The Day I Learned to Listen to My Pug: A Lesson Every Owner Should Know
June 15, 2025
Let’s not pretend. Brushing your pug doesn’t feel like some magical bonding ritual when you’re halfway through it. It feels like negotiating peace with a royal toddler who might scream, fart, sneeze, or all three at once.
We both know they secretly enjoy the attention, even though they act as though you’re taking away their happiness. Their Oscar moment is that pug stare, which is dramatic, accusing, and full of treachery. Brushing them, however, is absolutely necessary. Not just to keep your black jeans from turning beige, but because they need it. They need you.
So let’s brush our way through the sass. Together.
You’d think short hair equals less shedding, right? Rookie mistake. Pugs shed like it’s their full-time job. It is ubiquitous, much like glitter. The couch, your lap, your breakfast.
But brushing isn’t just about saving your vacuum from an early death. It helps distribute their natural oils, keeps their skin healthy, and turns their coat into buttery-soft velvet. Plus, it lets you spot weird bumps or scratches before they become problems.
And perhaps the most crucial element? It fosters trust. Even when they look at you like you’re ruining their week.
First things first: avoid ambushing them. You can’t just storm in waving a brush like it’s a sword. You must create the atmosphere. Make it chill. Peaceful. Maybe even play some lofi or nature sounds. Yes, really.
Pick a peaceful area where they frequently congregate. Somewhere without slippery floors, bright lights, or distractions. Let them sniff the brush. Let them feel like they’re part of the plan.
Talk to them. Give them a heads-up like, “Hey buddy, it’s brush time. You’re going to look fabulous.” Are they going to understand? Not a word. But they’ll feel your energy, and that matters more.
You don’t need a full-on grooming studio. Just a few solid tools and some bribes:
A rubber curry brush or soft bristle brush for daily use
A gentle deshedding tool once a week (think: FURminator lite)
Wipes or a soft cloth for wrinkle-cleaning
Treats that your pug would commit crimes for
A towel for the inevitable “why are we like this” moment
Pro tip? Keep it nearby. If you leave mid-session to grab something, your pug will absolutely use that moment to escape.
Start slow. Apply the brush as though you were massaging their back. Not too hard. You’re infatuated with a little potato with legs, not sanding furniture.
Go with the fur, never against. Work from the neck down, hitting the back, sides, belly, and those tiny little legs that kick when they’re happy-annoyed. Be extra gentle around the armpits and tail.
And then there’s the face. Oh, the face.
Although those folds are adorable, they are also tiny dirt traps. So clean them. Lovingly.
Use a damp cloth or dog-safe wipe and gently lift each fold. Don’t rush. Dab the inside, then go back in with a dry cloth. Imagine it as a kind, considerate, and effective way to pat down royalty.
Never let moisture sit in there. That’s bacteria’s happy hour.
They’ll probably grunt. Maybe snort. Possibly throw a little tantrum. But stay calm. You’re just showing love, one wrinkle at a time.
Once it’s over, act like they just conquered Everest. Hype them up.
Give them their favorite treat. Toss a toy. Speak in a high-pitched voice like you just saw a baby goat. Make it a whole event. Give your pugs a curtain call; they love a good show.
And most importantly, don’t immediately chase them around with the vacuum. Let them live in the glow of their fresh look for a few minutes.
Here’s your cheat sheet:
Brush 2 to 3 times a week if you want a cleaner house and a shinier pug
Deep-brush once a week, especially during shedding season
Wipe down those facial folds every few days (non-negotiable)
Set a reminder if you have to. Like laundry or meal preparation, incorporate it into your week. You’ll thank yourself. So will your pug. Still, probably with a snort and a side-eye.
This isn’t just about cleaning them up. It’s about caring for them.
Let’s be honest. You’re not brushing your pug just to keep the hair off your shirt. This is one of the ways you speak their language, and you’re doing it because they’re your little oddball soulmate.
It might start with eye-rolls and snorts, but it ends with trust. With softness. Then, with a subtle scent of comfort and coconut dog shampoo, they curl up beside you.
This is the real stuff. Not Instagram-perfect. Not drama-free. But full of love.
So brush the fur. Wipe the wrinkles. Give the treat. And repeat the process in a few days because that’s how you show up for your dog.
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