The Day I Learned to Listen to My Pug: A Lesson Every Owner Should Know
June 15, 2025
Let’s have a heart-to-heart.
You most likely have a small, crinkly, unyielding ball of love running around your house, making unexpected puddles everywhere you look. You adore your pug. I know that. I’ve been there. That face? Those eyes? That little curly tail that wiggles when they’re proud of something you really wish they weren’t proud of? It’s pure magic.
But potty training them?
Yeah… it’s war.
A rollercoaster of emotions that puts your patience, sanity, and carpet cleaning budget to the test. Trial and error, small victories, and large disasters are all part of the journey. You’re not alone, despite the fact that it may seem like you’re the only person in the world who is cleaning pee with one eye open at two in the morning.
Let me walk with you. They are not just “tips”; they are lifelines from someone who has made it through the chaos and come out on the other side with clean rugs, a bonded puppy, and a few more jokes.
First, let’s dive right in.
Pugs don’t do well with guesswork. They prefer to be aware of what is going to happen, when it will happen, and how it will operate. So if you want your little puglet to learn when and where to go potty, routine isn’t optional. It’s the blueprint for success.
Feed them at the same times. Take them to the potty spot first thing in the morning, after naps, after meals, before bedtime, and any time they look a little too interested in that corner behind the couch.
They’ll start to connect the timing. It’s about trust, not just about repetition. You’re showing up for them the same way, every day. They sense that, too.
Whether you’re training your pug to go outside or on a pee pad indoors, the spot you choose matters more than you think. Decide on one location and make a commitment. Don’t change it up because it’s raining or because the lighting in that corner of your apartment isn’t cute. It’s not a design decision. Your pug needs consistency, and this is their bathroom.
The smell, the location, and the feel all tell their brain that this is where the magic happens. The “good potty” resides here.
And when they get it right? Cue the confetti.
Celebrate when they get it right, even if it’s just once. Really put it on thick, I mean. Make a verbal parade out of nothing. Make use of the baby voice you vowed never to use. Clap. Jump up and down. Do whatever it takes to show them this was the right move.
Pugs crave your praise more than anything. They live for your love. And if they believe they have won your approval? They’ll try again. And again. Beneath that obstinate sass, your pug wants to do good; they just need to know when they’ve done it correctly.
Nobody likes to admit it, but accidents are a necessary part of the process.
They’ll pee inside. They will do it while staring you in the eye. It will also cause you to doubt everything. But punishment or scolding doesn’t teach them anything except fear and confusion.
Instead, clean it up. Say nothing. And move on.
You’re not failing. You’re learning. And so are they.
Love them through it. Love yourself through it. This is development. It may not be pretty all the time, but it’s real.
When used properly, a crate transforms from a cage into a sanctuary. It provides your pug with a comfortable, secure area to rest and recover while teaching them how to hold their bladder.
Make it inviting. Add a soft blanket, a toy, and maybe a t-shirt that smells like you. Let them ease into it. Don’t force it. Never use it as punishment. This is their bedroom, not a timeout corner.
They will eventually enter there by themselves, choosing to be quiet and rest. The moment it clicks, it’s stunning.
Though not verbally, your pug is constantly communicating with you. Before they go potty, most will show some kind of “tell.” They might start circling, sniffing in one spot, whining softly, or pacing with this oddly guilty look on their face.
Learn those signs. Don’t wait for the squat. As soon as you see it, scoop them up and take them to the potty spot. Timing is everything. Catching them before or during the act and getting them to the right place is a victory.
Read their cues as though they were whispering their needs to you. Because they are.
Pick a phrase and use it each time they make a deposit, whether it’s “go potty,” “do your business,” or something goofy like that. They will eventually come to associate that phrase with both the act and your encouragement.
Don’t repeat it twenty times. Once is enough. Let the environment, the timing, and your calm vibe do the rest.
Words have power. When said with love and consistency, they become bridges between species.
It’s not safe or considerate to completely cut off water. However, it’s a good idea to gradually cut back on water consumption two hours before bed.
It’s not punishment. It’s prevention. Less water before sleep equals fewer accidents overnight.
Keep the hydration flowing during the day. Just pull back slowly in the evening and take them for one last potty trip before tucking them in. It’s a rhythm. A ritual. And it makes a difference.
Mornings and nights set the tone. Right when they wake up? Straight to the potty spot. No distractions. No cuddles yet. Just business. Same thing right before bed.
Make it part of your daily dance. A calm, expected moment. They will learn that this is what we do.
Pugs love a little ceremony. Give them that, and they’ll meet you halfway.
Here’s the real truth: potty training isn’t just about where your pug pees.
It’s about trust. Connection. Growth. You’re building a language. You’re earning their understanding. You’re becoming their safe space.
Yes, it’s frustrating. Yes, there will be tears (theirs and yours). However, there will be breakthroughs as well, brief but brilliant moments when they understand and you can see the pride in their eyes.
Let those moments fuel you. Celebrate every step. Keep going.
This isn’t just about training a dog. It’s about raising a friend. A little spirit that will accompany you for years to come, through joy and sorrow, through long snoozes and louder yaps.
You’re teaching them more than just where to use the restroom. You’re teaching them how to coexist with you. How you can be trusted. How can someone with short legs feel safe in a world that can seem so big?
So hang in there. Continue to show up. Wipe the floor, and then smile.
Because it will eventually dawn on you that weeks have passed since the last accident. You’ll look at that sweet, proud face, and you’ll remember how far you both have come.
You’ve got this.
And your pug? They always have you covered.
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