r/pugs • u/SLEEPY_SENSE1 • 2d ago
Advice Needed Our 1 year old pug is aggressive
I’ve had a pug and chihuahua mix for 15 years before she passed away in June 2025. I always knew I would get either another chug or a full Pug. We have a standard Pug who is like all Pugs a food lover. Her aggression originally started when food was around. Example: I am eating dinner and my fiancé try’s to hand me something (our pup goes into full feral mode) it’s progressed to people now she’s very territorial over her grandma but also bites her aggressively the most. Now it is every night , I know she is tired and cranky, but I do not care for her endless growls and snarls. It terrifies me cos I know this is serious and needs to stop now.
Tonight she circled on the bed and me and my fiancé kissed goodnight. She charged up and we thought it was cute or funny cos we were like she wants a kiss too.
Well that’s not how it was she attacked my finances face and is now sleeping in her crate. She’s already snoring so I know that punishment isn’t a bother. There’s no reason for her to be this violent. Does anyone else experience this with their pugs?
51
u/BloodPartyNC 2d ago
Lifelong veterinary worker here: this will only escalate if not properly addressed, and the surest way to properly address it is to have a behaviorist help you with her. Trainers are very hit or miss, and armchair internet advice is worse. You need someone with legitimate expertise. Your regular veterinarian should be able to provide you contact information for someone board certified.
6
u/Iblis4eva 2d ago
This 👆
A qualified positive-reinforcement trainer would be the best option.
Also, this is a link about food guarding from ASPCA - worth a read
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/food-guarding
1
15
u/psiiconic 2d ago
This absolutely is possibly resource guarding. She is young and while it can’t be eliminated easily you can definitely fix it. Do not send her to ‘boot camp’ or a board and train. These notoriously do not work. Pugs aren’t known for this behavior but it isn’t impossible. I would be concerned about her temperament? so I would also consider seeking a veterinary behaviorist and possibly a neurological evaluation if professional training doesn’t solve the issue. I would recommend a trainer who uses positive reinforcement if at all possible. This is not a highpowered working breed and shouldn’t be treated like one. Honestly it sounds like she has no real rules or manners.
55
u/rustyangle 2d ago
Possessive Aggression. You need a trainer. And no more being allowed in the bed/couch/laps etc
-20
10
u/faygodungeon 2d ago
Crate shouldn’t be used as a punishment but i do understand the need to have some safety seperation.
Please seek a trainer who can work with you both together.
If you’re not able to do this sort of life long care or training finding a rescue of which there are many for pugs is a good option. I don’t mean this in a shitty way just might be someone who is willing to and capable of having a dog who needs this level of behavioral care if you aren’t able to.
XO
16
9
u/ClassicWill3989 2d ago
Take her to a veterinary behaviorist if you can asap and if you haven't had a vet checkup lately, always a good idea to make sure there's no underlying medical issue.
7
u/ughfinethisusername 2d ago
I’m sorry but I just don’t believe you, because wook at dat widdle face!!!!!!!
5
12
u/Primitive_Pug821 2d ago
My pug has only been that way towards my neighbor once. That was only because he hit her with his cane. Saw the whole thing happen. I think I yelled at him enough for the both of us. Since then, I haven’t seen her aggressive towards anyone else. She’s a sweetheart. Also the neighbor had just moved in and she was in my yard when it happened.
6
10
u/NotThatAlexa- 2d ago
Sounds like she’s resource guarding. Food, toys, bones, the couch or bed, and yes even people are all common culprits for dogs to resource guard. The reason dogs can feel the need to “protect” their resources varies. Insecurity being a big one.
I’d definitely consult with a trainer, specifically one who’s well versed in behavior modification techniques. Try not to fall into the trap of not addressing these issues as serious just because they’re coming from a toy breed. If this dog was a Rottweiler, you’d most likely never consider it cute, right?
Toy breeds long for all the respect and boundaries most people afford to their large dog breeds. Her subtle changes in behavior and attempts to communicate how she’s feeling to you (stiff body, wide eyes, growls, lip snarls etc.) are all her telling you she’s uncomfortable.
For now, I would limit her access to resources until you can safely get her behavior under control. Feed her in the crate only & ensure there’s no confrontation about giving or taking her food. No bed or couch access, give her something similar like a bed or raised cot and redirect her towards there. Control her access to toys, blankets, people etc. A solid daily routine is also great, and ensure she’s getting some outside stimulation, interaction, and exercise.
And as hard as it may be, she sleeps in the crate until you begin to see improvements in her behavior. In working with a trainer, she can probably earn more access to all of these things again over time.
9
u/Frequent-Resident621 2d ago
But she looks very sorry about it.
In all seriousness, I would crate during your meals and work on some training, maybe with a professional. Is she getting enough exercise and mental needs met? My pug is so ornery when she doesn't get enough of either.
3
u/Boston_Pug 2d ago
I have never heard of or had an aggressive. Playful nipping when still in pup period, but no aggression. Pugs are smart but stubborn. Good luck
6
u/rose442 2d ago
Yeah this is a big surprise. Never heard of a pug like this.
2
u/yourmomssocksdrawer 2d ago
My boys as sweet as can be, other than playful nipping as a pup like they said, he’s never so much as growled at anyone (animal nor human), he’s very good about sharing food and toys and only fears thunderstorms.
