Puggle Training Problems

A puggle is a designer mixed breed created by mating a pug with a beagle. This results in a high-energy lap dog. They are generally small and have short hair, with a thick body. Puggles are energetic and intelligent. These are both characteristics that can make for an excellent companion pet and, at the same time, one that is challenging to train. Puggles love being with their humans of all ages and, when well-trained, steal the hearts of their family.

  1. Expert Insight

    • Breeders having experience with puggles agree that they can be a joy. However, if they are not trained consistently or properly, they can turn your house into their domain. Puggles are assertive, and can become aggressive when there is a lack of training. The most common problems to be aware of are barking, ankle biting, chewing, digging and aggression. All of these can be solved through consistent training. When bringing a puggle into your home, be aware of the time and patience needed to turn this dog into the perfect addition to your family.

    Barking

    • Puggles inherit their barking, and sometimes howling, tendencies from their beagle parent. The barking is mainly a "hello," or to alert their family of strangers coming into the home. The howling is a curious sound the first time you hear it, but it can quickly become annoying. When your puggle barks, stop what you are doing, hold up one finger, and in a low, firm voice, say "Stop." Make eye contact with your dog when doing this. Repeat the word "Stop" again if needed. It is essential to offer verbal praise as soon as the barking stops. This shows him that this is important to you. Do this every time. Soon, your dog should respond after just seeing your finger raised.

    Ankle Biting

    • Ankle biting can be corrected with the same techniques as used for barking. Ankle biting usually occurs when your dog senses that you are leaving. Remember, puggles want to be with their people, this is what makes them happy. Creating routines in your household can help lessen your puggle's separation anxiety. Remember to be consistent in the training and spend adequate time with playing with your puggle.

    Chewing

    • All puppies chew. Puggles chew a lot. So give your puggle appropriate things to chew on. Bones and a variety of chew toys work well. Do not expect chew toys to last. The purpose of chew toys is to be chewed up so your belongings are not. Putting treats or peanut butter inside of a toy or on a bone can lengthen the entertainment time of a certain chew item. This will address the chewing need, and be fun as well.

    Digging

    • Beagles dig--so puggles will dig. Making sure your puggle has enough exercise each day will help eliminate the digging that is done due to boredom. Taking two walks or runs a day with your dog is ideal. Playing fetch will exercise and entertain your puggle. These activities also make your puggle happy because he is with you. By having access to a yard, your puggle can also run and play while you are not with him. Boredom is a main cause of destructive behavior in any dog, so provide him with toys, an area to run and things to keep him busy.

    Aggression

    • Puggles, especially males, can be aggressive towards other male dogs. The fact that puggles are social dogs can make it easy to correct this behavior. Your puggle wants to be with you, other people and other dogs. If he is removed or ignored after being aggressive, it will become clear not to do that. If aggressive behavior is allowed to continue it can become dangerous for your dog, other dogs, or your family and friends. You must be consistent in this training, and do not ever reward your puggle with attention after an aggressive behavior.