My Dog Training Secrets 

Pugs are wonderful, lovable, playful and intelligent. Their distinctive bulging bulby eyes along with a toothy grinned underbite really make a pug a favorite. This breed is the largest of the toy breeds. Pugs are usually around 11 inches tall and are very stocky in appearance, with a broad chest and strong, muscular legs. They are expected to live from about 12 to 15 years. These dogs are the clowns of the dog world. Pugs are a little dim, but get food into the picture and they are definitely game! They are typically quiet dogs unlike most other toy breeds and are not nuisance barkers. Pugs are a dog who tends to make people smile because they are convinced of their own importance. They are known to be adaptable, sociable and good-natured.

This type of dog can live very well in small spaces like apartments and don't need a ton of yard space. They are a great companion for less active owners. Pugs are known to behave well with other animals and also behave perfectly with little children. They are extremely people oriented. As puppies, they are especially playful and are always underfoot for want of human companionship. Pugs are comedians, always set to please, and always doing something funny.

Pugs are strictly indoor pets, except in the mildest weather conditions. They cannot tolerate extreme temperatures whether it be hot or cold. They are also not dogs to be left alone. These dogs need attention and companionship. They are renowned for their friendly playful temperament; however, they are quite fragile, especially as puppies and should be looked after and supervised when playing.

Most Pugs are moderately easy to dog train, making them neither easy to train, nor difficult. They maintain a stubborn streak, which can present an occasional problem. They are not always the easiest of breeds to toilet-train. Generally, this breed is not easily trained with the ordinary training methods. It could take several months just to housebreak a Pug.

Even with Pug dog training, they are not noted for high achievement in obedience competitions, although, like all dog breeds, they are intelligent and learn quickly in the right environment. According to the book The Intelligence of Dogs, they have only fair ability to learn new commands and to obey commands the first time. They are sensitive to the tone of a human voice, so harsh punishment is generally unnecessary. These dogs tend to excel in work as therapy dogs, and they also get along well with other dogs. However, there’s a flip side to this affability: A Pug is relatively useless if he’s confronted with an intruder.

Although the Pug doesn't require a lot of exercise, you should be sure he stays in shape to keep him healthy. They are susceptible to obesity, which makes exercise and a healthy diet important. The Pug has difficulty dissipating heat and should never be left outside in hot weather or locked in a car without air conditioning. They are bred to be indoor pets only, and must not be left outside in temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, despite loving to "sunbathe", and should never be left inside cars on hot days.

These dogs are susceptible to allergies which can be treated with medicated eye drops prescribed by your vet. Other signs of infection are redness of the inner part of the eyelid or mucus discharge. Pugs are not suitable pets for people who smoke cigarettes indoors. Monitor your dog’s breathing and give him the extra care the breed needs. Pugs are prone to collapsing trachea, so using a regular collar for walks (especially if your Pug walks ahead of you and/or pulls) can put unnecessary pressure on this area.

As far as grooming is concerned, the Pug is a low-maintenance breed with its short, smooth and glossy coat. They do shed, so if dog hair bothers you, take this in to consideration.

Pugs are easy to care for. Good food, basic training, regular shots and vaccinations, and lots of love are the basic requirements to make this dog a great addition to your family.