Training Your Pug. Brenda Belmonte

be a useful tool for locating a Pug breeder, if you know where to look.

      Breeder referrals are offered by many kennel club Web sites; you can find them through the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org). The Pug Dog Club of America also provides a breeder referral contact (www.pugs.org).

      If you choose to type in the words “Pug puppy” on a search engine, you’ll be directed to hundreds of classified ads. You must do your homework, and know what to look for before agreeing to purchase a Pug via the Internet. Many of the commercial breeders supplying pet store chains also advertise via pretty Web sites. Another group of breeders, often referred to as puppy mills, have found the Internet to be a virtual gold mine for selling Pug puppies. These breeders produce many puppies each year, in conditions that are unsanitary, and providing only minimal care to the dogs used for breeding. So how do you know if the “breeder” listed on the Internet can provide your family with a suitable, healthy puppy? Ask these questions:

      Like mother, like daughter—heredity can affect your Pug’s trainability and health.

      ∎ Can I come and pick up my puppy? If a breeder will not allow you to see where the puppy has been raised, a red flag should go up.

      ∎ Can I have references from previous puppy buyers? Reputable breeders are happy to provide you with names and phone numbers of previous clients.

      ∎ May I have a copy of your guarantee and purchase contract to review? If a breeder will not provide these, or does not use them, do not purchase a puppy.

       Humane Shelters and Rescue Organizations

      If an adult Pug seems to be a better fit for your family, start your search by contacting your local humane society. Unfortunately Pugs do wind up in shelters; most are young adults desperately in need of a stable home that can provide training.

      Pug rescue groups are located throughout `t the United States. These groups generally charge a nominal adoption fee and can be a great place to find an adult Pug to fit your family and lifestyle.

      Local veterinary clinics can usually provide a list of shelters and rescue organizations in your area. You can also find many rescue groups online, or through The Pug Dog Club of America.

What to Look For

      No matter where your search for a Pug leads you, it is up to you to be educated about your purchase. If you are looking for a puppy, you should ideally be able to visit the litter before the day arrives for you to take him home. Observe how each puppy acts and reacts to his littermates, human caregiver, and your family. A bossy, out-of-control puppy may require a more assertive training program, and a more confident family. A shy puppy, one who always seems to move away from contact, will require a training routine that includes positive interactions and minimal stress after you take him home.

      Make sure that your Pug puppy appears healthy and happy.

      If you plan to have fun in obedience or agility, you will want a puppy that is active and observant, with an air of confidence about him. Self-confident Pug pup pies make wonderful performance dogs.

      Check each puppy carefully for any signs of illness or health problems. His eyes should be bright and clear, with no discharge, cloudiness, or protrusion evident. Check his ears by gently lifting the ear flap and taking a peek at the ear canal. It should be free from debris and dry, with no offensive odor. His nose wrinkle should also be clean and dry; if it is dirty, damp, or has a strong odor now, this condition will most likely be chronic. Every Pug puppy should be inspected by a licensed veterinarian prior to being sold to a new owner, and should have received at least one vaccination. Ask for a health record with the veterinarian’s name and the clinic name, address, and phone number.

      Observe the overall body shape, condition, and structure of the puppies in the litter. Fat, roly-poly Pug puppies, with good body condition, become relaxed, properly proportioned adults. The legs should resemble tree trunks sturdy enough to support a square body. Legs on Pug puppies that look more like saplings are often seen on the Victorian-type Pugs. Those Pugs who have a future athletic career, running and jumping in agility, must be able to handle stress on their bones and joints, so structure and condition is of the utmost importance.

      The location where the puppies are raised should be clean, well ventilated, and free from odor. Pug puppies that are raised in dirty, cramped cages or pens are often impossible to completely housetrain.

       To Pick or Not to Pick

      It is natural to fall in love with every Pug puppy you see, but there may be one puppy that really catches your eye, and tugs at your family’s heartstrings. Is that puppy truly the right puppy for you? Show breeders will most likely select a puppy for you, based not only on your preferences, but more importantly, on their observations and evaluations of the litter, and your family’s specific needs. An observant, responsible breeder can often pick the Pug puppy that best reflects the qualities your family truly needs. Pug puppies that are purchased from other sources are often sold on a first-come, first-sold basis. You may be forced to choose a puppy who, while cute and adorable, may not really be suited for your family, or leave empty handed.

      An educated Pug buyer asks questions, requires the right answers, observes potential puppies, and, above all, uses common sense when making a final decision. While there is always the temptation to “rescue” a puppy if he looks ill, has been raised in unsanitary conditions, or is currently on medication with the “guarantee” he’ll get better soon, it is in your family’s best interest to decline the purchase. A healthy, robust Pug puppy gives you the best foundation for a healthy adult Pug.

Registration Papers, Contracts, and Guarantees

      Registration papers, sales contracts, and guarantees can be very confusing to the new Pug owner. There are several independent registries that offer “papers,” but are they all equal? Contracts and guarantees are as varied as the breeders and sellers who put them together.

       What Are Papers?

      Registration papers are simply a certificate that identifies your individual puppy by its sire (father) and dam (mother), birth date, and litter or individual registration number. Registration papers are not a guarantee of health or quality and they are not the same as a pedigree. A pedigree is your Pug’s family tree, listing three to five generations of his ancestry.

      The American Kennel Club, or AKC, has long been considered the gold standard of registries. The AKC offers registration of puppies, pedigree services, and inspection of breeders. The American Kennel Club is currently the only registry that offers a DNA program. The DNA program can be used to verify parentage, and Pugs that have been DNA tested will appear in a pedigree with their DNA number. The AKC also licenses kennel clubs, which promote conformation events and performance events. If you intend to show your Pug in conformation, agility, or obedience, your Pug puppy should have a litter registration from the AKC.

      You may be able to pick your Pug puppy from a litter, or he might pick you!

      There are several other registries that offer papers for purebred Pugs. Show breeders will always offer AKC-registered Pug puppies for sale, but you may find puppies from other sources are registered with one of the following:

      ∎ Continental Kennel Club (CKC) offers registration of purebred Pugs, pedigree services, and limited performance event competitions.