Skip to content
Home
About
Contact

Pug Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

Dr. Cristina Vulpe
Reviewed by:
Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe
Veterinarian

Throughout history, Pugs have the personality that pleased royalty and their legacy continues even today. They are also well-known for their charming personalities and ability to fit into a laid-back lifestyle. Still, they can also get themselves into a lot of trouble if they are not properly socialised and receive proper training. So what is the best way to train a Pug?

Pugs are unlike any other breeds, so training them is different. Let’s find out what works for them to make things as easy as possible for you and your Pug puppies. With our comprehensive guide for training a Pug, we’re here to get you off to a good start.

Pug breed photo 6
Pug breed photo 7
Pug breed photo 5
Pug breed photo 4
Pug breed photo 3
Pug breed photo 1
Pug breed photo 2
Pug breed photo 8

Should I Train My Pug?

Every dog benefits from training, and the Pug is no different. While this breed is likely to be able to be trained to save people from a burning building, you can train Pugs basic commands.

Even though they may be challenging to train due to their stubborn streak, they can and should be trained to make life easier for both of you and positive reinforcement works wonders for this breed.

Are Pugs Easy To Train?

Pugs are rather tricky to house-train since they are particularly stubborn. When given the same command repeatedly, they become bored and quickly distracted. They also have a strong rebellious tendency, but with the right patience and dedication, you can train your Pug.

What Kind Of Training Does A Pug Need?

Pugs may be taught basic obedience and commands. You can also handle separation anxiety and potty training with this method.

Toilet Training Your Pugs

The first type of training that is best to help your Pug master is toilet training because if left to their own devices, they will poop and pee in the most inappropriate places. But how should you go about toilet-training Pugs?

When to start toilet training your Pug puppy

You may begin potty training your Pug, making use of positive reinforcement, at around 16 weeks old.

How to toilet train your Pug puppy

Puppies need to relieve themselves often. Whether you potty train your Pug inside or out, you will need to begin with short periods to minimise accidents.

Outdoors

Wait for your Pug to go potty before letting them out for a few hours at a time. At first, it may take some time for the Pug to establish this connection. Make an effort to link familiar verbal cues like ‘potty’ to the actual task. After completing the task, you should shower them with a lot of praise to encourage this behaviour.

They need to be praised and given a reward as soon as possible after that so that they associate going outside with rewards. Once they know that going outside means going to the bathroom and getting a treat, they won’t want to go until the “right time.”

Indoors

To avoid having to take your dog outside every few hours, a litter box may be a simple alternative for those who live in an apartment building. Keeping things tidy is easier when you use disposable dog pads.

There are some similarities to the outside technique, and it will also take time and patience to succeed. Try to figure out the intervals they must go and get there before them. In the event of an accident, be prepared to clean up the mess, be patient and once again use positive reinforcement to get the results.

Crate Training Your Pug

Crate training a Pug might be difficult for some owners, but once you get them into the crate becomes a freeing and valuable place for you and your Pug.

Why is it important to crate-train your pug puppy?

Dogs need to see their crates as their den, a place where they may go to relax and recharge their batteries. Both puppy parents and their pets can benefit from this kind of training. When you’re not around, it protects them from harm, and this training allows them to travel more calmly, conveniently and comfortably.

When to start crate training your pug puppy

Crate training should begin while your Pug is still young, so around eight weeks of age is the ideal time to start training.

How to crate train your pug puppy

Choose a crate size

Your dog’s cage should be sized appropriately to accommodate its size, and it must be large enough for them to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably without bumping against the walls. If you buy a crate, keep in mind that your puppy won’t stay this little forever.

Crate setup

The key to practical training and usage is to make the crate a comfortable and relaxing space for your pug. There are several factors to consider when deciding where to put your puppy, such as how much room you have and how attractive the area is. You could bring the crate to the bedroom to help your Pug feel more at ease at night.

To avoid draughts and direct sunshine, you should place the box someplace that is neither too hot nor too cold for your Pug. A blanket may be used as a “den” for your pug, which can then be filled with fresh bedding for a comfortable sleeping arrangement.

Finally, don’t forget to ensure that your Pug is drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Place a basin of clean, fresh water near or inside the den for them to drink whenever desired. Some crates have bowls with a distinctive pattern conveniently attached to the side of the crate.

