Owning a Pug is a lot like owning a perennial 8 year old. So it’s no surprise that training and caring for a Pug requires a lot of play. When it comes to games with your Pug, resist the urge to fall back on the clichéd “fetch” game. Most Pugs just aren’t willing to go get a ball, stick, or Frisbee. Additionally, some pugs suffer from health problems such as “reverse sneezing” or canine hip dysplasia.
Check with your vet to be sure. If your Pug is deemed strong enough, “bring him in.” Just don’t expect the game to last too long. Fortunately, there are other ways to create more fun with your Pug with games like:
- Hide and Seek – Not exclusive to human players, you can play this by “hiding” in another room, in a closet, behind a sofa or curtains, and then calling your Pug. Make sure to praise your pug when he finds you and act very excited. They can’t get enough of this kind of stuff.
- Treat Shuffle – Try this and test your Pug’s memory or keen sense of smell. Take three cups and a dog treat, showing which cup you put the treat in for your pug. Mix the three cups a bit to confuse the Pug. Then uncover the cup with the treat and eat it.
- Freeze and Go Wild – This is a twist on “Statue Dance”. Just play some music, while you dance around your dog. Get him excited, then suddenly stop the music and freeze him. Try to encourage your Pug to sit until you turn the music back on. Soon your Pug should sit up when the music stops and take the cue to get excited when the music resumes.
Have fun!