5 Tips for House Renovating with Pugs
Sometimes a pug castle needs to be updated and modernized, or in our case, completely gutted and overhauled. As much as it would have been lovely to live in a completed home while renovating another, it wasn’t possible, so here are some things we have learnt to keep in mind while renovating with pugs in the home.
Preparation
When we were still in planning phase before the noisy work, we took the time to refresh the pugs training with the Sound Proof Puppy Training App. This app is fantastic for all sorts of noises, and it reinforced that noisy power tools are not something to run away and cower from. It was really beneficial for using power saws and nail guns, that they pugs didn’t get scared and run or harm themselves. * Our pugs are a little bit ‘too’ used to the sounds now though… we have to do some reverse training!
Exclusion Zones
With a lot of renovations and construction areas, it is important to not have pugs under your feet. We found this especially true when up and down off ladders. Pugs love to be close, and that sometimes means they try to climb the ladders too. Setting up safe areas with gates and doors where your pug can have a snooze but still ‘supervise’ is important for their safety and yours.
Also teaching pugs where they can and can’t go from day one is a good tip. These boys know that upstairs is a permanent exclusion zone, so no gate is needed.
Protection
Just like with humans, Personal Protective Equipment on the worksite is important. Pug eyes are susceptible to all sorts of troubles, so protect them where you can. Most of the time we would put the pugs in an exclusion zone when their eyes could be in danger, but these little glasses where too cute to pass up a photo opportunity!
Wynstan loved having the ear muffs on. Again, they were in an exclusion zone as much as possible, but he did wear these a few times for an amusing amount of time!
Socialisation
A trip to the hardware store is not only fun, but a great opportunity for pugs to practice their socializing skills (and hopefully your local store has a Saturday sausage sizzle too!) Sometimes we get a bit too busy with renovations to get the pugs out of the house. Taking them along on your trips to the store ensures they are keeping their mind and body active so they aren’t getting into things they shouldn’t on the worksite.
Rest
At the end of a hard day, take a leaf out of the pug-life manual. Pugs are fantastic at reminding us to rest and recuperate, ready to do it all again tomorrow!
Have you done any renovating with pugs? Have some tips or stories to share? Leave a comment below.


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- 5 Tips for House Renovating with Pugs - July 16, 2018

I enjoyed your post and the pictures of the Pugs in their reno gear! I’m in the process of renovating my home ahead of placing it for sale, and packing away as much as possible before the move. My Rosie is a rescue and was dropped off at the pound on her family’s way out of town. She was five at the time and surely remembers that horrible event. She is especially anxious and very clingy through all this, so I’m trying to be extra attentive and accommodating so as to reassure her. It does slow me down at times, but well worth it to minimize her trauma. Just something to keep in mind for those of us lucky enough to find our fur babies at a shelter.
Good luck with your renovations.