Pug Housetraining Using a Crate and a Leash | Dogs

By MichelleE.Arthur
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For most Pugs, the opportunity to run around in a big yard just can't happen. Pugs are more likely to spend their days cooped up in the house while their owner or family goes out. This makes creating a potty schedule difficult.

Combining the use of crate and leash training can work wonders for Pugs. If you have a new adult Pug joining your family or returning from a kennel while you were on vacation, you may have to reinforce potty training behavior.

One option is to return him to the crate during the day and possibly use a leash that's not overly restrictive when you're present so that he stays in one area of the home. Keeping the Pug contained 100% of the time isn't the total answer - it's merely part of the process.

Begin the housetraining process as if your Pug were a puppy and schedule regular breaks for the potty. Take your Pug outside when he is ready to eliminate instead of right after meals when puppy hasn't had much time to digest. You want to make sure that each trip is a meaningful one.

Start by devoting a whole weekend to observing your Pug on a leash when he is out of his crate so that you can learn the signs that he needs to use the bathroom. Your Pug might act shaky or agitated and may even squat down. Take these signs as your cue to take pup outside.

Remember to praise him lavishly when he does his business during the potty break. That's the positive reinforcement needed to show your Pug where he's supposed to do his business.

If, during your absence, your Pug stayed in a kennel where he eliminated, ate and slept in the same area, then he may have lost his earlier training. He's also probably very depressed and dejected.

Pugs really don't like to incorporate potty space with living space. Your Pug will need you to boost his confidence with his bathroom skills.

For older Pugs, holding urine is a much easier task because their bladders are much more developed than a puppy's. However, if your Pug experiences a lot of potty problems he may have diarrhea, a urinary tract infection or one of many medical problems that lead to frequent accidents.

If you notice a sudden or drastic change in your Pug's potty habits it is a good idea to take him to the vet for safe measure. Potty problems can be a sign of something much more serious.

During the time he's being treated for the medical condition, go easy on the potty training. Your Pug needs to feel well and be reasonably able to manage his urine and elimination so that he can cooperate with your training. Keep him on a leash when he's not in the crate and carefully care for him by helping notice signs that he needs to potty while he recovers.

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