Why Are Puggles So Needy? Possible Reasons and What to Do

The Puggle is a hybrid breed that combines the Pug and the Beagle breeds. Both parent breeds are considered needy, with the Pug arguably being one of the neediest of all dog breeds. As such, the Puggle will inherit this trait and will fall somewhere between the two.

This means you may have to deal with some separation anxiety and will certainly have a dog that wants to follow you everywhere when you’re at home.

About the Puggle

Puggles were first bred in the 1980s by Wallace Havens. In 2005, they were the most widely owned designer dog breed, and their popularity remains high. The hybrid combines the Pug with the Beagle, which are both very popular breeds. They are friendly and playful, and they make excellent family pets because they are lively and energetic, too. However, for all of their positive traits, Puggles can be very needy.

The Puggle’s neediness comes down to genetics. When it comes to lists of needy dog breeds, the Pug regularly features at or near the top. And while the Beagle is not considered quite as needy, it is still a clingy dog. Combining these two breeds inevitably led to a hybrid that is also very needy.

Is the Puggle a Good Family Dog?

This loving and loyal breed can make an excellent family dog. It has the playfulness and amusing nature of the Pug combined with the lively and intelligent Beagle’s traits. It will get along with all family members and will usually do well in households with other dogs. However, this is a small breed which means that children need to be taught how to behave carefully around small breeds.

The Puggle is lively and energetic, so they need regular exercise. Beagles are hunting dogs and they have a lot of energy. While this is countered somewhat by the Pug’s less energetic nature, you should still expect to walk a Puggle at least an hour a day and ideally provide other forms of exercise. The breed can do well in agility and other canine sports.

Are Puggles Friendly?

This hybrid breed is considered a very friendly dog, which is hardly surprising considering its parents. The Pug is a companion dog that was bred to sit on laps and accompany its owners. The Beagle, although a hunting dog, is most often kept as a companion dog and is chosen because it is close to its humans and other family members.

Do Puggles Bark a Lot?

Puggles are somewhat vocal. Some will bark a lot while others will howl. They can bark when excited or anxious, which means some will bark the whole time their owners are out and then bark when they return. They also bark while playing and some will bark just to let you know they’re still around.

How to Overcome Separation Anxiety in Your Puggle

Neediness can be cute when the dog follows you around the house looking for attention. However, it can become a problem if your dog suffers separation anxiety. Separation anxiety means that your dog is suffering anxiety when you leave the house.

In extreme cases, some dogs can suffer when you go into another room and shut the door. But it is usually worse when owners go to work or leave the house for hours at a time. Below are some steps you can take to try and help your Puggle overcome separation anxiety.

1. Tire Them Out

If you know you are going to be leaving the house for a long time, take your dog out and wear them out. A tired dog will be more likely to sleep while you’re not at home, and a sleeping dog is less likely to get anxious. If you can’t get out for a walk, at least try wearing your pup out by playing at home before you go.

2. Start Small

Start by leaving the house for short periods. If your dog is especially anxious, this might just mean walking around the block and back again. Do this several times so your dog knows that you return when you do leave the house. Over time, you can gradually increase the length of time you’re out.

3. Leave a Special Toy

Have a special toy to give your dog when you’re out. Interactive toys are especially beneficial, and if that interactive toy has treats inside, it will more than likely keep your dog’s attention. At least until the treats have gone. Kongs are a good example, and they can be filled with a combination of healthy treats and peanut butter. Licky mats and puzzle toys are other good options.

4. Reduce Disturbances

Your dog will get more anxious if it hears noises or sees people while you’re out so minimizing these can help reduce anxiety. Close curtains or crate train your dog, putting the crate at the quieter end of the house. You can even get an external mailbox to prevent the noise of the mail being delivered from triggering a reaction from your Puggle.

5. Get a Sitter or Walker

If you are going out to work all day, you should get somebody to look in on your dog. If you don’t have a neighbor, family member, or friend who will do this for you, you can pay for a dog walker or pet sitter to come in. They will give your dog some exercise, feed them, and generally spend time with the dog to help reduce feelings of anxiety while you’re out. You can even take your dog to doggy daycare.

6. Get Professional Help

If your dog has severe separation anxiety, which means that it suffers after just a few minutes or displays destructive and other severe unwanted behaviors, an animal behaviorist might be able to help. The process can take time but having professional help increases your chances of reducing separation anxiety in your dog and minimizing the negative impact of the condition.

Can Dogs Grow Out of Separation Anxiety?

Strictly speaking, dogs do not grow out of separation anxiety, although some of the actions you take while you’re out may help reduce the symptoms and feelings of anxiety. If you don’t treat the anxiety, it will likely get worse and certainly won’t get better.

Conclusion

The Puggle is a designer or hybrid dog breed. It was created by crossing the Pug and the Beagle breeds. The resulting pup is a friendly, loyal, and fun dog, but it is one that is prone to being very needy. It may even suffer separation anxiety as a result of this neediness.

While your dog won’t naturally grow out of separation anxiety, there are some steps you can take to help reduce the feelings of anxiety and reduce the signs.

Featured Image Credit: ifd_Photography, Pixabay