How to Potty Train a Puggle

Puggles are very popular small hybrid dogs (a mixture of a pug and a beagle). They are noted for their intelligence and willingness to please. Puggles are never too old to learn housetraining and some are reported to even know how to use a cat litter box. "ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs" (Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD, 1999) states that the fastest way to train a puppy or adult dog is with a crate.

Things You'll Need

  • Enzyme-based cleaner (for accidents) Dog crate with toys and a soft blanket Litter box with litter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crate Training

    • 1

      Find a spot outside of the house for the puggle's toilet area. Even if you choose to litter-train the puggle, she will still need to go outside. It's best to choose this area before the puggle comes home. Whenever she walks around in circles, sniffing the floor, take her outside to the area. Praise her when she squats.

    • 2

      Choose a dog crate that is large enough for the puggle to lie down on his side. Stock the crate with a soft dog bed or blanket and toys. The goal is to make the crate a special den and not a place to go for punishment. Leave treats in the crate to encourage the puggle to explore it himself. Keep the puggle in the crate when you cannot supervise.

    • 3

      Take the puggle outside when she wakes up, after playing and every two hours if a puppy. Dogs have an instinctive urge to not soil their beds, but adult puggles can't hold their bladders more than eight hours. Praise the puggle whenever possible.

    • 4

      Place the puggle in a cat litter box filled with litter whenever you see him walking around in circles sniffing. Give him a special treat after he squats. This step is only for those who plan on litter training their puggles, but not every puggle gets the idea, especially if he has already been taught to do their business outside.

    • 5

      Take the puggle to a vet if the she is over a year old and still is not housebroken. Also, take the her to the vet if she suddenly starts having accidents in the house after a long time of no accidents. Both of these situations can point to health problems such as colitis or bladder problems.