Pros and cons of crate training

While it might be a difficult process to train your little Puggy to find a home in the crate, the benefits are well worth the wait.

Pros

  • Safeguards against destructive behaviour. It’s not uncommon for dogs to engage in various odd and harmful actions, and inappropriate chewing is a frequent issue in dogs, particularly pups. It’s easy to keep your pup secure by locking up his cage while you’re not there to watch him.
  • Helps housetrain puppies. Using a dog cage is one method for successfully housebreaking a puppy. Puppies do have weak bladders, and doing business inside is not always an option for them.

Cons

  • Fear of Confinement. Often known as claustrophobia, this illness may be brought on by a dog’s fear of being confined. Watch your Pug’s body language, as symptoms like panting or drooling might occur as a result of these outcomes.
  • It produces acquired helplessness. Putting your dog in a crate as a punishment isn’t the best course of action. Isolation may be equated with even the most docile of puppies, even if they aren’t aware of it. Consequently, they may engage in other detrimental habits, which leads to another correction, and so on.

Can I Train My Pug To Do Tricks?

Your Pug, like any other dog, is capable of learning new skills. Training treats and plenty of praise are great ways to motivate your pooch, and they’ll be learning how to roll over and play dead in no time.

Tips For Training Your Pug

We’re not going to sugar coat it and tell you that training your Pug is going to be an easy feat. They’re intelligent, and this can make them incredibly stubborn. But here are some tips to help you combat their stubbornness and appeal to that people-pleasing trait we all love.

Be consistent

Consistent rules, norms, and structure are essential for any dog’s well-being. Your dog will fail you if you are inconsistent! Imagine coming to work every day and being given different instructions or reprimands for the same activity. Your pup will become equally bored or irritated if your training lacks consistency.

Positive reinforcement is key

People who use reward-based training methods describe their pets as more obedient than those who use unpleasant approaches. Using positive reinforcement is preferable to applying negative reinforcement, and dogs that were previously trained with positive reinforcement are more likely to learn new behaviours.

Avoid over-using treats

You should only give dog biscuits and high-value incentives once or twice daily. More training treats may be provided, especially those with less than 3–5 calories per serving.

Consider clicker training

The clicker is only a convenience for you and your dog’s training. Using a clicker expedites the training process for you and your Pugs. After your dog has mastered the behaviour, the clicker can be removed.

Final Thoughts on Training A Pug

Since the Pug has a rebellious and stubborn streak, keep your training sessions short enough to avoid boredom. House training your Pug begins the moment you bring your new puppy home.

Each Pug is unique and learns at its own rate. While training a Pug correctly might be challenging at first, remember that you are both learning together. Even when you’re irritated, remember that you’re the leader and must demonstrate patience, love, and understanding.

Learn more about: Pug Dog Breed Information

Other helpful information

  • Dog Breed Guides
  • Cat Breed Guides

Other related Pug guides

Pug breed photo 3

Do Pugs Shed?

Pug breed photo 3

Pug Prices In Australia

Pug breed photo 3

Pug Temperament & Personality Traits

Pug breed photo 3

Pug Size & Weight Chart

Pug breed photo 3

Common Pug Health Issues

Pug breed photo 3

Pug Grooming Tips & Styles

Pug breed photo 3

What to Feed a Pug? Diet & Feeding Chart

Pug breed photo 3

Pug Colours

Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.

Facebook Instagram Linkedin
Dog Breed Guides
  • Foundation Stock Service
  • Gundogs
  • Herding
  • Hounds
  • Miscellaneous Class
  • Non-sporting
  • Sporting
  • Terriers
  • Toy
  • Unrecognized
  • Utility
  • Working
Cat Breed Guides
  • Exotic
  • Hairless
  • Hybrid
  • Long Haired
  • Natural
  • Oriental
  • Rex
  • Semi-long Haired
  • Short Haired
Adopt A Pet
Dog Adoption
  • ACT
  • NSW
  • NT
  • QLD
  • SA
  • TAS
  • VIC
  • WA
Cat Adoption
  • ACT
  • NSW
  • NT
  • QLD
  • SA
  • TAS
  • VIC
  • WA

© PetsOnline. All Rights Reserved 2025.

Privacy Policy

Terms & Conditions