Housebreaking An Older Pug
Michelle E. Arthur
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.
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.
Assuming that your Pug will just automatically know what to do is a mistake. You will need to start completely from scratch as if the Pug were a puppy and gradually teach him the way your pet potty schedule operates.
You probably need to start with crate training or restriction to a bathroom. Then set a schedule for potty breaks. Adult Pugs are very picky about finding a potty place outside that's apart from where they play, just as they don't like to potty near where they sleep or eat.
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.
It is also important to set a schedule for feedings in the morning and in the evening. Your Pug may have never been on such a set schedule before so this will take some time for adjusting. You may have heard the common saying, "you can't teach an old Pug new tricks". In truth, age does not matter, it is consistency that counts.
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.
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 break his spirit or have him neutered.
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