Pom-A-Pug

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: October 22nd, 2018

About Pom-A-Pug

Height

8-13 inches

Weight

7-15 lb

Lifespan

12-16 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Seniors, singles, families with or without children, people living in an apartment

Temperament

Friendly, energetic, loyal, affectionate, sweet, playful

Comparable Breeds

Pug, Pomeranian

Pom-A-Pug Basics

You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who isn’t charmed by the wrinkly Pug or the fluffy Pomeranian. So, it’s no wonder that their mixed offspring, the adorable Pom-A-Pug is one of the most popular designer dog breeds out there! Also known as Pomapug, Puguranian, Pugapom, Pugpom, or Pug-Pom, this hybrid dog is small in stature but with a big personality. Pom-A-Pug dogs are known to be smart, loyal and very affectionate. If socialized on time, they make wonderful family pets, and get along with kids and other furry family members.

Due to extreme differences in the looks between the parental breeds, it’s almost impossible to predict how Pom-A-Pug puppies will turn out looking when they grow up. Even across one litter, the variations can be mind-boggling: some puppies might favor the brachycephalic Pug more than the foxy-faced Pomeranian, while others might inherit longer hair rather than a closely clipped coat. This means that there are no guarantees when it comes to the appearance of Pom-A-Pug, but one thing’s for sure- you’ll adore your new furry best friend, regardless of which parent they look like more.

Pom-A-Pug dogs are known to be smart, loyal and very affectionate.

Origin

Not unlike all designer dog breeds, the Pom-A-Pug has a mysterious past. While there have been a lot of “accidents” over the years which gave us Puguranian puppies even before we had the name for them, it’s only recently that breeders began developing this hybrid dog intentionally. It’s estimated that first litters gotten by purposely crossing a Pomeranian with a Pug were created in the United States, sometime in the last two decades, when crossbreeding became a popular practice.

Of course, the fact that we dub the origin of the Pom-A-Pug as mysterious doesn’t mean that same goes for his ancestors. Both the Pomeranian and the Pug were first recognized as breeds centuries ago when their petite stature and lovable characters earned them a place in the lap of nobles and aristocrats. Many generations after, these dog breeds remain one of the most loved and popular pets across the world.

Pedigree

For a breeder to obtain pedigree papers for a puppy, they have to be recognized by the American Kennel Club or another official canine organization in their country. However, designer dogs, in general, are still not recognized as official breeds, which makes it impossible for the Pom-A-Pug or any other hybrid to have a pedigree. However, the fact that the puppy doesn’t have a pedigree won’t mean that its parents don’t. In fact, a reputable breeder will be able to give you information about your new puppy’s family tree and the line they originated from. Sometimes, if the parents have a show-quality pedigree, it can impact the price of their puppies.

Either way, if a breeder doesn’t seem willing to provide this information or doesn’t have papers for his Pom or Pug, it’s likely that they’re a puppy mill. Buying from a backyard breeder is strongly discouraged, as this supports their inhumane practices and makes it more likely for your new pet to be sick and prone to various issues throughout their life.

Food/Diet

Picking out the right food for your Pom-A-Pug pet won’t be hard. Same as all dogs, these mixed breed pooches also require a well-balanced diet consisting of high-quality, nutritive pet food. The most common choice is relying on commercial dry dog food to satisfy your pet’s need for vitamins and nutrients, and most blends designed for small dogs of moderate activity level will be a good fit. Additionally, you can introduce wet canned food to make their kibble more appetizing or homecooked meals as an occasional treat.

Another important thing to know about the Pom-A-Pug and their diet is that these designer dogs are greedy eaters. They’re not terribly picky and they’re very treat motivated, which can lead to potential health issues if their owner fails to restrain their incredible appetite. Treating your pooch to yummies can be a good training aid, but don’t overdo it- the Pom-A-Pug easily gains weight. Obesity-related health problems are particularly common among small breed dogs, so portion out their meals according to their needs, and not their wants.

These small dogs have big appetite- make sure not to to indulge them with too much treats as this can lead to obesity.

Training

The Pom-A-Pug is a people pleaser by nature, treat motivated and incredibly smart. All of these traits make this hybrid dog breed very easy to train. They tend to pick up commands fairly quickly and delight when they see their tricks are making their favorite human happy. With positive reinforcement training method, you could teach your Pom-A-Pug everything from where to go potty to playing dead on command. A little patience and dedication go a long way!

Of course, sometimes the Pom-A-Pug can inherit a stubborn streak from its Pomeranian parent. This can make training slightly more difficult than you’d initially expect, but even in this case, you shouldn’t have any major problems with your training sessions. After all, any dog can be trained if you manage to crack the mystery of what motivates them! Hint: it’s usually a lot of praise or a crunchy meat treat.

