Activities For Japugs

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Activities For Japugs

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Introduction

If you're one of the lucky ones who own a Japug, you are in for a treat every day of your pup's life! These adorable little snuggly dogs are a cross between the Japanese Chin and the Pug, earning them the name Jack-Pugs, or Japugs.

Japugs tend to be calm and gentle dogs that would rather spend their days snuggling in front of a cozy fire or curled up on your lap than playing, but they still need a mild amount of exercise.

These sweet dogs don't require a lot of work, but they don't like to be left alone for too long. They tend to be nervous; they don't like loud noises and aren't always recommended if you have young children who may be over-exuberant.

They make great pets for elderly homeowners looking for companionship from someone with unconditional love, or owners with small homes without yards. A little bit of daily exercise and lots of love is all your little Japug needs for a "pawfect" day with you!

Play Tug of War

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Toy rope

Activity description

Not all games are good for your Japug due to their small size and overall demeanor, but Tug of War is one of those games that no dog can resist! If you do it right, it can be great mental and physical stimulation.

You can play this game in any environment and in any type of weather, and the best part about it is that it can be very cheap or even free! All you need is a rope toy, and if you don't have one, an old sock will do in a pinch!

The important part to know before you get really into the game is that your pup has to obey of basic commands, like "drop it." Otherwise, it's just a game of "Drag Your Dog Around While They Hang On to the Rope," which is sometimes just as fun but quite often not healthy for your pup's teeth or spine, especially with a Japug.

Step

Teach your pup basic commands

One of the best investments in your time and money, when you get a new dog, is to take them to an obedience class or train them consistently yourself. Simple commands like "sit," "down," "stay," "come," and "drop it" make the next fifteen or so years of your life with your four-legged family member much simpler! After your dog knows basic commands like "stay" and "drop it," Tug of War becomes much more fun!

Step

Teach your dog the rules of the game

It doesn't take long to get all of the materials together for this game. You need a rope (or a sock) and your dog. From there, Fido is naturally going to be interested in the rope, but your sometimes lazy Japug may need a little encouragement to show their enthusiasm. You might want to get down on the floor with your pup and mimic playing if they are a little slow to get interested. Remember, the goal is to get Fido some exercise, and Japugs aren't known for their energy levels! When Fido latches on to the rope, use the "drop it" command to show the basic rules of the game. You might kick it up with a game of "fetch" every time your pup drops the rope.

Step

Increase the excitement

Some people believe that an aggressive game of Tug of War increases a dog's natural aggressive tendencies or makes them behave more roughly. This is not true, so get down there and "Grrrrr" right along with Fido! Take turns letting your pup win or lose. Winning makes the game more fun! Don't forget to set basic limits, though. Fido needs to learn that if they get too aggressive, the game is over. Biting, even in play, should be a hard limit, too.

Add your dog's photo

Cleaning Fun

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Items around the house

Activity description

You might be surprised to know that it's actually easier to train your dog to help you around the house than it might be to get your teenager to do their chores.

Your Japug loves to make you happy and be right by your side all day, so why not teach Fido how to interact and help you as you do your daily chores?

Of course, Japugs are not very big, so teaching them to vacuum might not be the best choice, but you can still get help with lots of other chores!

The key is consistency. Once you give Fido a chore, they are going to want to do it every time. And, unlike with many teenagers, if you train them well, it will get done right!

Step

Choose a chore

When you decide on a chore for Fido to do, make sure it's something they have watched you do before or that you model multiple times before attempting to train your pup. Some common chores for dogs include cleaning up trash in a room, picking up their toys, closing doors, and fetching often-used items. If Fido is showing an interest in a specific chore, that would be the first one to consider teaching your furry student.

Step

I do, we do, you do

There's a commonly held philosophy of teaching that works with children, adults, and dogs. It's the "I do, we do, you do" style of teaching. Once you have chosen a chore, let Fido see you model how it is done a few times. Show excitement while you're doing it -- "Oh, how fun it is to pick up paper laying on the floor!" After a few times, ask Fido to come to help you pick up the paper or complete the chore. Guide them into exactly what you want to have accomplished. Reward with praise when it gets done. Finally, let Fido do it alone and make it their chore. Reward with treats or praise as you'd like.

Step

Reward a chore done well

Now that Fido is trained to take a small chore off of your plate of responsibilities, it leaves you extra time for cuddles and playtime. But if you don't make sure to reward Fido with a little extra praise or treats when the job is done, don't be surprised if your prima "dogga" decides the job isn't worth the pay!

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Doggy Spa

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Doggy nail clippers

Shampoo and conditioner

Grooming items

Activity description

Whether your dog enjoys bath time or not is partly in how you approach it. All dogs have to be groomed, but if you make an enjoyable game or relaxing day of it, Fido may be a spoiled pup who looks forward to grooming days.

Just like us, our furred friends need regular baths, nail trimmings, and even teeth cleanings. If you don't feel comfortable doing any of these things for Fido, you might prefer finding a dog groomer you trust to do these for you, but if you don't mind doing it yourself, you can save a lot of money and make memories with your Japug at the same time.

Step

It's bath time!

Gather up all of your doggy shampoo and conditioner and a towel (or two, or three). Don't forget the blow dryer! Fill a bathtub or deep sink with warm water so that it just touches Fido's tummy. Once your dog is in there, use a cup or a gentle hand-held shower or sink head to get them wet, then lather up the shampoo and rinse. Japugs shed moderately, so you might want to use a brush as you rinse to get all of the stray hairs.

Step

Bath time is over; time to dry Fido!

Dry your pup while they are still in the tub as much as possible to prevent a chill. Japugs are small and get cold quickly, so when you pick Fido up, keep their whole body wrapped in the towel. Continue to towel dry until most of the moisture is gone. You may need a second towel. Then brush out any knots and finish with a gentle blow dry if your pup doesn't mind the noise.

Step

The grooming continues

Now that Fido is dry and warm, you can move on with the rest of the grooming process. This can include trimming nails, and even painting them if you have dog-friendly nail polish. Be careful -- human polish has chemicals that can be dangerous to canines. Finish the puppy grooming session with a pretty bow or handkerchief and a special treat that your dog only gets on grooming days, such as a doggy ice cream bar.

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More Fun Ideas...

Shopping a la Cart

Japugs are content being wherever you are, and they just tend to go with the flow. They enjoy attention and are usually calm, so if you go shopping and have a doggy carrier you can put in the cart, this is a fun activity for you and Fido. Most Japugs are easy to bring with you wherever you go as long as there are not a lot of loud noises or too much excitement. Just make sure the store is pet-friendly first!

Pool Time

No, your Japug probably isn't going to want to chase you throughout the water, but if you get a float that can withstand Fido's claws, you have a companion to relax with you on your pool days. If you do decide to let Fido into the water, it's a good idea to use a doggy life vest. Bring drinking water to keep you and Fido hydrated if it's hot and you plan on relaxing outside for a while, and always keep an eye on your pup for signs of overheating or exhaustion.

Conclusion

Owners of Japugs are often heard ranting about their "pawfect" pet. This is because these dogs are a great mix of lovable and low-maintenance. They are small, making them good pets for small homeowners since they don't get much bigger than 10 to 12 pounds and 10 inches. With the typical pug happy smile and squishy face, who couldn't love these adorable hybrids? The added bonus of their easy ability to train and calm demeanor makes these dogs the ultimate pet for anyone looking for unconditional love in their pup without a temperamental disposition to worry about. If you've got a Japug, you hit the jackpot of designer hybrid dogs!