Pug Potty Training With a Crate and Leash

by Michelle E. Arthur

Most Pugs lack the opportunity to roam a large backyard at will. They’re more likely to spend the day indoors while their family members are away at work and school. This can make sticking to a potty training schedule more difficult.

A combination of crate and leash training works for some Pugs. If the adult Pug is new to your family or returning home after time in a kennel while you were away, you may have to reinforce his potty training.

One way to train is by using a crate during the day and incorporate a leash that isn’t too restricting when you are at home with your Pug. Keeping your Pug locked up and unable to roam around all day is not really the best answer – but it is a part of the training 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.

Take time off or spend a weekend carefully watching your Pug and make note of any signs that he needs to use the bathroom. Typically, a Pug will shake, act antsy or even begin to squat. These signs mean that you need to quit whatever you are doing and lead your Pug to a safe spot to do his business.

If your Pug does a good job and uses the bathroom the way you have hoped for, be sure to praise him for his efforts. This type of positive reinforcement helps your puppy learn exactly what to do to make you happy.

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.

An older Pug probably has better bladder control than a puppy, so he can usually go longer periods between potty breaks. However, your Pug may have a urinary tract infection, diarrhea or other medical problem that’s the real cause of his 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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