Weight

With all designer dogs, the element of surprise is always present. First generation crossbreed puppies are wildly unpredictable when it comes to their appearance, but as the Pomeranian and the Pug are close in size, the weight of the Pom-A-Pug shouldn’t vary much. On average, the Pom-A-Pug weighs between 7 to 15 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

We already know that the Pom-A-Pug is cute as a button, but what about their personality? Is the adorable mix of the Pomeranian and a Pug all looks, no brains? Fortunately, the charming mugs of these pooches are not all the breed has to offer. The Pom-A-Pug combines two breeds that have been developed as companion dogs for centuries. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that their babies have great personalities, as well! The Pom-A-Pug is loving, sweet, playful and friendly. If socialized on time, these designer dogs will love kids, strangers, and other pets from the get-go! Sometimes, though, some of the less appealing parental traits can surface, too. From the Pom in the mix, your puppy can inherit the tendency to bark and act like a big dog trapped in a small body.

Additionally, their devoted and affectionate side can lead to behavior issues, too. Unless they’re taught to feel safe when home alone or crate-trained, the Pom-A-Pug can develop separation anxiety. This destructive behavior can be tough to overcome once it’s there, but timely socialization or a canine companion could be the solution to the problem.

Common Health Problems

Overall, mixed breed dogs and mutts have a reputation for being healthier than their purebred fellows. How about designer dogs? While there is some truth in them being less prone to congenital issues than their parents, it’s not all that easy and guaranteed when it comes to genetics. The Pom-A-Pug is a great example of this. As a hybrid dog, it can either have far fewer health problems than Pomeranian or the Pug, but it can also inherit issues from both of its parents. It’s all about the genetic lottery!

In general, the Pom-A-Pug is prone to a few issues, and a lot will depend on which parental breed the puppy takes up after. For instance, if the Pug’s genes are more dominant, issues common for brachycephalic breeds will be more of a concern than it would if your Pom-A-Pug has a Pom’s foxy snout.

The list of common health problems for this hybrid dog includes dry skin and proneness to allergies, patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), obesity, eye infections, reverse sneezing, and epilepsy. Additionally, as a small dog breed, the Pom-A-Pug is particularly prone to early tooth loss and dental issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene through routine teeth brushing and dental treats will keep the plaque off your canine’s canines and allow them to keep their teeth even when they approach their golden years.

Life Expectancy

As an established breed, the Pom-A-Pug hasn’t been around long enough for experts to know its accurate life expectancy. However, as a small dog with fairly few major health issues, this designer dog breed should have a long, happy life. Based on what we know about its parental breeds and their life expectancy, it’s probable that your Pom-A-Pug puppy will live from 12 to 16 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Pom-A-Pug is definitely not a high-maintenance dog when it comes to activity levels. The Pomeranian and the Pug are both lively and energetic pooches, but the word ‘energetic’ doesn’t mean the same when applied to a large breed dog and a petite one. The Pom-A-Pug has moderate exercise requirements and it’s not a particularly active breed. About 30 to 45 minutes of activity will keep this hybrid dog happy and healthy. This could be a long walk, paired with a game of fetch in a nearby dog park or a fenced backyard- whatever your pupper prefers!

Of course, physical activity is not the only type of exercise the Pom-A-Pug needs to be a content dog. As an intelligent breed, these pooches will thrive when their mind is stimulated, and, in the same manner, get depressed or destructive when they’re not challenged. Pick up a few puzzle toys for your new pet- they’ll surely appreciate it.

Pom-A-Pug has moderate exercise requirements and it’s not a particularly active breed.

Recognized Clubs

The American Kennel Club might not recognize designer dog breeds, but there are numerous organizations that do. Many crossbreeding enthusiasts work tirelessly to ensure that breeding designer dogs is up to standards and that these unique canines become as widely recognized and their purebred parents. The list of clubs that recognize the Pom-A-Pug includes American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry

Coat

When it comes to their hair, the Pomeranian and Pug couldn’t be more different. The Pom is known for its long, fluffy fur and the flat-faced Pug sports the distinct short coat that’s easy to groom. So, what about their mix? The Pom-A-Pug can have either medium-length or short hair, and a coat that comes in various colors, but favoring shades like beige and fawn. The coat can be smooth or slightly coarse, but in either of the combinations, it won’t be a hassle to groom.

