When there are so many different styles and types of dog collar on the market, it can be difficult to know what is best and how to fit it appropriately, but the first consideration should always be for the size and disposition of the dog.

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For most, the traditional leather or nylon collar is more than sufficient. It should not ride up too high on the dog’s neck, nor should it be so loose it sits down over the dog’s shoulders. For the health and safety of the dog, a collar should never be tight enough to restrict breathing or cause pain, and it should certainly not be loose enough for the dog to slip out of it at any time. A good snug fit is best, and this is achieved if the owner can easily slide two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck. Always fit this collar type by fastening around the neck rather than slipping over the head as this can potentially cause harm to the dog’s mouth, eyes or ears along the way.
If the animal is young and still growing it’s collar requirements will change with time and it is always worth measuring the dog’s neck with a tape measure, then adding on at least two or three inches to the collar size.

Small, lightweight collars are generally used best with puppies and smaller breeds of dog, while heavy styles with greater width and durability are better for bigger animals.

A harness, which is fitted around the dog’s neck and shoulders behind the front legs, is recommended for any dog with upper respiratory disease or any problems with the throat or trachea, this is because a dog with a traditional collar will naturally pull somewhat on the leash, and this can place undue pressure on sensitive areas, causing coughing and breathing difficulties.
A halter collar allows for the best control, although owners can be reluctant to use this type as it tends to look more like a muzzle with a band fitting around the back of the head and one fitting around the dog’s nose. However, this collar permits the owner to have control of the dog’s head, which in turns means having better control of the dog. The leash attaches to the collar under the chin, and so the dog’s head will either be pulled down or to the side with a gentle tug, making it just about impossible for the dog to move ahead of the owner or pull forward violently.

When used correctly, a chain-slip collar, which may also be referred to as a check chain or choke collar, can be highly effective for training and retraining purposes, but only on the correct animals. This collar type is used most often for dogs that are particularly strong-willed or have a tendency to pull violently on the leash when wearing a traditional collar, both situations needing for the dog to understand that a different behavior is required but it is essential to have a qualified dog trainer demonstrate how to use this collar type safely, and such collars should only be worn during training.

To obtain the right size for a chain-slip collar, measure the dog’s neck with a measuring tape and then add 2.5 to 3 inches. To correctly place the collar on a dog, the top ring on a looped collar should form the letter P when standing in front of the dog and pulling it snug. If it forms a shape like a number 9 then it is on backward and may not release immediately as designed.

Before you get a Pug, ask yourself the following 10 questions

1. Are you the kind of person that can you tolerate a dog who won’t stay off the furniture? Pugs believe in sharing all furniture!
2. Will you be happy living with a dog that sheds fur all year long ? Shedding is even heavier in early spring and fall.

3. Do you mind a dog who constantly invades your personal space – Pugs normally always want to be on your lap!
4. Pugs have an  "I go where you go"  policy; they follow you  from room – to – room – to – room – to – room – to – room – to -room . No Privacy with a Pug in the house! Pugs simply don’t believe in privacy. You’ll need a good solid bathroom door to "go " alone.

5.  Snoring!  Pugs snore when they’re asleep . . . and often when awake as well.

6. Exercise – Pugs are not built for endurance or stamina. If you are an active person, then a Pug may not suit you. Pugs are not a good choice for a running partner and Pugs are not built for running beside a bicycle either.

7.  Pugs clear their nasal passages by expelling air forcefully through their nose;  this usually happens when you have your face near their face. Will you mind having "Pug Snot " blown into your face multiple times each day ?

8. Pugs are a breed created to be a companion dog. Pugs crave the company of people;Pugs don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods of time.  If your lifestyle necessitates leaving your Pug alone for more than 6 hours, do you plan to make arrangements to break up the monotony of a long, lonely day for your Pug ? Loneliness and boredom can cause Pugs to bark excessively, become destructive chewers or even house-soil.  Many working Pug owners enroll their Pugs in doggy day-care or leave them with a dog-sitter, friend or family member while away from home.    

9.  Pugs can gain weight easily; they need a premium diet and healthy treats. 

10. Pugs nails grow very fast and need to be trimmed often. Pugs have a facial folds in which dirt & loose fur often collect.  If not kept clean,  the skin in a Pugs facial folds can quickly become sore, irritated and infected. With their flat face, a Pug’s eyes are more vulnerable to injury as they have no muzzle to part long grass or deflect the claws of an annoyed or angry cat.

