If you don't they will find the corner of a couch or door jam and clean it themselves...and you're not going to like the results (it looks like a dog took a poop covered butt and smeared it all over the corner - not very appealing). A trim pug is a happy pug. If you let that get out of control, you end up with a pug that looks like a keg with legs on it. Pugs generally weigh between 15 - 19 lbs. If you have one that's in around the 25 - 30 lb mark, he's probably gaining too much weight. Email me if you have anymore questions. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 757 Registered: 08-2002 |
if you really want a well trained dog, you need to keep with it for the entire life of the dog. You cannot just train them for a year or two and then you are done. It must be done all the time. I typically go back at least once a year with my dogs to one of the last obedience classes that they were in and redo it to enforce the appropriate behavior in the dog and even more importantly me. Any dog can be trained to some degree, but most people are not good trainers. It is even more important that you learn how to train the dog from a pro, then attempt to train it on your own without proper guidance. | ||
| Edward Bibb (Heirless) Member Username: Heirless Post Number: 43 Registered: 04-2003 |
hahaha... train a PUG.. too funny!!! The joke around my house is they have trained me. I can't walk thru a door without first stopping, signaling, and proceeding. I adopted two PUGS after they were both two years of age and both are on hand signals for simple chores as sitting, waiting at doors, proceeding, ect. As with anything worthwhile; patience, repetition, rewards yeild successful results. | ||
| Ron L (Ronl) Member Username: Ronl Post Number: 197 Registered: 11-2002 |
Damn Eddie, you made it back quick! ;-) I have two pugs, male and female. They are relatively easy to train as in my situation they both are always looking for something to eat. I spent a great deal of time training them with small treats. The reward is a faithfull snorer that will never leave your side. | ||
| Edward Bibb (Heirless) Member Username: Heirless Post Number: 44 Registered: 04-2003 |
hahaha... yes I made it back in time to relieve my roomate of PUG Patrol. Actually had to leave the Gold Rover in INDIO,CA with a head cold (suspect blown head gasket). Having it shipped up to Salt Lake later this week. | ||
| Ron L (Ronl) Member Username: Ronl Post Number: 198 Registered: 11-2002 |
So thats your disco up on blocks. ;-) | ||
| Jamie (Rover_puppy) Senior Member Username: Rover_puppy Post Number: 317 Registered: 05-2003 |
Tom, I would suggest talking to breeders who are serious about breeding top notch dogs who also show their dogs. Someone out there will know of a book specific to your breed and it's particular "puppy stages". I do not show my dogs - but breeders have to be on top of those kind of things (and winning awards) because that translates to more money for them for breeding their dogs. The book that the breeders recommended to me REALLY HELPED. For example, I have shetland sheepdogs, and there is actually a chart for each week of puppyhood. It tells EXACTLY which weeks are "socialization" weeks (take them out to socialize as much as possible) and "avoidance periods" (when they are skittish, more fearful - keep them at home where it is safe and quiet). Those are just 2 examples, but they had everything in there. I was skeptical, then turned into an amazed owner as I found the book to be true. I followed those weekly guidelines while mine were puppies. It sure made training a snap - especially for me since I was the one doing all the work! In addition, I had forwarning of the few weeks when they would enter into periods of testing me. If I had not known what was going on, I might have crumbled and not shown myself to be THE leader of the pack. In devoting my time and attention during each of their puppyhoods, we never had "accidents" in the house or chewed up stuff. If you are kind to your animals, they will do their best to please you with appropriate behavior. It is a good thing to act like an idiot outside and make a fool of yourself telling them how great they are for their good behavior. My dogs are older now and they still do a proud and happy trot back to the house expecting my praise and happy voice saying "good potty!". Speaking of which, there is another book that I HIGHLY recommend. It is called Leader of the Pack by Nancy Baer and Steve Duno. It more than gives you an idea of how dogs think and the instincts that they operate with. I don't agree with everything they say (I allow my dogs on the furniture and we usually all have meals at the same time). Even though dogs are pack animals, they are just like humans and need love, nuturing, security, and acceptance. In my opinion, it is worth meeting their needs and taking the time to make them a part of your family - you will end up with years of rewarding companionship. And the saying is true: DOGS LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT!! |