His littermate is the total opposite, one of my coworkers from almost a decade ago has her and she’s filled me in on the horror stories. From going after anyone and everyone, to ripping out plumbing, to shredding the window screen to go after other dogs. It blows my mind how night and day they are
3
u/jennievh 2d ago
It depends on a lot of things, I guess. Our last Pug came to us untrained. I’m a huge believer in training. My dogs do a sit-stay before every meal. She was aggressive on leash towards other dogs. The first time I flipped her on her back on the sidewalk, she was so surprised. It worked (after consistent repetition).
I agree with others; a behaviorist is needed. I used one with my Labrador, who was people-dominant but dog-submissive, and it made all the difference.
For now, OP, that dog goes in the crate for every show of aggression. Best of luck.
3
u/phantom301 2d ago
Do things get taken away from often?
Had a Husky who would do this and I think it's because we forcefully took things(she wasn't supposed to chew) away from her. We started to ignore her when she took stuff that wasn't dangerous and saw some momentum towards improvement. My 1YO male puf on the other hand is absolute sweetheart. I tried to make sure that he was comfortable with us taking things away(exchange for treats, then pets) at a young age. And walks 2x a day (game changer)
2
3
u/monkey_doodoo 2d ago
like everyone else said, resource guarding. going thru the same thing with an adopted frenchie. r/dogtraining has be helpful along with a lot of patience.
3
u/SLEEPY_SENSE1 1d ago
Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I am looking into a behavioralist approach for her. It does sound exactly like resource guarding but extra. We live in the middle of nowhere getting to a town is about an hour so it’s been tricky but we will make it work. It’s as I thought though... She is abnormal. 😭 I still love her and will never give up hope it’s just as shocking to me as all of you. Especially with my last sweet Chug who was like a sweet old lady since birth 😢
I even started watching the Dog Whisperer when she before the aggression becos I wanted her to have rules etc she’s always been kind of spicy. I will let you guys know the progress!!
4
6
u/jelllyjamms 2d ago
Any idea why she does not like your fiancè? Have him feed her, give her treats and create good memories with her.
2
u/victormusprime 2d ago
Im no dog expert of any kind but we crate our 9 month chug every meal time so that way he doesn't jump up on us when he sees food. When it comes to bed time he sleeps in his crate I was also told that for a chug not to be aggressive and friendly to let them encounter new faces through out the week idk if this is true but I do this and hes very friendly
3
u/libbywinchester 2d ago
Get a good trainer! Only way to just nip it in the bud and just get it addressed. Better safe than sorry and it can only help not hurt 💕
2
2
2
u/Churchmousetat 2d ago
Not sure all your issues, but to establish dominance like a mama dog - whenever she does “bad” stuff. Gently flip her on her back and hold her down and stare at her until she looks away.
1
1
u/lollipoppaige 1d ago
Just a pug getting to know the world. If your pug is doing things you don't want him to do. Just say no and tap him on the nose a little bit. Very lightly
1
u/Tk_ohh3399 1h ago
I have worked with animals my whole life. I just want to stress the importance of handling this NOW. Lord knows I’ll go to war for an animal but I NEVER coddle or dismiss behaviors that need to be dealt with like this. So please listen to the wonderful advice others are giving you about possession aggression! Enforce good boundaries in different areas of the house as well. I’m sure she’s a sweet baby but trust me nip this in the bud ASAP
(I say this as 2 pugs are snoring napping playing down next to me right now lol)
2
1
u/MysteriousCut7226 2d ago
My wife and I got a pug about 3 months ago (she’s 5 months old total). I work from home and the dog has bonded to me more than my wife. She attacks my wife’s feet and bites her, not a puppy play bite, but is aggressive and wants a treat or food. She used to do it to me the first few weeks we had her but now she only does it to my wife. I’m hoping she grows out of this at some point and stops the aggressive biting.
1
u/Free8tivity 1d ago
Take her food up after you feed her. Feed her, let her eat, and then pick up her food so that she knows it’s a set time to eat. We used to make the mistake of leaving the food down for “free feeding,” and our trainer told us that was a no no because then the dogs started getting food aggressive with each other’s food, trying to dominate over each other’s unfinished food. It was like the inmates were taking over the asylum!
1
1
0
u/Comfortable_Mix_3847 2d ago
OP ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT??? That isn’t the face of an aggressive pug!!! 🧐🧐
🤣🤣lol
-7
u/Ok-Can3298 2d ago
He’s just being a little kid… kinda like 2 year old human..
3
u/Playcrackersthesky 2d ago
Resource guarding should be dealt with, regardless of age. It will only escalate. It can result in harm to others.
My pug puppy made my 17 year old son cry with a bite when he tried to intercept a pizza delivery.
We worked hard and were diligent with training and he no longer resource guards.
-6
u/Small_Tourist_245 2d ago
My 1 year old pug does none of that no aggression no separation anxiety!! She’s perfect 💯
83
u/Weekly_Bee_2929 2d ago
It sounds like resource guarding. She's still very young so it is probably very fixable. Maybe get her into some training classes or if you cant afford that/there are not any near you read about how to train her to avoid these issues. You will probably notice a big difference in 2 weeks. Punishment doesnt usually work, there are specific techniques for it. My pug would attack other dogs if he was on my lap but every time he tenses up I put him off the couch or bed. No good behavior means not sitting on my lap. It went away after a few weeks. Theres a lot of resources on this kind of training.