Potty Training Adult Pugs
Did you know that training an adult Pug is actually a shared effort between you, your family and the Pug? You might think that a full grown Pug who may have even been potty trained in the past can just as easily adjust to being in your home. This is not the case. It takes time and commitment for a Pug to get used to the way your home is run and to learn your home's elimination schedule.
These types of high expectations for your new Pug are just unrealistic. A Pug needs to be able to make adjustments to its environment and understand that you will not tolerate peeing on the carpet. This is especially true if its previous owner did not seem to mind that sort of behavior.
You can not just automatically assume that your Pug will instinctively know what to do. You have to treat him as if he were a puppy and get him acquainted with your own pet potty schedule.
Beginning with a crate or closing the Pug off to just using the potty in the bathroom can help a lot. After that has been established you can begin creating a schedule for potty breaks outdoors. Most adult Pugs are picky about where they use the bathroom at. Many do not want to go where they sleep, eat or play.
When walking your Pug, be sure to help him find a spot in your yard and make sure to always go back to the same spot each subsequent time. Take careful watch of your Pug's elimination patterns for a few weeks to determine what's best for him.
Keeping your Pug on a schedule is important so be sure to feed your Pug at the same times each day. He may have never had this type of organization in his life before so it is crucial to remain patient while he adjusts. The old phrase, "you can't teach a Pug new tricks" is a common misconception. In fact, you can teach a Pug anything if you just practice a little consistency.
If your Pug came from an abusive home, even if is was just filled with shouting and hitting with paper for any accidents, then your training efforts may take longer. First you have to win the Pug's confidence and understand that he needs time to get comfortable in his new home.
Many accidents will occur in the house so be prepared to clean up after your Pug and move on. You can't just assume that training a grown Pug will be a piece of cake compared to training a puppy. Both young and older Pugs will need time to adjust to new surroundings. You have to be firm while you are training but show a little affection so that your Pug knows the benefits of good behavior.
An older male Pug may be accustomed to marking his territory by urinating on it. This is an instinctive behavior for male Pugs - you aren't going to break him of it without breaking his spirit or having him neutered.
Filed under RVs and Pets by Michelle E. Arthur
