You love your new Pug puppy, but you had no clue they would be so stubborn. This is making it very hard to potty train and get them to do anything you want. Before you throw in the towel, let’s take a closer look at how to potty train a stubborn Pug.
You can use these tips for all types of training, but they are extremely useful when potty training Pugs.
How To Potty Train A Stubborn Pug?
Potty training a stubborn dog is going to require more patience than the average dog. All dogs can be hard to potty train, but when you’re dealing with an extremely stubborn dog, it can feel like you’re never going to win.
Don’t give up, there’s hope even for the most challenging dogs! You’ll just have to approach potty training differently than you would for a dog that isn’t as stubborn.
We’ll share some tips below to help you get the results you want. Just remember, it’s not going to happen overnight or in a few weeks.
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How Much Time Will It Take To Train A Stubborn Pug?
Are you not sure how to start potty training your Pug? Learn how to potty train any dog in 7 Days or Less!
Unfortunately, I can’t tell you how long it will take to train a willful dog. The timeline for potty training a Pug will vary from dog to dog. However, when you’re dealing with a stubborn puppy or adult dog, it can take twice as long.
Trying to rush through the “training sessions” will only lead to frustration and disaster. Your puppy won’t understand what you want from them and will continue peeing in the house. You’ll continue getting frustrated and may even punish your puppy, which will only cause them to become fearful of you and start hiding their accidents.
This vicious cycle can continue on and on if you don’t learn how to train a stubborn Pug. The process is going to be long and hard, but eventually, your four-legged friend will eventually learn and you’ll see success.
Tips For Training A Stubborn Pug
These are the same tips we used when training our Pug Mindy. She was a willfull little pup, but eventually grew out of the stubbornness.
Hopefully, they help you potty train your stubborn little one!
#1 Be Very Patient
Potty training any dog requires patience, but a stubborn dog needs even more. You can’t rush the process and you already know that your dog is extremely hard headed, so you have to accept that.
When you take your pup outside, you can’t rush the process. Give your puppy the amount of time they need. They will likely want to sniff around for several minutes before going. Sometimes, they won’t even go and may just sit down and stare at you.
If this happens, you can take your puppy back inside, make sure you don’t let them out of your eyesight. You’ll also want to take them back outside in 5-10 minutes.
A stubborn dog will want to use the toilet when they’re ready, not just because you want them to.
#2 Create A Routine
I know that it can be frustrating when you take your puppy outside at the same time everyday only to take them back inside because they refuse to do their business.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t create a regular routine for your pup. Dog’s thrive on routine and as long as you keep taking your pup out at the same time to the same spot, eventually, they will give in and will do what you want them to do.
#3 Stay Consistent
It’s easy to think what’s the use of taking my Pug out this morning, she doesn’t seem to be learning. It may not seem like that, but as long as you keep taking Fido out is a waste of time, your puppy will eventually learn what you expect.
If you give up too soon, all the work you’ve put into the training will be a waste. If you’ve been using verbal commands like “go potty” make sure you keep using it from start to finish.
Changing the verbal command or anything else in the training will only cause confusion for your pup. If you share the potty training responsibility with anyone in your house, make sure they are using the same commands and taking your pup to the same spot every time.
#4 Positive Reinforcement Works Best
Accidents are going to happen, regardless of whether you have a stubborn Pug or not. When it does happen, refrain from sticking your dog’s nose in it or spanking them.
Hitting, yelling or punishing your puppy will only create anxiety, aggression, and fear. Punishment won’t work and it will only cause your pooch to fear you and start using the bathroom in spots you won’t find for days.
Yes, I know that it can get on your nerves that you just took your puppy out and as soon as you bring them back in the house they pee.
Remember, Pugs are companion dogs and they want to please YOU!
Training takes a lot of patience and love from you so before they can understand what you expect from them.
So put away the rolled-up newspaper or spray water bottle and grab some Pug treats, clicker, or toys to see how quickly they learn.
This is how positive training works, when you’re using it with potty training.
The next time your dog uses the potty in their spot, immediately praise her/him with lots of praise and treats. Let them know how happy you are they just went potty.
Praise your dog like there’s no tomorrow and make it a big celebration. If you do it correctly, your Pug will be so excited, they’ll be wagging their tail and be so excited from the attention you’re giving them.
When your pooch does have an accident, make sure you clean it up with an enzymatic urine cleaner, to prevent them from going in the same spot again.
#5 Keep Your Pug Focused
Puppies are easily distracted, especially when you’re dealing with a stubborn one. Make sure you choose a potty spot that has very little distractions.
Pick up any sticks, trash, toys, or anything else that can tempt your puppy to play or chew. Always use a leash to prevent them from walking all over the yard instead of focusing on doing their business.
A leash can also keep your dog safe if you don’t have a fenced in backyard or live in an apartment complex with tons of distractions.
#6 Make It A Habit
Potty training your pup should become a habit like brushing your teeth for you. Doing it for a week and then forgetting about it won’t do any good.
According to Argos Dog Training, it can take a dog 21-28 days to learn a new habit. Dogs learn through consistency and association.
Remember when Pavlov taught a dog that every time they heard a bell it was time to eat?
The training was known as classical conditioning and works for all dogs, even stubborn ones. So stay consistent with the training until your dog picks up the new habit you’re trying to teach them.
#7 Consider Hiring A Trainer
Finally, if you’ve followed all these steps and your stubborn Pug just doesn’t seem to be learning, it’s time to hire a trainer or get expert advice. Hiring an expert can go a long way, especially, if your pooch is showing signs of anxiety, fear or aggression.
Hire an expert that has a lot of great reviews or get recommendations from people you know. He/she will be able to guide you and your dog to happiness.
I personally recommend every pet owner train their dog by themselves, it not only helps you bond with your pup but teaches you how to interact with your puppy. This puppy training kit will teach you everything you need to know how to train your Pug without having to hire an expensive dog trainer.
Final Word
Hopefully, these tips will help you train your stubborn Pug. It may take time to teach your pooch the new habit, but once they learn, you’ll never have to worry about them messing in the house. You’ll also love the fact that you can teach your Pug anything, regardless of how stubborn they are!