Many plants are toxic and little folks will try to chew them if they are close to the ground. Plants which are toxic to dogs can cause illness or even death if they are eaten. The Pug seen below is a perfect example. They will try anything once… even sand.

Prevent the accidental poisoning of your dog, prevent injury from plant intake by learning about poisonous plants that may be part of your household and put them up, perhaps in hanging baskets, or eliminate them all together.

when your dog is outside, be with him or her, to prevent them from chewing on outside plants. Even some of the ones more harmless to you and your family may be damaging to a dog. Noted examples of this are grapes and onions. The plants viewed below should not be eaten or even sampled my your furry kids.
Poisonous Plants
* Aloe
* Amaryllis
* Arizona Yellow Bells
* Asian Lily (Liliaceae)
* Asparagus Fern
* Autumn Crocus
* Azalea

* Bird of Paradise
* Bittersweet
* Branching Ivy
* Buckeye
* Buddist Pine

* Caladium
* Calla Lily
* Cutleaf Philodendron
* Charming Diffenbachia
* Chinaberry Tree
* Chinese Evergreen
* Christmas Cactus
* Clematis
* Cordatum
* Cycads
* Cyclamen

* Daffodil
* Day Lily
* Devil’s Ivy
* Dumb Cane
* Deadly Nightshade

* Easter Lily
* Elephant Ears
* Emerald Fern
* English Ivy

* Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron
* Flamingo Plant
* Foxglove

* Glory Lily
* Gold Dieffenbachia
* Gold Dust Dracaena
* Green Gold Nephthysis

* Hahn’s  English Ivy
* Heartleaf Philodendron
* Heavenly Bamboo
* Holly
* Horsehead Philodendron
* Hurricane Plant
* Hyacinth
* Hydrangea

*  Iris

*  Japanese Show Lily
* Japanese Yew
* Jerusalem Cherry

*  Lace Fern
* Lacy Tree
* Lily of the Valley

* Madagascar Dragon Tree
* Marble Queen
* Marijuana
* Mexican Breadfruit
* Mistletoe “American”
* Morning Glory

*  Narcissus
* Needlepoint Ivy
* Nephthytis
* Nightshade

* Oleander
* Onion
* Orange Day Lily

* Panda
* Peace Lily
* Philodendron
* Plumosa Fern

* Red Emerald
* Red Lily
* Red-Margined Dracaena (aka Straight-Margined Dracaena)
* Red Princess
* Rhododendron
* Ribbon Plant (Dracaena sanderiana)
* Rubrum Lily

*  Saddle Leaf Philodendron
* Sago Palm
* Satin Pothos
* Schefflera
* Spotted Dumb Cane
* Stargazer Lily
* Striped Dracaena
* Sweetheart Ivy
* Swiss Cheese Plant

* Tiger Lily
* Tomato Plant
* Tree Philodendron
* Tulips

* Variegated Philodendron

* Warneckei Dracaena
* Wood Lily

* Yucca

Overheating

Because of the flat face and short snout, pugs may have a hard time dissipating that extra heat in the summer months, or in a warm winter home. They can become very ill and heat exhaustion is not at all uncommon if they are outdoors for extended periods of time. They can’t get rid of that heat easily with panting like other dogs can. Taking them outdoors in the hot weather is a short term adventure,  and also make sure that you’ve got water with you to give them even if you’re only going out for a very short time.

Breathing problems:

Pugs may be prone to breathing problems also due to the flat face and curled snout. They tend to make snorts and snuffs, and will quite often snore excessively. They make amazing noises designed to make you just howl laughing but do take care that if they seem to be having trouble breathing you make a fast appointment with the vet. We’ve never had issues, but have been told that they get sinus infections that can cause discomfort.
Allergies

Pugs can also be sensitive to certain allergens such as smoke and other things, and will get paws and ears that are itchy, as well as hot spots on their skin. Make sure the spots are allergy in nature and not a product of fleas or mites to keep your pet healthy.

Anesthesia for Surgery
If your pet needs surgery, select a vet wisely who knows the problems that pugs can have tolerating anethesia. They do have special needs with regard to it

That doesn’t mean they don’t shed. They do shed, only to excess if you don’t keep their coates brushed well. A weekly brushing will keep the undercoat hair from shedding quite so much and help keep them more comfortable as well.

