You couldn’t decide between one or two puppies, so you decided to get two puppies. Nothing is more fun than watching your puppies play, sleep, eat, and do everything together. When it comes to potty training Pug puppies (more than one), you’re in for some challenges. Let’s take a look at what it’s going to take to properly potty train more than one Pug at once.
Potty Training Pug Puppies
Potty training more than one Pug will allow you to cut corners such as using the same strategies, tools, and treats you use to house train one puppy, but this time for two.
As mentioned, it’s going to be harder with two puppies, but it is possible to successfully train them. We’ve put together this huge resource for potty training Pugs to help you raise a well-behaved canine member of your family.
*This page contains affiliate links to products I recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you
Potty Training Two Pug Puppies: What Can Go Wrong?
But first, let’s take a look at some of the issues you can face when trying to potty more than one Pug puppy at once. Here are some of the other potty training issues you can have with just one pup.
If you know what to expect, you’ll be able to anticipate any behavioral challenges and how to deal with it when training or socializing your new Pug puppies.
Here are some of the common behavior problems in puppies raised together:
- Not coming when called
- Bonding together and ignoring their human family
- Aggression towards each other
- Chasing problems
- Bad manners such as chewing, digging, stealing, boisterous
- Severe separation anxiety when you leave
- Anxious or timid when they are separated
- One puppy may learn faster than the other
The reason that raising multiple puppies at once causes so many behavioral disorders, is they usually develop a stronger bond with each other than with their humans. This makes them more reluctant to learn from humans as the other other puppy is much more fun.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t train them, because you can. Just know that it’s going to take a lot of time, patience, and love.
How To Train Two Or More Pug Puppies At Once
Are you not sure how to start potty training your Pug? Learn how to potty train any dog in 7 Days or Less!
When it comes to adopting two Pug puppies at once, you’ll want to take the following steps to make it easier on you and curb behavior issues that can easily manifest from potty training multiple dogs at once.
#1 Figure Out Their Personality
Like humans, every dog is unique and has different personalities. This means that one puppy may learn better one way, while the other puppy may need more hands-on and more time to learn how to use the bathroom outside.
For instance, one puppy may go potty as soon as you take them to their spot. While the second one may want to sniff around or become easily distracted.
Be patient with your pups until you find out what training method works best for your new pups. Don’t be afraid to change up the potty training process, especially, if one pup is more stubborn than the other. Here’s a guide to potty training a stubborn Pug.
#2 Train Them Separately
Trying to train two dogs at the same time will only drive you crazy. They likely won’t listen to you and will spend time playing and ignoring you. When you train them separately, they’ll learn to listen and communicate to you, instead of being distracted by the other puppy.
It’s important that they have really good communication with you as individuals. They will likely be able to focus better and learn better without the distraction of the second one.
While you’re working with one puppy, the other one can spend time with a human member of the family. You can also put the other dog on a leash and have them stand away from you while they watch the other one being trained. This can help teach the other what is expected and may help make the process of being potty trained faster.
#3 Use A Feeding Schedule
When it comes to feeding time, you’ll want to feed them both at the same time each day. Having a consistent feeding schedule will keep your puppies on the same elimination routine. This makes it easier to know when you need to take them outside.
You’ll want to create a feeding schedule that allows your puppies to eat two-three times every day. Puppies that are less than 14 weeks of age, should be fed three times. Once your puppy reaches 15-18 weeks of age, they can be fed twice daily.
Breakfast should be served after going potty outside first thing in the morning.
If you feed them three times, you’ll want to feed them around noon. Dinner, or the last meal of the day should be fed no later than 5:30 p.m., so they have enough time to use the toilet before going to bed.
Always feed your puppies in their own bowl, otherwise, it can lead to aggression or one pup not getting enough to eat. Check out some of the best bowls for Pugs that will make feeding time so much easier.
#4 Crate Them Separately At Night
Crate training can make potty training so much easier! That being said, you’ll want to make sure you buy two separate crates for your puppies. Many pet owners make the mistake of buying only one crate, because it saves them money.
However, the crate is going to being your dog’s “den” or private place that allows them to get away from the other one.
Having one crate will usually mean that the crate will be too big for both puppies. This will cause them to poop in the corner and lead to two poop covered pups that need to be bathed.
Instead, invest in two separate crates that are large enough for each pup to stand up, turn around and sit. Having their own crate will help each pup develop into well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs with their own unique personalities.
#5 Reward Each Puppy Individually
When you get home from work, running errands and etc, your puppies will be ready be taken out of the crates and ready to go outside and go potty. This can make it challenging, especially, since they will be extremely hyper and ready to play with each other.
It’s best to have the puppies on a leash and have a second member of the family take one puppy to a separate area to keep them from being distracted. Once the puppies have finished doing their business, then you’ll want to give each one positive feedback such as praise and treats individually.
#6 Constant Monitoring Of Your Pug Puppies
When the puppies are not spending time in their crate, they’ll likely be playing with each other and other members of your household. This means that you’ll want to monitor them closely and take them outside when they need to go outside. Look for signs, such as whining, circling, pacing, and sniffing, and potty body language.
If you find a puddle or number two on the floor, you won’t really know which one did it. Accidents on the floor just means that they need to be supervised better.
You may be tempted to discipline your Pug, but doing so will only make matters worse. If one pup sees the other one being yelled or spanked, they too can become fearful of you. Dogs tend to learn best when you use positive reinforcement instead of punishment.
You’ll also want to invest in a good enzyme-based cleaner to help clean up accidents so they don’t keep going in the same spot.
Bottom Line
Getting more than one puppy can seem like a great thing. But along with the acquisition comes double the training, veterinary costs, food, supplies and etc. If you’re a first-time pet owner, you may want to consider getting one pet at a time.
Once your first puppy is fully housebroken and has learned good manners, you can then get the second Pug. Your second Pug will likely learn faster because you’ll be training them and the new pup will learn from the trained dog.
References And Further Reading
HillsPet – Kara Murphy – Training Two Puppies: How To Succeed