Pets

leaving your puggle alone

Puggles are social dogs that enjoy company and don’t like to be left alone. That’s not to say that they aren’t good apartment dogs or that they will tie you to the house all the time. All it means is that your dog’s training will have to focus a bit more on this aspect.

Puggles are descendants of Beagles and Pugs and have inherited the friendly, affectionate and outgoing traits of both breeds. This makes them great companions who will give you unlimited loyalty and love. But it is these characteristics that make them expect to have your company, or that of another family member, all the time. While the Puggle is not the type of dog that can be left alone all day while you are at work, proper training can ensure that they are happy and comfortable while on their own for a few hours. The best way to do this is to box train them.

There is a popular misconception that creating a dog is cruel. Not so! All modern dogs trace their origin to the wild dogs that roamed the Earth eons ago. While these dogs were pack animals that roamed far and wide in search of their prey, they were also burrowing animals. To them, a den was a small cave, rock outcrop, or shallow hole in the ground where they could feel safe from predators. This genetic instinct exists in modern dogs and for your Puggle to be happy to be in his crate, all you need to do is encourage this instinct.

A wire cage is the best option, as your dog will be able to see what is going on around him. The size should be large enough for him to stand and move around, as well as to hold some of his favorite toys and perhaps a bowl of water.

Start by placing the box in the busiest room in the house so your Puggle gets used to it. Just let it sit there for a few days. Then he lets her watch you place a favorite treat just inside the cage door. If he doesn’t accept it right away, encourage him. If he still resists, leave him alone. He himself will pick it up in due time from him. Once he gets used to this, he will start putting the treat further into the box until he is at the back. After your Puggle is happy to enter the cage and grab the treat from the back, he closes the cage door for a few moments while he eats. Stay close and comfort him if he gets nervous. Keep increasing the time, but stay in the room with him. Once he is happy to be in the crate for 30 minutes, begin to leave the room for a few minutes, gradually increasing the duration.

Once your puggle is happy in his crate for a few hours, you can start leaving him home alone. Make sure it has a walk before it is packed so it doesn’t make a mess in there. Leaving a few toys in the cage will keep him busy.

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