The Pom-A-Pug is easy to keep pretty and tidy, and brushing them a few times a week will minimize shedding and maintain their hair shiny and soft. Regular bathing is not necessary as these are not dogs that have a naturally strong odor. When they start to smell or get dirty, you can get them a bath, but make sure to choose shampoo and conditioner that suit their dry and sensitive skin.

Puppies

With their short snouts, big soulful eyes and spunky character, Pom-A-Pug puppies will charm the pants off of you as soon as you see them! They are very cute and lovely, and it’s easy to see why these designer dogs are so popular. However, Pom-A-Pug puppy will need training and socialization to make sure that their character is as wonderful as their appearance. Start with potty training and basic commands, and progress from there.

Once they are all grown up, Pom-A-Pug dogs will be friendly, sweet, and very affectionate to their family members. They tend to get along with other dogs, as well, so they are a good choice for people who are looking to get another dog for their family. They are not overly active and demanding when it comes to their grooming, so they can be a great option for a senior looking for a four-legged companion.

Photo credit: Annette Shaff/Shutterstock; Cori Cornejo/Shutterstock; Caz Harris Photography/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?

Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten Cuddler Promotion

Are you the next champion kitten cuddler? Because ACANA™ is looking for one! Their latest campaign is aimed at supporting  cat shelters, which can be overwhelmed with newborn kittens during increased birth rates amongst cats. In a bid to help, ACANA™ will help both shelters and kittens in the critical stages – from arrival to adoption. ACANA™, the pet food specialists, are preparing for the upcoming “kitten season”, attempting to increase public awareness of just how much work shelters could have during this time. In their latest effort, not only will they be donating cat food to the shelters, but they will also be offering $10,000 to one lucky cat lover to do nothing more but cuddle with kittens at a  Best Friends Animal Society center. They do this in hopes of encouraging others to volunteer as “kitten cuddlers”. Hopefully, their efforts will lead to increased adoptions of kittens, and completely eliminate the killing of unadopted cats and dogs in America, a goal to which Best Friends Animal Society is wholly dedicated to. And now, the help is needed the most. The so-called “ kitten season” spans from May to November, and it is the time of the year when female cats have most of their kittens. During this period, many animal shelters report a great influx of kittens that need care and adoption. It goes without saying that caring for a large number of gentle and fragile kitties is a labor-consuming and very challenging job. A shelter’s resources and staff can be very strained in this period, so all the help they can get is more than welcome. The ACANA™ pet food team is well aware of this and is donating 5,000 cases of wet kitten food in Apri. This is equivalent to about $250,000 at retail prices and comes to roughly 120,000 meals for kittens. Not only this, but the team also encourages everyone to volunteer at their local shelters and help with the many tasks surrounding kitten care. And a very important task is, of course, cuddling! Kitties are fragile and require constant care and all the love and warmth they can get. It is because of this need that ACANA™ will reward one person with $10,000 to cuddle kittens! The lucky winner will spend half a day at a Best Friends Animal Society lifesaving center, or a chosen network partner shelter this June. For their cuddling efforts, they will receive $10,000. "We believe in the total well-being of cats," said Billy Frey, Vice President, Marketing for Champion Petfoods. "ACANA™ pet food helps cats thrive through every stage of life, and a cat's earliest days set the tone for everything that follows. This program demonstrates our commitment to taking care of both the emotional and nutritional needs of kittens."The rules of the contest are straightforward. The prospective kitten cuddlers must be U.S. residents, and aged 18 or over. Needless to say, they must love kittens and have four hours available over one weekend in June 2024. Easy, yes? Additionally, contestants must pass a background check and cannot be in a partnership with a competing pet food brand. For a chance to be selected, you can enter the contest between March 27th through April 10th, 2024. Cuddlers, good luck!

Why Does My Cat Have a Bald Spot?

Discovering a bald spot or missing fur on your cat can be both perplexing and concerning for any cat parent. A change in your cat’s coat could be nothing, but it could also be a red flag of behavioral issues or medical problems. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to addressing the problem.In this post, we explore the mystery of cat alopecia, including possible explanations for cat hair loss, what you should do if you notice your cat has a bald spot, and how to prevent this problem from happening.Let’s get started…6 Reasons Your Cat May Have a Bald SpotThe first step to addressing your cat’s hair loss is to identify why it occurred. This will mean paying careful attention to other signs and symptoms, both physical and behavioral. Here are a few of the most common causes of significant hair loss in cats:Allergies and IrritationDoes your cat suffer from food allergies or environmental allergies? While most allergies won’t directly cause your cat’s hair to fall out, they trigger dry, itchy skin. As your cat scratches the area, trying to soothe the itch, they may damage the skin or hair follicles.Identifying the allergens can be difficult. You may wish to do allergy testing or try an elimination diet. But the good news is that once you know the trigger, eliminating it will solve the problem.OvergroomingCats are well-known for their careful attention to their grooming needs, licking themselves to keep their fur clean and shiny. However, there are some behavioral situations when a cat may start grooming excessively, causing damage to their coat or their skin, resulting in bald patches.The most common causes of overgrooming are stress and anxiety. Take a moment to reconsider your household and any recent changes that may have occurred. Did you move? Are you renovating your home? Did you add a new pet or family member to the household?Another potential behavioral explanation for overgrooming is obsessive-compulsive disorder. This may have started as stress or anxiety, or it may be genetic. OCD in cats could result from neurological conditions or other medical problems.

