The Pug is an affectionate breed that is known for its small size, friendly nature and affectionate personality. This makes them great companion dogs as they are known to bond closely with their owners. However, like all breeds, Pugs also come with their own set of challenges. Whether a Pug owner is new to dog ownership or has experience with other breeds, they will likely face some of the same challenges with this particular breed. As with any breed that requires special care, Pugs require more time, effort and expense than other breeds when it comes to training and socializing them. There are also some specific issues that you should be aware of if you choose to own a Pug. Read on to learn more about common training issues for Pugs.
Too Small for Their Owners
One of the biggest issues with Pugs is that they are often too small for their owners. Pugs are very fragile and generally not meant to be in large, active households. Pugs are one of the smaller dog breeds and are often described as the “toy” or “pocket” size dog. Pugs are generally not a breed that is bred for showing or competing with other dogs, so they don’t always come in the same size. The average adult Pug typically measures around 10 inches at the withers, while other popular small breeds such as the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier can exceed 26 inches at the withers.
Barking
Pugs are known for their loud and frequent barking. While this may or may not be considered a problem depending on your individual circumstances, it’s something that all Pug owners should be aware of and ready to deal with. If you have a smaller breed with a higher pitch, you may find that your Pug’s constant barking is annoying and disruptive to your home. If you have a larger breed with a lower pitch, your Pug may be a great alarm system for when you have young children at home.
Getting Used to New People and New Scenarios
Pugs are fairly social and affectionate, but they are also very stubborn. This can make training challenging. Pug owners often report being frustrated by their tendency to ignore their commands and stubbornly continuing to do something even when they know they are wrong. Pugs are also prone to anxiety and nervousness. When they are new to a home, their owners may notice a higher than normal amount of anxiety and stress. This is normal and even healthy for Pugs at times. However, if it becomes excessive or seems out of place for your Pug, you should talk to your veterinarian about possible causes and ways to help.
Trying to Break an Incredibly Strong Aggression Tendency
Pugs are known to be very stubborn and stubbornness is often cited as the most common reason for relinquishing a Pug to a shelter. However, stubbornness can also be a challenge for owners. Pugs are often very strong willed and have incredibly strong prey drive. Pugs are also extremely intelligent and very eager to learn new things. This can make training very challenging for owners who want to break their Pug’s stubbornness and teach them new things.
Finding the Right Breed and Size for You
One of the most important steps in getting your new Pug adopted, or finding the right Pug puppy for sale, is finding the right size and breed for you and your lifestyle. It can be helpful to refer to our guide to different Pug sizes and types to find the perfect Pug for you. This will help you determine if a smaller or larger Pug is best for your lifestyle and home.
Conclusion
Pugs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are great companion dogs for many reasons. However, like all breeds, they have their own set of idiosyncrasies that can make them challenging to own. It’s important to be prepared for these challenges and to be patient and ready to support your Pug throughout the ups and downs of owning this breed. By being aware of these common training issues and discussing them with your Pug breeder or a trusted Pug owner, you’ll be able to better prepare for the challenges and enjoy your Pug for many years to come.