As a former owner of a pet store, I had the chance to get familiar with more products than I use at home, from the premier and expensive ones to budget and practical ones. (We didn’t stock the crappy stuff…)
When bringing a puppy or a new dog there are some products you are just going to need. On top of that, there are some you may want. Some of these products are probably going to serve you and your Pug for a limited amount of time. With most products, I tend to favor the practical over the fancy. That doesn’t always mean it’s always cheaper, sometimes the better quality one will more practical and better looking. I have added links, to either Amazon or other retailers who have these or comparable products so you can check out the prices and other reviews.
Bowls
There are many different styles sizes and shapes. Here are my recommendations;
Material: I am a big fan of stainless steel when it comes to food and pretty much anything that comes in contact with it. The cleaning is easy, you can always just throw it in the dishwasher (It also blends with my kitchen). They are also perfect if you feed your Pug raw food. (Which we do)
Shape: Nothing special here, just consider a short snout. you don’t need a deep bowl. A puppy will tend to step into the bowl if it’s too wide.
Slippage: Some bowls are slippery at the bottom and will easily get pushed around at mealtime. To limit the mess and its radius look for a non-slip bowl.
Harness
Pugs neck proportions don’t favor collars as you will need to tighten it too much for it not too slip off. Choking or training collars are obviously out of the question. Puppies should definitely not use collars. I prefer Harnesses that hug the body and spread the force over larger areas. A rule of thumb: If you can lift the puppy holding the harness without causing pain or distress, it’s a good fit. We’ve had this one in our store and used it for a long time when we lived in the city. I think it’s a Puppia. For puppies, there are also very sturdy ones you can actually pick the pup up with.
Tags
If your Pug gets lost, Happens to the best of us, Let the first honest person to find her have your number to call. Put your phone number on the tag or on the back.
Leash
You will also need a leash or lead to connect to the harness. I am in favor of the strong shorter ones, especially for the Pups who have no regard for their surroundings. With this one, I can quickly pull the pup and lift him right into my arms and out of harm’s way.
Crates
There are a lot of benefits to crate training, and your puppy should get used to being comfortable. It needs to be large enough to lay down and turn comfortably but larger is not better in this case. We still feed Lev in her crate to this day. It limits the mess and the cleanup. Some crates have attachments for straps, if you want to take it on the road. We have been using this old plastic crate.
If you are not using the crate on daily base, or if you travel with your Pug, you want a Collapsible Portable Dog Crate. It collapses to fit in the corner or the back of your car and takes anyone just seconds to put up.
Grooming
Until your puppy sheds his or her fluffy puppy hairs and grows the thick typical double coat as most pugs do, there should be no real shedding issue and any of the short hair brushes should be fine. It is however good to get your puppy used to being brushed and it’s important to try and make it a fun activity so later when the real brushing begins. For mature Pugs you are going to need some serious grooming brushes. The more you manage to Brush off your Pug, the less you will need to brush off you floor, furniture, and clothe. There are many products, and I have been using trying and using a few. You will have to find the combination that works best for you and your Pug.
The Furminator is probably the golden Standard for heavy duty brushing. It was a best seller in our store, and I have been using it since. It comes in different width and was originally designed for long haired dogs so pay attention when you select the model, make sure it is the one the short haired dogs, it says so on the blade. There are also new and old models. The width is kind a personal preference, I find the very wide ones are great for the back, but less comfy in other regions. The benefit of the Furminator is that it really gets deep into the undercoat. For a more daily kind of grooming and for more sensitive areas like the head I also like the glove. You can tell it’s not as deep as the brush, but if you are going to be playing outside you can do some grooming at the same time.
Shampoo
It really depends on your, and your pug’s, washing regime. If you wash your Pug on weekly, you are probably using up a lot of shampoo and price may begin to make a difference. At the same time if your pug’s skin is subject to frequent washing, you need to have a gentle detergent in order to no over-dry or irritate it. There are many good quality, hypoallergenic and organic shampoos in the market. We have used The Earthbath All-Natural Pet Shampoo, which comes in a verity of nice fruity fragrances, and they have conditioners. I remember getting good feedback from customers on other brands such as Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Shampoos and Conditioners and Cloud Star’s Buddy Wash. These are all moderately priced.
Remember Your Pug doesn’t really NEED bathing, and doesn’t mind being stinky, if anything they love it. As long as your pug has no adverse reaction to the shampoo, it’s really all up to you.
