Most Pugs lack the opportunity to roam a large backyard at will. They're more likely to spend the day indoors while their family members are away at work and school. This can make sticking to a potty training schedule more difficult.
A combination of crate and leash training works for some Pugs. If the adult Pug is new to your family or returning home after time in a kennel while you were away, you may have to reinforce his potty training. One option is to return him to the crate during the day and possibly use a leash that's not overly restrictive when you're present so that he stays in one area of the home. Keeping the Pug contained 100% of the time isn't the total answer - it's merely part of the process. Start as you would with a puppy and set up regular potty breaks.
Make sure that you time the elimination breaks with enough time after feeding so the Pug can do something meaningful on the trip outside. Spend the weekend closely observing him on the leash whenever he's out of the crate so that you begin to recognize the signs that he needs to potty. He may shake, sniff around, act agitated or start to squat. Those are your signals to stop what you're doing and immediately take him to potty. Remember to praise him lavishly when he does his business during the potty break.
That's the positive reinforcement needed to show your Pug where he's supposed to do his business. If, during your absence, your Pug stayed in a kennel where he eliminated, ate and slept in the same area, then he may have lost his earlier training. He's also probably very depressed and dejected. Pugs really don't like to incorporate potty space with living space. Your Pug will need you to boost his confidence with his bathroom skills.
For older Pugs, holding urine is a much easier task because their bladders are much more developed than a puppy's. However, if your Pug experiences a lot of potty problems he may have diarrhea, a urinary tract infection or one of many medical problems that lead to frequent accidents. If you notice a drastic change in your Pug's behavior, particularly potty behaviors for no apparent reason, you will want to have him checked out by a veterinarian. The problems might be something more serious. During the time he's being treated for the medical condition, go easy on the potty training. Your Pug needs to feel well and be reasonably able to manage his urine and elimination so that he can cooperate with your training.
Keep him on a leash when he's not in the crate and carefully care for him by helping notice signs that he needs to potty while he recovers.
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