Pugs embody a unique blend of personality and intelligence that is often overlooked. These small dogs are ready to showcase their multi-faceted skills at Talent Dogs events where they perform various tricks.

Pugs Perform Tricks Easily

Pugs bring vibrant and enthusiastic energy to their training and are quick to learn their tricks. With recent competitions proving their success, including Vito’s win of Best in Show at the 2024 National Dog Show, it’s clear that pugs can be successful in any training.

Pug owners observe that pugs grasp the basic commands quickly, but need to be given new commands often in order to stay interested in the training. Short training sessions are more effective. This is to ensure that the training sessions are not too long and do not overwhelm the pug’s small and short-nosed bodies.

Sit Stay (with a Twist)

The first step of this trick is to of course get your pug to sit. For this, you grab a treat and use a treat lure over their nose. Once they are sitting with you, you slowly start to step back to see if they are able to stay.

To get the pug to earn even more show points by chaining this trick to a spin, all you have to do is sit your pug and twirl your hand in a circle to some kind of a command such as “twirl.” This is then used to twirl your pug around and get some motion going to have a smooth Talent Dogs performance.

The final step is to practice the command sit in distracting rooms in your house such as a kitchen to get the pug used to performing when there is a lot going on.

High-Five Handshake

This trick is high five and is taught by showing a treat around the pug’s paw and lifting their paw in the air.

Independently fading lures with offers.

To execute a high-five to a greater extent, elevate your hand a bit further. The expression of Pugs’ faces adds a nice touch especially for talent shows. I

I prefer the “Push Drop Stick” method. Do it five times, move up a level if you get it perfect, if you did it well, do it again, if you’re struggling, simplify it.

Drama for Rolling Over

From the down position, attempt to lure a treat over their shoulder. Since Pugs are compact, it is most adorable to watch their rolls.

While performing the play dead addition, in addition to cueing roll, one would freeze on their back with their paws up. The Training Tips is to roll and then play dead, it is quite charming with their smug expression.

Other distractions would prepare them for real world scenarios. In turn, this would enhance their scores in the anticipated 2025 International Trick Dog Competition.

The final trick is Hide-and-Seek Recall

The find it cue brings up nose work where one would hide treats or toys. Pugs shine in this area with their keen by short snouted sniffers.

To advance, try hiding yourself in simple spots, for example, behind some furniture, then call them by name. Ten round sessions end when both the dog and trainer are in a happy mood.

This recall has been especially useful for off leash tasks with “Talent Dogs” and is deemed necessary as seen in the recent success with pug parkour.

The last trick is multi-tasking in the Kitchen Helper Chain.

Safe items for “tidy” or “carry” would be fake food or a spoon. Pugs are fun to perform with as they imitate chef duties when they fetch things in a organized manner.

This is then linked to table manners; you would place a napkin and then dog sits pretty.

The enthusiasm for certain types of play food creates a sequence.

The Masterchef task for the 2025 Trick Dog event appreciates this, and rewards chain  with distraction-proofing.

Agility Mini Course

Use low step hurdles or make homemade tunnels. With encouragement, pugs who are doing puppy parkour do well.

Cue either over’’ orthrough’’ and reward for confidence and speed. The sturdy frames of the pugs navigate turns crisply.

Build to waits for sequences and prep for competition, such as Melbourne Royals Action Dog Program.

Hug and Kiss

Hug cue is patting your chest. Pugs lean in naturally. Then, on cue, either a nose or paw kiss.

This emotional trick showcases your bond and will score high in the teamwork criteria during judging.

Polish this trick with just verbal cues and add some distance for an advanced flair.

Essential Training Tools Table

Tool	Purpose	Why for Pugs	Example Brands ​
Treat Pouch	Quick Rewards	Keeps motivation high during short sessions	Rapid Rewards, Mikki
Harness	Lead Walking	Eases breathing strain	Rabbitgoo
Slicker Brush	Grooming Prep	Handles heavy shedding	Zoom Groom, Furminator
Long Lead	Recall Practice	Safe off-leash simulation	Standard 10m recall line
Toy Kitchen Props	Trick Chains	Safe distraction training	Toy utensils, pretend food

Preparing for the Talent Dog Competitions

For the 2025 International Trick Dog Competitions, you can enter either the novice or limits-free class with any dog breed. Video entries are given feedback, and top finishes are awarded points leading to champion titles.

Be focused on the criteria: clear execution, quick response and flow and in creativity. The pugs are focused and charming and that will boost their motivation scores.

Aim to practice in varied spots. Using some 2025 updates will give you the edge, for example, kitchen distractions.

Conclusion

Let your pug light up the Talent Dog stages with their hidden tricks!

Through enjoyable training, the star potential of the team can be uncovered; training also provides the opportunity create meaningful connections within the team. Winning starts with training.

More info to visit Talent Dogs