So you want to teach your pug to dance? Dance is an advanced trick, so make sure you have mastered some of the other commands. Remember pug training is a about getting a puppy’s full attention for short periods throughout the day. Lastly, if you haven't read our clicker training basics tutorial yet then we advise you visit there first, then come back to teach your pug to dance.

Why you should teach your pug to dance?

Why not! Although dance will be one of the more difficult dog training commands, it will be the most rewarding. 'Dance' or 'Spin' will become your pug's party piece and will be great to show when your have friends over or when you have brought them a special treat.

How quickly will you be able to teach your pug to dance?

Following our clicker training guide, if your pug can sit and touch on command then they should pick up the spin, in a couple of days worth of practice.

Teaching your pug to dance in 5 easy steps

Step 1 - Clicker Training Preparation

We use this clicker as it can be attached to our finger, which makes it easier to use hand movements and leaves your other hand free to hold a treat. Make sure the training treats are small or you can even use their normal dog biscuits that are broken in half. You could also put your Pugs Harness/lead on to avoid them being distracted & running away during training.

Step 2 - Giving the command

For this trick, we have to use both a hand gesture and the verbal word 'dance' when teaching the your pug to dance for the first time. To begin, stand in front of your pug and make them sit a couple of times, this will get them interested and looking for their next treat. Show them the next treat and with the same hand make a pinched finger, with the treat between your index finger and thumb. Make a circular motion, low around their head, so that they follow the treat around. You should click and reward when the dog starts to follow the treat after a full circle. (see photo)

Step 3 - Raising the treat

If you pug has mastered following the treat in a circular motion, then simply do the same as step 2 but with the treat raised so they can't reach it. This will encourage them to get their front paws off the ground whilst following the treat. If your pug is struggling then move onto step 4 as this may help.

Step 4 - Combining the two together

Now increase the speed at which you use your hand gesture and say the word "dance" nice a clearly. Using the movement in step 3, this should make them spin around faster. Remember to always encourage, don't loose you patience and to reward with a "click" then treat.