when it occurs, and then expect him to behave in some other way. Being a leader means being proactive and committed to training your Pug!
Pug Myths
Many people erroneously believe that all toy breeds are difficult to live with, cannot be trained like larger dogs, or require Pugs are always amusing! special treatment. As one of the largest members of the toy group the Pug is often owned by individuals who never thought that they would consider owning a small dog. The Pug has a reputation for stealing the hearts of his owners, almost turning the tables on the relationship of who is in charge. The Pug has an uncanny ability to be amusing and it is his comical nature that often leads an owner to believe that Pugs are somehow different, unwilling, or unable to follow direction.
Myth One: Pugs Are Stubborn
By nature. Pugs are a very social breed. Each Pug has its own personality, one that is determined by a unique combination of genetic characteristics and the lessons learned from early socialization and experiences. Pugs as a whole are no more obstinate or stubborn than many other breeds. While it is true that some other breeds are more enthusiastic when it comes to learning, the Pug actually enjoys the interaction of participating in any activity with its owner. Historically the Pug’s purpose as a lapdog predisposes him to be somewhat lazy when it comes to matters that do not involve food or affection.
The Pug may be mistakenly labeled as stubborn when in reality the owner simply is unable to communicate clearly in a manner that the Pug understands. The owner may be inconsistent in delivering commands or may not have a clear image of the behavior that is being taught. Pugs are intelligent and willing to learn, as long as the message is clear and there is a reward for performing the desired behavior.
Occasionally an underlying medical condition can cause a Pug to be reluctant to perform certain tasks or seem unmanageable. Orthopedic problems can cause pain when performing simple tasks such as sitting or lying down. Eye injuries can be extremely painful, can cause visual deficits, and may permanently affect a Pug’s ability to perform. Ear infections may limit a Pug’s hearing and his lack of eagerness to listen to his owner may be due to deafness, not stubbornness.
Pugs are always amusing!
Myth Two: Pugs Are Not Obedient
A dog’s desire to be obedient is not only determined by his breed, but also his owner’s leadership skills. A dog’s compliance can be directly influenced by two factors: focus and motivation. Dogs that are focused on their owners seem more eager to learn and appear to be more obedient.
A Pug that has learned to focus on his owner can be less challenging to work with, and therefore seemingly taught more easily. Pugs are not dumb. They are, however, very inquisitive, and that curiosity can lead to a temporary loss of focus.
If a Pug seems less than willing to obey his owner, the problem may not be outright disobedience. The defiance may be due to a lack of motivation. Motivating a Pug can be as easy as using a favorite food treat or providing a pleasant ear rub at the right time.
Home Schooling
The watch command helps to teach Pugsley how to focus on you.
1. Begin with Pugsley standing directly in front of you in a quiet location.
2. Touch Pugsley’ s nose and give the command “Pugsley Watch.” Move your hand slowly from Pugsley’ s nose toward your nose.
3. As Pugsley follows your hand and looks up at your face, verbally reward him with a “Good boy” and immediately give him a yummy treat as a bonus reward.
4. Practice this behavior each day, slowly Increasing the length of time between the command and the verbal reward.
5. Now that Pugsley has learned how to focus, you should begin to practice this behavior in locations that have greater distractions. With any increase in distractions you will need to go back to immediately rewarding focus and then gradually increase the length of time before the reward.
Myth Three: Pugs Cannot Perform
The success of Pugs in many different performance venues undeniably refutes the myth that Pugs cannot excel in performance events or competitions. Pugs have become a favorite partner of agility competitors and obedience exhibitors, often giving more enthusiastic breeds a run for the top spots. There has been at least one Pug with a tracking title, as well as several Pugs that currently participate in Canine Freestyle, a new and exciting event that combines traditional obedience commands with a dance routine.
The endless number of videos on the Internet featuring performing Pugs also provides evidence that Pugs not only are capable of performing, but often thrive in the spotlight. Pugs are clowns by nature and their antics often give their owners a reason to smile, laugh, and showcase their talent. They have enjoyed great success competing in canine talent shows, on television, and in film.
A Pug’s ability to participate in any event is limited only by his owner’s willingness to be involved. Any reluctance to participate or fear of failure will be recognized by your Pug. When you are intimidated or nervous, your Pug may alsobecome nervous or uneasy and fail to perform to his potential.
Pugs have a reputation for being lazy.
Myth Four: Pugs Can’t Be Housebroken
Bring up the subject of housebreaking in a room full of Pug owners and you are sure to get a few uneasy chuckles. Many Pugs are notorious for leaving presents for their owners, while others will tell you that the Pug is one of the cleanest dogs that they have ever owned.
The Pug should be no more difficult to housetrain than any other toy breed. They can be housebroken easily as long as you are consistent in your training. Many apartment-dwelling Pugs have been successfully litter box trained. Housebreaking failures are quite often an owner-created problem, not the result of a difficult Pug.
Chapter 6 deals specifically with housebreaking and confinement training. Using the strategies outlined in this chapter you should find that housebreaking your Pug is not difficult or impossible.
Myth Five: Pugs Can’t Wear Collars
This myth results from misinformation, fear, and misguided intentions. Pugs can wear collars and many would be better behaved if their owners would put them on their Pugs and learn how to use them properly.
There is a mistaken belief that collars somehow predispose a Pug to breathing problems. While it is true that Pugs can be genetically predisposed to respiratory issues, a collar that is properly fitted does not increase the risk. Poor or non-existent training often results in a Pug that pulls continuously against the collar, causing the dog to choke, cough, or gag. These results are not caused by the collar, but are the result of a Pug who hasn’t learned how to properly walk on a lead.
Contrary to popular belief. Pugs can wear collars.
Collars offer more control than a harness and can