What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a popular form of positive reinforcement dog training that uses a small handheld device called a clicker to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The clicker makes a distinct and consistent sound that signals to the dog that they have performed the desired behavior, followed by a reward such as a treat or praise. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with the reward, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.Now, if you want to try clicker training with your dog, you could be wondering at what age should you start. Very early on? Or as your puppy grows a bit older? Let’s find out.What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?Clicker training is versatile and can be used for teaching  basic commands, tricks, and even addressing behavioral issues. It is a humane and positive approach to training that fosters a strong bond between the owner and the dog. Clicker training can be started with dogs at a relatively young age, typically when they are around 8 weeks old. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands and behaviors from a young age, and clicker training can be a positive and effective method for teaching them.However, it's important to keep in mind that very young puppies have shorter attention spans, so training sessions should be kept short and fun. Focus on simple commands and behaviors, and use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, in conjunction with the clicker.Consistency and patience are key when training puppies, and it's important to make the training sessions enjoyable for them. Stay consistent and maintain your composure and command. Even if the early training sessions last just a few minutes, keep it up. Of course, if you're unsure about how to start clicker training or have concerns about your puppy's readiness, consulting with a professional dog trainer or attending puppy training classes can be helpful. Always use positive reinforcement methods to create a positive and trusting relationship between you and your dog.Remember that clicker training requires patience and hard work to be successful. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with positive reinforcement, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.4 Things to Know About Clicker TrainingTo ensure your training sessions with a clicker are successful no matter when you start implementing them in your pet’s routine, you need to know the basics. These tips will help you optimize your process for maximum efficiency:Timing is KeyClicker training relies on precise timing. The click should occur at the exact moment your dog exhibits the desired behavior. This helps your dog make the connection between the behavior and the reward.Positive Reinforcement

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

Hypothermia in Cats: What You Should Know

Hypothermia puts your cat’s health at risk, and if not treated in time, can be fatal. So, it’s wise to know even just the basics about hypothermia so you can recognize the symptoms and get your cat the help they need right away. Here’s a short guide to get you started.

When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?

Training your pet is a very important task as it will shape them into a friendly, obedient dog that’s a pleasure to be around. While it does require a lot of patience and effort, training your dog on time makes your life as an owner much easier and prevents a myriad of behavior issues and other problems down the road. Of course, it goes without saying that you should start training early, while your doggo is still a puppy. That is the time when they gladly soak up all the information and eagerly learn. But when exactly is the best time to start puppy training? You can’t do it while they are still teeny-tiny, nor should you wait too long. What is the ideal middle ground? Let’s find out.When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?Puppies are like sponges, soaking up information from their environment and their owner, so early training can set a solid foundation for good behavior and establish obedience throughout their lives. Ideally, you can start basic training such as housebreaking, socialization, and simple commands like "sit" and "stay" when your puppy is around 8 weeks old. This is the general “golden rule” that many owners stick by. When they reach that 2-month mark, it’s considered the ideal time for them to quickly grasp the commands you teach them. If you think that this could be “too early” to start training, you are wrong. There are numerous benefits to early training, and all of them are critical for your dog’s well-being and normal behavior. Here are just a few of them:SocializationEarly socialization is so important for puppies. It allows them to learn how to properly interact with other dogs and humans and prevents aggression and behavioral problems later in life. During this period you should expose your pet to new environments, sounds, and sights.BondingTraining sessions are a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Spending time together, teaching them new things, and rewarding good behavior builds trust and a positive relationship.Preventing Behavioral IssuesIf you spot behavior issues while your dog is still a puppy, it is easier to prevent them from becoming nasty habits. As you teach your pet proper behavior and as you set up boundaries, you will prevent many nasty issues from forming, such as excess chewing, barking, or disobedience. If you already notice chewing issues that stem from teething, make sure to redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy and use  puppy no-chew deterrent sprays to help you shift their focus.

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