With their big personalities and love of human company, Pugs are natural-born charmers. Loyal, affectionate and often downright hilarious, they thrive on connection, but their independent streak can turn even the simplest commands into a test of patience.
Getting through to a Pug takes more than just treats and repetition. It’s about understanding what drives them, working with their quirks, and supporting their learning in ways that stick — from the right kind of engagement to fuelling their focus with real food.
Pug temperament and trainability
Pugs are affectionate, social, and comically mischievous. They’re known for their loyalty and eagerness to please — but they also love to do things their way. While their intelligence gives them the capacity to learn quickly, their stubborn nature can be challenging.
Toilet training, may take patience, especially due to their small bladder size and sensitivity to changes in routine. However, with consistency and positive reinforcement, Pugs can become well-mannered and responsive companions.
Don’t be discouraged by occasional resistance. With the right motivation (and a bit of humour) your Pug can thrive in training sessions and develop strong lifelong habits.
Health considerations that can affect training
Pugs are spirited companions, but a few breed-specific health issues can affect their comfort, focus, and overall trainability.
They can be prone to:
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
Due to their flat faces and shortened airways, Pugs can experience breathing difficulties and reduced exercise tolerance.
Try this:
Avoid over-exercising your pup, especially in hot weather, as they can overheat quickly.
Obesity
Obesity, or excess weight, can be common in small breeds resulting from overfeeding and under-exercising. Carrying extra weight can put stress on joints, decrease motivation to exercise and impact your dog’s ability to focus during training. Over time, excess weight can also affect mood, energy levels and overall health.
Try this:
Opt for Lyka’s custom-portioned, nutrient-dense meals that provide steady energy without excess calories. When it comes to feeding treats, they should equate to less than 10% of their calories for the day. Consider single protein treats like Lyka Chicky Chews or Beefy Bites, or you can even give them fresh raw carrots or blueberries straight from your fridge.
Read more: Lyka's vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and video)
Joint conditions
Joint issues, including patellar luxation and hip dysplasia, can impact your pup's mobility and willingness to participate in physical activities.
Try this:
You can help your pup’s joints by providing a complete and balanced diet with high-quality protein and omega fatty acids (like Lyka), establishing an appropriate exercise routine, and maintaining a healthy weight.
If your Pug appears disengaged or easily distracted during training, it’s worth checking in with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help?
How real food fuels your pug’s focus
Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information.
Pugs benefit from:
Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which help release energy slowly
Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil), which support brain development, memory, and learning
Fresh, bioactive nutrients, from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms, to support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing
“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.”
– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health.
Exercise first for improved focus
Although Pugs aren’t built for long-distance running, a bit of gentle exercise before training can help them burn off excess energy and improve concentration.
Aim for:
Short, slow walks, ideally in the morning or evening when it’s cooler
Light indoor play, like fetch with a soft toy or a tug session
Avoid overexertion, especially in warm weather, and always monitor their breathing during activity.
Training tips for Pugs
Training a Pug can be equal parts comedy and chaos — but with patience and a playful approach, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best:
Positive reinforcement
This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your Pug how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship.
Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your pup, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat.
Find their favourite motivator
Discovering your dog’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Pug motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you?
Lyka’s Piggy Training Perks are a high-value, low-calorie treat that’s designed to keep your pup motivated and rewarded during training.
Train at the right time
Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered.
Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue.
Stay consistent
Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues.
Be playful and engaging
Dogs can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious.
Watch their body language
If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another point.
Training your pug puppy
Pug puppies can be mischievous little clowns with a curious nature — but training doesn’t come instantly. House training is a top priority, followed closely by socialisation and basic commands like sit, stay, and leave it.
What works?
A regular toilet routine
Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime
Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, and environments
Pugs are especially sensitive to harsh corrections, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence.
Training your adult pug
Just because your Pug’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced.
This might look like:
Reinforcing polite greetings at the door
Learning new tricks or games
Adjusting to life changes, like moving house
Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years
Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning they’re capable of learning at any age. Keep training light and engaging, and celebrate progress — no matter how small.
When to call in a trainer or behaviourist
Not sure if your Pug’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper?
A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like:
Reactivity
Anxiety or phobias
Aggression
Resource guarding
They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change.
“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”
—Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Training your Pug is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together.
And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Pug’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Pugs across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
