ARE PUGS GOOD APARTMENT DOGS?

Can I Live in an Apartment with a Pug?

Contrary to popular belief, almost all dog breeds can adapt to apartment living. For the most part, it’s not the available surface area that determines our pets’ wellbeing, but rather the time that we can devote to them. Moreover, some large breed dogs, like the Bernese Mountain Dog, are known for being homebodies that are much better suited to apartment living than smaller, more athletic breeds, like the Beagle.

But what about the Pug specifically? The Pug is a small dog, classified by The Kennel Club in The Toy Breed Group, which consists of small companion or lap dogs. As a companion dog, Pugs enjoy the comfort of the sofa, an armchair, or their dog bed. They will be perfectly happy wiling away the days peacefully in an apartment, regardless of the size. These doggies just want to be close to their owners! Thanks to their particularly affectionate and gentle temperament, Pugs develop a close bond with their humans. Additionally, these dogs are not very athletic so do not require a lot of exercise; your Pug will be quite content with a leisurely stroll each day. In any case, it can be dangerous for Pugs to do too much exercise, due to their flattened muzzle which can cause breathing problems. 

However, just because the Pug is perfectly suited to apartment living on paper doesn't mean there aren’t factors to consider. Apartment living with any dog involves a few adjustments to make the situation comfortable and enjoyable for all parties involved.

How Do I Adapt to Living in an Apartment with a Pug?

First and foremost, it’s essential that you provide your Pug with enough games and toys to keep them occupied while you’re gone. Left alone for too long, your Pug will quickly become bored which could lead to them developing problematic behaviours, such as chewing the furniture or barking incessantly. Unfortunately, this could cause issues with your neighbours. To avoid finding yourself in such a situation, consider purchasing brain games like puzzles for your Pug.

Also, be sure to buy the appropriate accessories for your pooch. Your Pug’s dog bed should be perfectly adapted to their small size—neither too big nor too small—and be comfortable enough to provide a good night’s sleep. Buy sturdy dog bowls for food and water, and clean them regularly.

Next, you need to teach your Pug how to be alone. This is an essential step in your dog’s training, without which they would feel abandoned and lonely. Start this training as soon as you welcome your new puppy home, at the age of two months old. Begin with short absences of five minutes at a time: leaving the room, for example. Don’t act any differently towards your Pug when you return (no cuddles or treats!); you want your pup to see you coming and going as a normal part of life, not a special occasion. Gradually increase the duration of your absences, until your Pug can be left alone for a few hours at a time. Be careful, though. You don’t want to push it too far either. Dogs are not made to be alone for hours on end, no matter the breed. We don’t recommend you adopt a Pug if you do not have enough time to devote to them or you spend a lot of time away from home.

Take your Pug out for regular walks to get a little exercise. If you can, try to come home for lunch to see your Pug or ask a friend or neighbour to pop in on your dog. You could even hire a dog sitter! Don’t take your dog outside when it’s very hot or very cold, however, because Pugs are very sensitive to extreme temperatures. Nonetheless, this little toy dog still needs to stretch its paws often enough to stay balanced. And, as a dog owner, it’s your job to do everything you can to take good care of it.

Finally, to avoid accidents, it’s important to potty train your Pug. Potty training is a little more complicated in an apartment than in a house with a garden; you can't simply open a door to let your dog outside to relieve themselves. But anything is possible with a few small adaptations and a little patience! Start by taking your puppy out after every meal, nap, playtime, and when they wake up in the morning. Show your pooch where to do their business and praise them every time they go to the toilet outside. There will, of course, always be accidents, but try not to get angry with your Pug if they poop in the house, especially if the accident happened while you were gone. Dog training should always be based on a positive, rewards-based approach. Pugs are intelligent and will eventually understand what you want from them.