A bath for a pug is about every two weeks or once a month. They really do keep themselves quite clean, and don’t require a lot of bathing. Make sure that you rinse them very well, and do make sure that you keep your pugs in the habit of getting a bath. They can be wriggly little guys if they aren’t into the whole thing and you’re going to be amazed how big a pain it can be if they decide they don’t want one.

While you’re bathing, check the facial wrinkles of your pug to be sure that no hidden dirt is depostied there. Their faces can become quite messy and the wrinkles will trap dirt that could potentially cause an infection, so just check to be sure that it’s not present.

Toenail clipping is personal preference. Many people are nervous to try it, and many pugs can sense that tension and will wriggle and squiggle til its impossible. Get your puppy accustomed to having his nails done. Many pugs have dark colored nails which makes it difficult to actually see the quick and know where to clip the nail. Taking off the sharp tip will always work since you’re not going to go down into the toenail far enough to do any damage.

IF you do accidentally clip a bit short, a good styptic powder will stop the bleeding. It doesn’t seem to bother the dog at all, but of course it will bother you. If you’re not sure, or are feeling some trepidation about nail clipping, its generally very reasonable at a groomer.. about five dollars, while the vet will charge ten to 15 for doing it. Choose one, but do make sure their nails are clipped regularly to prevent them from catching in the carpet or tearing.

Many people give their dogs table treats, and frankly, I don’t see any real issue with it. Your dog does like an occassional taste of variety. Dogs are not the delicate flowers that you’ve been led to believe. They are domesticated certainly but they like something different as much as you or I do, and giving them treats made for dogs isn’t a problem, or even the odd bone so long as its not chicken turkey or something that they can actively chew up.

Beef knuckle bones or pork knuckle bones aren’t a bad thing, but other bones will grind up and may cause problems. Pugs have notorioiusly great teeth and can really chew through things remarkably well.

A few foods to avoid like the plague are chocolate, which of course stimulates your puppy to the point that it could do some real harm.

Another which many people don’t know is grapes. Pugs do like fruit but a couple of times grapes have been the culprit in causing renal failure in pugs and in other dogs, Avoid them avidly.

Your puppy will do well on just a diet of kibble and water, or kibble moistened with milk if you like at first then gradually changed over to just dry kibble.  He will be well served if you wait til he’s a bit older before you begin to serve him up other things for his meals.

In fact although some pug owners give too much table scraps and make the dogs overweight, most pugs get enough exercise to stay at the right size for a good portion of their lives.

From the time you bring your puppy home until he or she is about six to seven months old they are doing some serious growing. This means that they need some serious food.

We have always tried to leave puppy kibble down for them all the time, rather than to restrict their intake. If you do, they will usually eat just when they are hungry and if you dont’, the fact is that they will very often gobble their food when its not available at all times.

Pugs as a breed seem to have a tendency toward guarding their food.  This is especially true if the food is not always down and waiting for them. If you feed at regular intervals reather than  using as self feeder or other means of having food down constantly, they can tend to misbehave when the food goes into the bowl.

In our house this isnt’ acceptable behavior and you need to work with them fairly consistently as pups to prevent it.

Do be careful to restrict the amount of different foods that you give your pug until they get a bit older. In all honesty, we’ve found that pugs have cast iron stomaches and will eat a wide variety of things, but when they are puppies, you do want to prevent those tummy upsets and keep them to one type of food. If you change it, introduce the new variety over the course of a few weeks by mixing hte new with the old in greater proportions until they are accustomed to the new food.

The only caution that I would offer is to restrict the variety in your pup’s diet. Pugs have very sensitive tummies, especially at a young age, and will often become ill (diarrhea/vomitting) if their diet is changed. Best to keep your pup on a dry food if they are doing well on that and try not to introduce snacks or people food.

Pug puppies, according to the vets we talked to, said that the pug stomach when he’s a pup will hold just about a tablespoon or more of food. Thats not a lot for an energetic dog. Because of that, he wants to, and needs to eat more often than some other puppies do. Let him. He will normally maintain a healthy weight. Because pug pups have such tiny stomachs we try to leave food down all the time to prevent them from being hungry and not having access to a meal.