Are Puggles Aggressive? [Triggers And Prevention Strategies]

Puggles may not be the biggest dogs, but they are certainly a playful and lively breed. But what about aggression? Are Puggles renowned for acting out aggressively and is there anything an owner would need to consider? I spent some time researching the Puggle breed, how they generally behave, and their typical traits and tendencies.

So, are Puggles aggressive? Puggles are typically non-aggressive, they are usually very sweet-natured in temperament. They are commonly happy, loving, gentle, and affectionate dogs. However, like any breed of dog, the propensity for aggression is always present. Factors that can cause or increase aggression include feeling fearful, protective, or territorial. Triggers might be a hand raised in front of their face, someone approaching them while they’re eating, or fear of a stranger attacking them or their family.

Puggles are an adorable cross between beagles and pugs.

This breed has grown in popularity over the last few years because of its cute looks, not to mention its playfulness and happy disposition.

These dogs bear the status of “designer dog” because they were bred for a purpose.

For this breed specifically, it was in the hope of reducing medical conditions the Beagle and Pug breed are most susceptible to.

Let us now take a closer look at the average Puggle temperament.

We will then look at some of the common triggers that have been reported to cause aggression in this breed.

Lastly, we will be covering the best approach that an owner can take to reduce or even eliminate this behavior altogether. So be sure to keep on reading!

Typical Puggle Temperament

Puggles, being a mix of pug and beagle, were only ever going to be gentle-natured; both parental breeds are known for being very loving and affectionate themselves.

The Puggle is also an enthusiastic, happy, playful, perky, and lively dog.

Getting attention is always at the forefront of their minds.

However, they do have a stubborn streak.

Be prepared that your Puggle might ignore your commands initially, especially if they pick up an intriguing scent. Owners need to be consistent in their training.

Thankfully, they are very smart and learn commands quickly, especially with positive reinforcement such as the promise of food and play and lots of praise.

This mixed breed is quite an active and energetic dog, so they need daily exercise, a few 15-minute walks or games usually does the trick.

Puggles are typically well-behaved around other dogs and pets, but they are known to chase smaller animals.

This dog is ideal for children of all ages, which is a relief for many families that want to have a dog.

You must be aware that these dogs become so attached to their owners that they can’t bear them to leave for long periods at a time – this is known as separation anxiety.

This dog is a wonderful companion that fits well into any family situation. They are very cuddly, and they love nothing more than spending time with their owners.

Puggles get on well with everyone, including strangers.

But, these dogs can display some behavioral issues including barking excessively, howling, and wandering.

This most often arises in Puggles not trained, socialized, or kept sufficiently busy during the day.

Like any dog breed, Puggles need early exposure to different sights, sounds, people, and experiences – this is socialization, dogs really benefit from early socialization, it helps them to develop into happy and well-adjusted dogs.

What Can Make Puggles Aggressive?

It’s unusual for a Puggle to be aggressive, but it happens.

We will look at Puggle aggression further on, but first, it’s essential to understand that you never know what characteristics your Puggle will have inherited from its parents.

Your Puggle might be happy to relax at home like a Pug, or it could be a howler like a Beagle.

Being a crossbreed, Puggles come with an element of surprise.

While these dogs don’t tend to be aggressive, some mildly bad behaviors include barking a lot, howling, and wandering. Yet, all of which can be entirely remedied so are no cause for concern.

On the subject of aggression, Puggles can become aggressive just like any other breed. So what are the main triggers?

Let’s look at what Puggle aggression looks like and what is normally at the root of it:

Illnesses and Injuries

Puggles show aggression by growling, barking, stiffening their body, nipping, and even hiding.

First off, you must ensure that your Puggle doesn’t have any underlying illnesses or injuries by getting them examined at the vet.

Dogs do not like to display their vulnerabilities and will do all they can to conceal them from their owners.

If this means being aggressive as the last resort, they’ll turn to it.

If you find that they are unwell or injured, your vet can assist you with getting the proper treatment and care. This is usually enough to help the aggression subside.

If, however, your Puggle is well yet he is acting aggressively, you must take note of what or who is making them act aggressively. Think back to the last time your Puggle was aggressive and what the situation was at the time.

Territorial

Puggle males can act aggressively if they haven’t been neutered. Not being neutered can make them territorial against other people and dogs.

Aside from easing your dog’s aggression, it is in your dog’s best interest to be neutered, it has been documented that it benefits their health.

These dogs might lash out if they think someone is intruding on their space. Like any dog, Puggles don’t like people approaching them when they are eating or chewing a bone or toy.

So, it is always best to leave a dog alone when he’s eating or chewing on something.

Fear

Puggles, like any dog, can develop fear-based aggression; this is especially true with rescued dogs.

If a dog was hurt in the past, they may attack if they feel as if they are being cornered. Most dogs will give a warning before they attack, offering a chance for the object of their aggression to back away.

Most puggles like strangers, but there may be some that don’t.

