You called your little Pug, but he doesn’t come? Don’t worry, you’re not alone in that struggle. Many owners have difficulty getting their Pugs to follow them.
So what can you do if your Pug will not come when called?
Today, we’ll be talking about this problem and how to fix it.
Table of Contents
Why Do Pugs Ignore You?
These little dogs are independent. They’ll want to explore different places and spots. But it can be problematic when they explore dangerous areas.
Training them can ensure they follow your commands. But not always. Some may still not come when called. Here are some reasons why.
Stubbornness and Disobedience
Pugs are gentle little dogs that are sweet and devoted to their owners. But they have a bad reputation for being stubborn. This is one thing you need to remember when you’re getting a Pug.
This dog’s stubbornness comes out more when they are being trained. And stubbornness may lead to disobedience. Not coming when called is one of their ways of showing that.
According to DogTime.com, their behavior can fall between passive and active disobedience. Passive disobedience is when they don’t come and do anything else. Meanwhile, active disobedience is when they don’t come and don’t do so for a long time.
Lack of Training
Unfortunately, not every dog owner knows the importance of dog training. If your Pug lacks training, they will not acknowledge commands. That can include calling out to them.
Our training methods can also affect our dogs. Negative training will not teach your dogs how to behave. That said, never kick, hit, or even yell at your dog.
Be a responsible dog owner. Before you own one, make sure you’re well aware of how to train them properly.
Apprehensiveness
If your dog doesn’t come, it’s likely that they’re apprehensive of you? Why is that? It only means you have done something bad before—whether intentional or unintentionally.
Intentionally punishing them before for coming will make them learn not to come.
Additionally, calling them for something they don’t want can also cause disobedience.
For example, your Pug is afraid of lemons. If you call them just to show them one, this will stick with them. They will associate coming to you with the thing they hate. Thus, they will not come at all.
Something Is More Interesting
Dogs are naturally curious. Pugs are, especially, easily distracted little creatures.
They will not come when called when they find something more interesting. Offer them something more worthwhile. Giving them treats can make them come to you faster.
Not Understanding Your Signals
When you train your dog to come by calling their name, do not expect that it will come when you only whistle. Unlike humans, your dog will not understand many signals. Your Pug may not understand that you’re whistling for them to come.
They learn by association, so if they’re used to something, they’ll only act on that alone. That said, use signals and language they understand.
How to Fix This Behavior
It’s normal to get frustrated when your dog doesn’t follow you. But here are our tips to help you train your Pugs to come when called.
Use Consistent Signals
Choose a signal to use when training your Pug to come. You can use the word “Come” or “Here” as signals. Once you have chosen a word, phrase, or sound, use it consistently throughout the training.
Using different signals every time will be confusing for your dog. If you want them to react to another command, train them with its separately.
Positive Association
If you know of the Pavlov theory, it’s easier to understand how to train your dogs. Basically, it’s a learning condition wherein a stimulus is used to elicit a certain behavior. In fact, it’s the fundamental key of training your Pug or any dog breed.
What you do is reward your dog for an action. Normally, it’s a treat or a praise and cuddle.
If you say the word “Come” and they approach you, give them a treat. You can also use their favorite activities. For example, if your dog loves walking outside, grab their leash and say “Come.”
Your dog is conditioned to react to your command. When they hear the word “Come,” they know acting on it will bring good things.
Get Low
Pugs are small dogs. They will be more apprehensive of something bigger than them. That may include you.
But that is easy to fix. Simply kneel or bow down so you’re smaller and you meet them eye to eye better. Make your presence welcoming. Smile and open your arms to meet them.
Conclusion
You’re not the only one struggling with training your dog. But f your Pug will not come when called, it’s best that you immediately take action. This disobedience can be dangerous for other people and for them.