Beds (Assuming you are not sharing)
Pugs like to curl up and cuddle, even when sleeping alone, so you will want a bed they can get into and not just lay on top. Over time, I found they tend to squash and deform it, so I opt for a bed with tougher exterior and a soft inside.
Training Pads
Puppies will take a while to get the hang of Potty Training, and often you will have a litter box indoors or on the balcony. Some kind of absorbent or training pads will be very helpful when it comes to clean up.
Poop Bags
If you are thinking of recycling your grocery bags for poop, just wait till you hit the first one that had a hole in it… Yuck. Poop bags with a dispenser are a must. Hang it on your leash and you will never be caught off guard. Buy a large quantity and get a better price, they don’t take up a lot of space.
Cleaning
If you have a puppy, and even with older dog, you WILL have accidents, and according to Murphy’s Laws, the chances will grow, the more expensive your carpet is… You will want something like Natures Miracle Urine Destroyer, to clean and get rid of the smells.
Treats
I usually think of treats as I do of candy for my girls. However, Pugs love treats and will not mind if they are actually not bad for them. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Healthy Moist Treats, are actually nutritious, they are corn, wheat, and soy-free and are dry enough to put in your treat bag. If you are in training, get the large one, you’ll need it. Keep an eye on the quantities, a handful of treats is almost a meal by itself for a puppy. More treats in the Training Area
Treat bags
When training your Pug, and with Pugs, it can be an ongoing adventure, you need to have treats handy and you don’t want to end up putting treats in your pocket.. Treat bags can be attached to your belt or leash and be right there when you need it.
Toys
Puppies need toys and older Pugs just like them, here are a few favorites:
Kong. A classic, stick a treat inside and you will you dog gnaw at it for hours (or until distracted). It comes in several shapes and sizes
A plush toy. Get one from a company that makes them for dogs (Not the cheap Ikea ones), They will last much longer and you will not find pieces around the house after a couple of uses.
A rope toy.Great for teething and great for playing ‘pull the rope’.
A ball. Pugs are not really the kind of dog to play fetch, but they do like balls now and then. A tennis ball is just fine, but if you want the Kong-style ones, he’ll love it even more.
Dog Chew Bone. Larger dogs will chew these to death. For pugs, it could take a while. The do become quite yucky mid-way, so I would only get them if you have a yard.
In most cases, something serious happens to your Pug you should probably see your vet ASAP. however, in some cases, first aid can either solve the issue or at least keep it from getting worse until you get to your vet.
Eye Drops or Gel: Your Pug’s bulgy eyes are prone to accidents. It could be just a scratch from running into the bushes, a foreign object stuck in there or hair that can’t get out. The Pugs eyelids are stretched over the eyeball and if there is irritation, it may get worse with every blink. It could also just be dust, sand, or very dry weather. In any case of irritation, non medicated eye drops or gel will help and may avoid making things worse until you get to the vet.
Eye Wipes: In cases of small hairs, sand, and other minor irritations, cleaning the eye with dedicated wipes may actually solve the problem permanently. It is still recommended to check with your vet afterward
Bleeding – Styptic Powder: Your pug may bleed from a cut after running in the park or even from over-clipping nails. Dressing the wound is not always possible or practical and there are powders that can stop minor bleeding pretty much on the spot. Very handy to have around the house.
Cone Collar: Dogs will lick, chew, and gnaw at anything that bothers them. They will also use their paw for anything bothering their face area. The best way to keep them from indivertibly causing harm to themselves is a cone collar. The Plastic ones you get at the vets’ will do the job but are often uncomfortable or don’t fit right. It is also a good idea to have one at home. If your pug gets something in her eye, you want to prevent the pawing until you get to the vet.
Shampoo
It really depends on your, and your pug’s, washing regime. If you wash your Pug on weekly, you are probably using up a lot of shampoo and price may begin to make a difference. At the same time if your pug’s skin is subject to frequent washing, you need to have a gentle detergent in order to no over-dry or irritate it. There are many good quality, hypoallergenic and organic shampoos in the market. We have used The Earthbath All-Natural Pet Shampoo, which comes in a verity of nice fruity fragrances, and they have conditioners. I remember getting good feedback from customers on other brands such as Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Shampoos and Conditioners and Cloud Star’s Buddy Wash. These are all moderately priced.
