Complete Information Regarding the Pug Dog
Q: My pug is very difficult when walking. He pulls and tries to turn in circles, especially when crossing road! He attends classes and sits etc. ~ Owner: Maria, Pug: Smok
A: Hi Maria. This is a common problem with a lot of dog breeds. How can you teach your Pug dog to walk correctly on a leash? How can you train your dog to stop pulling on the leash? How in the world do you train your Pug to stop walking in circles?
The answer is this: You must train your dog to know that when he walks correctly with you, things are great! And when he does not walk correctly, life is boring!
When you first begin this training, it is important that you really show him just how wonderful things are when he listens and walks besides you. This must be done to a strong degree. And it is just as important that you show your Pug that life is very boring and there is no attention given to him when he does not walk with you.
Begin by hiding some very special dog treats in your pocket when you set out for a walk. Then, start your walk. If you Pug cannot usually even walk for 10 seconds without pulling or turning...whenever he walks correctly by your side for 6 seconds, reward him as if he just did the most wonderful thing in the world. Stop and tell him "Good dog!", pat him, act very proud and happy, give him a treat, make sure that the tone of your voice shows your Pug dog that he did a wonderful thing!
Whenever your Pug pulls or tries to turn, you must completely ignore him. Stop walking. Do not say his name. Do not dangle the treat and then not give it to him. Do not look at him. Do not talk at all. Simple stand for one full minute and act as if he does not exist. Then begin walking again.
When your Pug walks normally beside you for what you consider to be a good amount of time according to his past behavior, stop and give that amazing and wonderful praise again.
After a couple of days of this type of training, it will become very clear to your Pug that when he walks nicely beside you, life is fun! He gets attention, he gets treats, he gets praise and he will be proud to be a "good dog". He will also learn that when he pulls and turns, life is pretty darn boring. He must sit for at least a minute, being completely ignored and he will change his behavior so that does not happen to him.
Soon, you will then be able to walk much longer before you need to stop and reassure him that he is doing good. Once he learns what is expected and is used to this training, you should be able to walk for at least 10 minutes or so before stopping to give a small treat, pats and words of praise.
You Pug may be afraid to cross the road because of oncoming cars. However, when you cross a road try to do so when cars are far away. Talk to your Pug as you cross the road, making sure that the tone of your voice is a soothing and calm tone. Your Pug will pick up on clues from you about what is dangerous and what is not. Make your dog feel safe with your words and your confident stride while crossing the road. Be sure to give that great praise whenever he does walk across without pulling or turning.
Within a week or so, you should have a Pug who walks perfectly beside you as the best walking companion a person could have!
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