Leash Training Tips

If you live in the city, leash training is a priority. Pugs are very friendly, extremely friendly, so much so that they want to get to know every living creature within ear shot of them. If you do not have a fenced yard you just have to keep your pug on a leash at all times while outside.

Even though it might not be necessary for the puppy to wear its collar or harness and the identification tags inside your home, it should always wear these outside the house, leashed firmly to your hand. The earlier you get your pug puppy used to wearing its collar or harness, the less trouble you will later have controlling it outside the house.

Begin the training by leaving the collar or harness on for a few minutes at a time. Gradually extend the time you leave it on. It won't take long and your pug puppy will get used to wearing its collar or harness and eventually forget that it is even wearing one.

Many pugs tend to forget the “no pull” rule when something really exciting like a crowd or another dog is nearby. Do not use a choke collar. Pug necks are too sensitive for a choke collar and all you will achieve will be injury to your dog. A harness is great when he tries to jump off of something too high, or needs to be scooped up quickly as this does not choke the dog. Be consistent, if you give in he will learn that if he pulls long enough eventually he will get what he wants.You will find with pugs that eventually they will tire out and go no further, and instead of him pulling you, you will be pulling him.

Motivate your pug puppy to follow you as you move away from it. If the puppy does not want to follow you, charm it along with a treat. Simply hold the treat in front of its nose to encourage it to follow you. As soon as your puppy takes a few steps towards you, praise it enthusiastically and continue to do so as you move along.

It is essential that you make the leash training “classes” very short and pleasant for your pug. Continue the training in your house or in your yard until the pug puppy is fully relaxed with being on a leash.

Don't expect your puppy to follow you always and everywhere. It might sometimes just not want to walk because it is tired or simply because he is stubborn. Try first to persuade it to follow you with a treat or praises, before you start pulling. Remember that you are stronger and the leader of the "pack". Your puppy knows this, if you have not made the mistake of always giving in to the puppies will, and it will obey when you pull a little harder combined with saying "follow" with a somewhat harsher voice.

Sources:
For Pug's Sake
Leash Training