Pugs: What to Expect in a Dog Daycare Setting
Pugs are affectionate, silly, and social little dogs who thrive on companionship and attention. They may not be the most athletic pups in the room, but they bring tons of personality and charm to any daycare group.
Key personality traits:
- Pugs are friendly and generally get along well with both people and other dogs.
- They’re often goofy, attention-seeking, and love to be in the middle of whatever’s going on.
- They can be a bit stubborn and may need extra encouragement to follow cues or participate in activities.
- Many pugs are “velcro dogs” and may choose to follow a favorite staff member around instead of engaging in play.
Energy levels & play style:
- Pugs have moderate to low energy levels and are typically happiest with short bursts of play followed by lots of rest.
- Their play style is often silly and vocal but not overly rough — they enjoy chasing, snorting, and wrestling in moderation.
- Because of their flat faces (brachycephalic), they can overheat quickly and need lots of rest breaks in a cool environment.
- They tend to do best with other small, gentle players who match their pace and size.
What pet parents should know:
- Pugs may come home extra tired, even after moderate activity, due to their breathing limitations and compact build.
- Reinforcing basic obedience like “come,” “leave it,” and “wait” at home helps with daycare consistency.
- Due to their body structure, staff should monitor for signs of overheating and provide frequent water and cool-downs.
- Pugs may also have food sensitivity or resource guarding tendencies, so staff should observe carefully during feeding or treat time.
Pugs can be happy, low-maintenance daycare dogs when their unique physical needs are respected. With gentle play, lots of affection, and a slower pace, pugs can be incredibly social and beloved members of the playroom. Their personalities are big, their bodies are small, and their love for attention makes them daycare favorites.
(Photo courtesy of instagram.com/dogtopiaofgreenwood/)