If your Puggle perceives a stranger as a threat, they might bark aggressively as to warn their family about approaching danger, and he may even lunge at the stranger.

Lack of Socialization

One of the main reasons Puggles may act aggressively is due to a lack of early socialization. This is around other people, dogs, and of different contexts, environments and situations.

All dogs need socialization as it exposes them to so many sights, sounds, animals, people, and situations.

It helps them to be confident, and familiar, with their surroundings. They have experience in overcoming these challenges.

Normalizing these strange new phenomena removes the fear factor and helps your dog to be calm when they are out and about.

How To Prevent Aggression In Puggles

The best time to take steps to prevent or manage a Puggle’s aggression is to begin when they are a puppy. During this time their brains are like sponges.

You can take the same steps for an adult Puggle, but it will likely take longer for the training to register with your dog.

It would be helpful to discern when your pup is aggressive and when they are just playful, as puppies can be excessively playful.

There are two ways to prevent aggressive behavior in a puppy; firstly, you must manage the circumstances during your puppy’s aggressive behavior.

Secondly, you can train your Puggle to behave positively rather than negatively in such a situation.

Create an alternative for aggression by training your dog to seek polite play and attention.

Preventing Aggression In Puggle Puppies

Puppies can’t help but chew and bite, and their teeth are sharp. Consider the following tips to manage aggressive biting from your puppy and other behavioral issues:

• When your Puggle puppy becomes too rough during play, end the game, and allow them some time to relax. Interrupt biting by standing up and walking away, or you can put your puppy into a playpen.
• Redirect your puppy’s biting by giving him a chew toy to bite on when he tries to bite your hands during play.
• Make sure you use a long training leash with your puppy when he becomes too rough around people or other dogs. You can pull the end of the leash to pull him away. Children often scream and move around a lot, which can get puppies too excited.
• Use the leash to teach children and friends to be calm and gentle around your dog. If your puppy tends to nip at your ankles, use the leash to pull him away and to refocus his attention on walking straight ahead.
• Give your puggle puppy lots of opportunities to play and socialize with other dogs. Doggy daycares and doggy parks are excellent places to allow your puppy to have supervised social interactions. Your puppy can learn from the positive example of other dogs.
• Your pup must get accustomed to being petted and handled without it triggering chewing or rough play.
• Your pup must learn bite inhibition – this is when a puppy learns that a bite is too strong and no longer fun.
• Teach your puppy the “leave it” command to stop him chewing, biting, tugging at your shoes, nipping at your ankles, and chewing on the leash.

Preventing Aggression In Adult Puggles

As previously mentioned, it can be a little more challenging to prevent aggression in an elder dog.

They have likely learned that this behavior gets them what they have wanted and may have even become quite stubborn in changing.

Behavioral, Obedience, and Distraction training are good approaches commonly used.

Each serves a purpose; all will enable you to prevent, correct, or reduce bad behaviors and any aggressive tendencies.

Using positive reinforcement techniques also works well; never punish your Puggle but instead, look to reward good behavior.

You can always sign up for dog training classes or hire the assistance of an animal behavioral specialist or expert dog trainer to support you.

Finally

It is very rare to have an aggressive Puggle; they are usually sweet-natured and very gentle.

However, aggression is possible with all dogs, even friendlier ones like the Puggle.

Owners who raise these dogs almost always have nothing bad to say; these dogs are well-loved and for very good reason.

The Puggle is a mix of two great dog breeds, the Pug and the Beagle, who are both great family breeds renowned for their loving temperaments.

They do, however, differ in several ways.

Therefore, and as with any crossbreed, you never know what to truly expect and what kind of personality each Puggle is likely to have. They can range quite considerably. Some are more relaxed, others lively.

For the most part, Puggles are stubborn. But they are smart, playful, energetic, and they are very gentle with children.

While most owners don’t have to deal with an aggressive Puggle, they may have to deal with some undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking and wandering off.

Excessive barking and other mild behavioral issues are manageable with proper, consistent training.

You must prepare to handle the energy levels of this dog because they are very energetic and active.

If they don’t receive enough daily exercise, it could lead to boredom and frustration, which can result in destructive behaviors.

Make sure that you take the time to bring your dog out for a few short strolls a day, or you could engage them in play such as fetch.

If you can’t make the time, make sure that you enlist the help of someone who could take your dog out for their daily exercise – this will keep them happy and healthy and make looking after them more of a positive experience

Unfortunately, Puggles are often given up on by their owners – likely due to their needs for attention and exercise. You can usually find them in shelters and rescue groups.

So if you can and are still looking to get one; adopting from a shelter or rescue group is an admiral thing to do.

Before you go, be sure to check out my other guides on Puggles:

• Are Puggles Hypoallergenic? [Does This Breed Shed A Lot?]
• How Big Do Puggles Get? [Average Height, Weight and Size]
• Are Pugs Aggressive? [Breed Temperament Guide]