Most pugs become noisy when faced with an unusual situation, show discomfort, or signal the appearance of an intruder. The stimuli that cause barking can vary depending on age, temperament, living environment, and other individual characteristics. It is important for you to understand the reasons why pugs bark. Because they certainly do not bark just to annoy both you and your neighbors. This is a fashion of expressing themselves and is also how they communicate with us, humans, and other animals.
It’s absolutely natural for a pug to bark when someone is at the door or when a stranger walks by the house. Pug barking should raise concerns when it becomes a habit and is performed for a reason that is not usually obvious, perhaps a health problem or manifestation of aggressive behavior. It may also be a sign of boredom and separation anxiety. You need to find out what’s the exact cause and find ways to stop it so that it doesn’t get too bothersome for you and your neighbors. There are some steps you can follow in order to be able to deal with this problem effectively.
Spotting the cause
There can be a number of reasons why pugs bark, which can be related to health problems that he’s trying to point out to you, moods or emotions, or eventual threats in the territory.
When they perceive a threat
Pugs also have a sense of protecting their surroundings and if they sense that someone is approaching or entering their area, they will bark in order to make you aware of this fact
When they are in pain or feel anxious
If they bark because of being in pain or anxious, this can be soothing for them. Also, this type of barking is sharp and usually comes out more like a squeal or whine. Other reasons can be the separation of the pug from the owner or spending too much time alone.
When they are excited or happy
Barking because of excitement is common in pugs under 24 months. Many barks while playing with their masters or if they are simply happy.
When they seek attention
Pugs love and need more attention than other dogs. If they notice they are deprived of the attention they may begin barking just to know they’ll get what they want.
When they are bored
The barking of a bored pug sounds like the barking of a dog that just wants to hear its voice. Although it tends to be annoying, it is somewhat sad. Bored dogs bark to consume their excess energy, and sometimes to cry their loneliness. Because barking is something normal in dogs, you should only become concerned about it when it happens more frequently or in an aggressive manner.
How to stop Pug Barking
Once you have determined the cause of excessive barking you can now start taking measures that help you control this type of behavior. One of the best ways to cease excessive barking in your pug, first of all, is to try to eliminate any potential source of this type of behavior. But you have to be careful not to encourage this type of barking unintentionally.
And last but not least, you have to give him something in return, something that gets him distracted from barking. So, you can get your pug a daily dose of exercise so that he doesn’t have a lot of energy for barking, but not too much exercise (it is not recommended in their case). Also, you can give him a new set of toys every now and then to get him focused on another activity.
If possible, avoid leaving your pug alone for a longer period of time. Never encourage your dog through kissing, rewarding, hugging, and other ways that can show love when he barks because he can understand that you are encouraging him. When he barks, try to distract him by whistling or slapping. Once silent, redirect him to something more productive, such as playing or learning a new trick or performing one (sitting down, lying down, etc.).
You should not let him bark constantly outside the house, especially if it’s for no reason. You will hardly be able to make him stop later. Moreover, you don’t want to turn your neighbors from friends into enemies. During training, you need to make him understand that he should be obedient to you and discourage improper behavior, but you also need to be patient and calm. If you can not in any way make your pug stop barking, you can call a veterinarian or a specialized trainer.
