Too Much Lap Time?

[Theo's Mom]

I have an 11 week old pug, Theo. He's very sweet, playful, smart and attentive, and seems to be very much a lap dog. When we play, he usually brings his toys to my lap to play with them there (e.g., I throw ball, he runs for it and climbs into my lap with it, repeat; we play tug of war while he's in my lap or right next to me), when I watch TV or read a book, he sits in my lap and chews on a chew toy; lately he's been leaving his food untouched unless I'm very nearby--either he'll grab a piece, come to my lap with it, or he'll keep a close eye on me while he's eating.

I love that he is so interested and affectionate and don't have any intention of not allowing him on furniture, etc. when he's an adult, but since I don't have any past experience with pugs, I want to make sure that I'm not doing anything to "spoil" him or cause him to be poorly behaved later on. I've been working on basic training with him, and have him sit before we go outside, before he gets his food, when he comes inside, when his leash comes off, before I let him on the couch to sit in my lap, etc. I've tried to have him sit before he jumps into my lap when I'm on the floor, but that's tougher.

Am I doing things right? Do his lap dog tendencies seem on par for other pug puppies? Any thoughts?

Thanks

[Beautifully_Chaotic]

Sounds like a normal pug to me!

[Tinker's mom]

Absolutely normal, some are clingier than others!!

[Pugs-R-MandyBait]

All the obedience you are doing with him is spot on. You'll have a very well mannered Pug when he is grown.

Great article on the Home Page of the site called "Don't Get A Pug ... " Well worth a read -

"A Pug is Your Shadow: Pugs are clingy dogs, because they’re people dogs which thrive on human companionship. This shouldn’t come as any surprise, because they were bred to be companion dogs. If you get a Pug, expect it to be at your feet and under your feet all the time. Not once in a while, or during meal time…all the time. A Pug will follow you, everywhere. Some people find this endearing, other people find it maddening or at least occasionally annoying."

[Lu Ci and Ri Ki]

Yep, they are often called Velcro dogs.

[lotusseeds]

Yes, velcro dog. Dumpling is now 7 mos she just loves being with people, not always in the lap, but next to or near my feet. She loves the warm non objectionable kids too..LOL!

[pugaddiction]

Sounds like our pugs, they are always in our laps. You are doing a great job. You might want to practice leaving him by himself once in awhile also, you don't want a dog with seperation issues. Sounds like to two of you have a great time together.