Family Concerns

Congratulations on getting an adult Pug dog!

It’s no secret that adult Pug dogs need much effort from you and the family as does a puppy. It’s a common mistake to think that just because the Pug is full-grown and may have been potty trained in one home, that he’ll just immediately adjust to your home’s elimination schedule, too.

Let’s be realistic here. Your Pug needs some time to adjust to the new environment of your home. He also needs to know that you do not appreciate him peeing on the floor - especially if his prior owner did not seem to care.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that because he’s an adult Pug that he’ll just “know” what to do. Start with him as if he were a puppy and gradually teach him the routine of Pug potty training.

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.

Help him find that place in your yard or outside when walking and return him there for subsequent potty breaks. You have to monitor the potty breaks for several weeks to learn your Pug’s elimination patterns.

Keeping your new dog on a regular Pug potty training routine 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.

Your Pug may have also come from an abusive household. Even things like yelling or smacking the Pug with a newspaper could have caused your pet a lot of fear. This is why you need to be patient and build the Pug’s confidence so that he understands your intentions and can make adjustments without being afraid.

There will be accidents, so be prepared to clean it up and move forward. Don’t assume that an adult Pug will be any easier to train than a puppy. Both Pugs would face the same adjustment issues. You have to train with consistency and affection so that you reinforce the responses that you want repeated.

For older male Pugs, urinating is a way to express their territory. This behavior is completely natural for males and can not be fixed unless you dedicate yourself to proper Pug training.