Dogs really can be our best friends (way better than diamonds, and I like diamonds). Adding a dog, especially an adorable pug, to your family can change your life for the better. I know this because I adopted Kilo the Pug after fostering him for several months in 2014.

We believe a lot fewer dogs would end up in shelters if people did their research and understood that dogs are a tremendous responsibility and that every dog is different. They rely on their owners each and every day. Apparently, my rescue Kilo the Pug started out with an elderly couple who did not understand that all puppies need vet visits, attention, exercise, and training and make mistakes. I guess they expected a cute chill obedient little cuddler. Kilo is very cuddly and sleeps a lot but is quite demanding and has bursts of energy. Pugs can be quite hard to toilet train and are usually very food motivated and need love and attention. They quickly realized they could not cope and handed him off to a teenager who was equally ill-prepared. He went through 4 homes before us and ended up with severe behavioral issues that possibly could have been avoided or at least mitigated.

Here are a few questions you should consider before adopting a furry BFF like Kilo into your family.

All dogs require a lot of time and energy, pugs especially. Make sure you have a supportive family who is willing to love, care for and contribute to the dog together. Do you travel, work all day and stay late? Who will take the dog out or babysit? Making sure you have a support system within the family will help both of your adjust to life with a pug easier.

Pugs are people dogs who love to be with their family. They are known for being affectionate and love to cuddle. Ask yourself will you have enough time to dedicate to your new pug, especially if you get a puppy?

Pugs are known as being affectionate dogs who love their families and lots of attention. They also come with medical expenses, shed like crazy, can be difficult to train and can be greedy when it comes to food. Each breed has different characteristics and requirements, especially in terms of physical activity, attention, and training. Ask yourself what you enjoy and have time for. Before adopting doing lots of research is best. You can attend meetups, visits shelters, talk to other pug owners and breeders too to learn more about the breed.

Each breed has different characteristics and requirements, especially in terms of physical activity, attention, and training. Ask yourself what you enjoy and have time for. Before adopting, doing lots of research is best. You can attend meetups, visits shelters, talk to other pug owners and breeders too to learn more about the breed.

Check out Talent Hounds Breed Library for more information.

If this is your first dog, perhaps consider adopting an older one. Older dogs are more available as they are less likely to be adopted at shelters, mainly because people prefer puppies. They are also usually already house trained and less destructive/high maintenance which can be easier for the owner.

Pugs often live 13 to 15 years so you must be prepared to share your life with your new friend and care for them for over a decade.

Like all breeds, pugs may face some health issues, like hip dysplasia, eye disease, patellar luxation, and Pug dog encephalitis. Some dogs may be faced with these health challenges in their lives, but the majority of Pugs are healthy dogs.

Pugs also live to eat. But you must be very careful as they age to monitor their diet and only feed good quality dog food to maintain their health and keep them slim.

Pets, especially those who are adopted, each come with their own set of challenges. Proper socializing, training, attention and care can help any dog. This will teach your pet to be comfortable around other dogs, people, cars and general life outside of the home. No dog, bought or adopted, is perfect.

Pugs have average energy levels, often in bursts, and are known to be mischevious. You’ll want to make sure your pug is both mentally and physically stimulated to keep them from being bored and destructive.

Dogs can’t just wait until it is convenient for you to take care of them. If you will be gone from the house longer than 8 hours, you will likely need to make arrangements for someone to come home to let the dog out. Pugs are a small breed and shouldn’t be expected to hold their bladders or bowels for longer than 8 hours.

Pugs also require regular weekly brushing and the occasional baths to keep them clean and looking their best. Their strong fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris and teeth should be brushed regularly.

If you want a furry friend in your life, be prepared to maintain a consistent schedule. The same goes for training. If you want your dog to be well trained, make sure to be consistent with training methods.

Pugs are also one of the most commonly stolen breeds of dog. Sadly, they are often stolen to be used as bait in dog fighting rings. That means if you adopt a pug it requires constant supervision at all times when they are out of the house.

If you’re living in a one bedroom apartment you’ll need a dog that can be comfortable or who can acclimatize to that space. You’d be surprised by how much space a dog needs differs based on their breed. Many small dogs need lots of space to roam while some of the largest breeds are happy in smaller spaces.

If you have a pool or pond, it must be fenced off so that the dog cannot get into in. Pugs can drown rapidly since most are not always the most water smart breed or best swimmers.

Neutering and spaying helps to control the pet population. This treatment also contributes to the overall health of your pet. Some shelters will do this for you as a part of their intake program. Otherwise, it is another expense you will have to consider.

If you are really looking to have a pet, fostering might be a better choice rather than committing completely to the care of an animal. Temporary care is a great experience before starting full-time dog ownership as well. Plus you are helping contribute to saving an animal’s life by ensuring they have the best future possible. Here are a few questions to ask before fostering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwcBUdBKoCg

Plus if you happen to fall in love with each other you can always adopt your foster. In fact, Kilo the pug is my foster failure from PugALug Pup Rescue!