Grooming
The Furminator is probably the golden Standard for heavy duty brushing. It was a best seller in our store, and I have been using it since. It comes in different width and was originally designed for long haired dogs so pay attention when you select the model, they a line for short haired dogs, it says so on the blade. The width is kind a personal preference, I find the very wide ones are great for the back, but less comfy in other regions. The benefit of the Furminator is that it really gets deep into the undercoat. For a more daily kind of grooming and for more sensitive areas like the head I also like the glove. You can tell it’s not as deep as the brush, but if you are going to be playing outside you can do some grooming at the same time.
Flea & Tick Control
Living in a warm climate in a rural area we have been battling these pests every summer. In the last few years, we have been using the ‘Seresto Flea and Tick Collar’. We put it on in the spring and it lasts till winter. Problem solved. It’s a bit pricey but worth every penny. Be sure to check the size, a Pugs neck is wider than ‘small dogs’ so will need the ‘medium’ or ‘Large dog version (Just cut off the extra length). For Puppies, do consult with your vet.
Treats: The way to a Pugs heart is surely through the stomach. Treats are the number one motivator for training most dogs and Pugs in Particular. Treats can also be a healthy addition to her diet. Here are a few treats that should be easy to carry in your treat bag and will satisfy even the most discerning Pug owner:
· Blue Ridge Naturals Oven Baked Salmon Jerky.
· Zuke’s Mini Naturals Healthy Moist Treats, are actually nutritious, they are corn, wheat and soy free
· Stewart Pro-Treat Freeze Dried Chicken Liver Dog Treat. These essentially Just liver. They are very rich and nutritious but could soften the stools in large quantities.
· Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness Trail Treats Turkey Jerky Dog Treats,
· Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Pure Rewards. They have a bunch of yummy flavors
· V-Dog have treats catering to the Vegan owners.
Click on image for Price and Details
Training Pads: Little to explain here. Absorbable pads will make cleanup easier with puppies in training, and if you have a litter box of sorts.
Treat Bag: If you are going out for potty or to the park, chances are you want to take some treats. Your pocket is probably not a good option, and at some point you will get tired of plastic bags.
Clicker: Positive re-enforcement is another big part of Pug training. If you want to enhance the tone of your voice with a more distinct and consistent audio cue, a clicker is a simple method.
Training Harness: Training harnesses work differently than regular ones. They don’t just give you a good grip on the dog without choking, they are connected at the chest so that when the dog pulls, he will lose balance. Good, if you have a real ‘puller’.
E-collar: Most Pug owners will dismiss the idea of training collars (and for good reasons). However, this collar is different in that it has very fine-tuning and also has a ‘Vibrate Only’ mode. The idea is to give a non-auditable cue to your dog, and not a form of shock or punishment. It also has nice features like light and more.
Potty Doorbells: There are a few variations on this, but other than making you feel like you dog’s butler, I think it’s a great idea. Same as any training, you need to establish a direct link between the bell and potty time, and eventually she will let you know herself.
Car
When you drive with your Pug there are two things you may be concerned with two issues. Safety and keeping your car clean.
When it comes to safety, this includes both your Pugs safety and anyone else in the vehicle. You want to avoid your Pug being restrained so that he will not fly off during a sudden stop or accident. You also want him restrained to not cause an accident by jumping on the driver or other passengers and creating a distraction. For smaller Pugs you can use, small crates or Soft and sturdy Travel Bags and for adult Pugs, the easiest and probably safest method is a harness with a safety belt attachment:
There are quite a few boosters for little ones and a harness for larger Pugs
Kurgo have a strong and sturdy harness that also doubles as a training harness
Keeping your Car clean. Rain, mud, dirt and hair, lots of hair. If your car’s upholstery is dark and you have a Pug, you would want to cover it, after a few rides, no standard vacuum will remove those hairs. These are usually more durable, water proof and easier to remove for washing, than average car-seat covers. You will still need the harness for safety.
There are two types of seat covers (By those same manufacturers), there is hammock style cover, which will ‘close’ the feet area so no one can fall down there, and a more standard cover. If you prefer the front seat, there a ‘Co-Pilot’ version. (WARNING, don’t forget to disable the front airbag. I’d go for the Beige or Khaki ones.You may also need a seat-belt adapter for the harness.
Airplane
If you plan to fly with your dog, you should look for designated gear, to not be surprised by airline regulations. There are carriers built to fit under the seat like this ‘Sherpa To go’ that comes in a few variations ‘made for on board’ pet travel.
Boat
Pugs are not known for being the first ones to jump into the water, although some can become water friendly if you get them accustomed from an early age. Either way, if you like spending time on the water you may want to enhance you Pug’s floating ability with a Life Jacket harness The Kurgo Surf-N-Turf looks like one of the better ones, out there.
