In the Home
You can start socializing your pug at home right away. Encourage everyone in the family to give him lots of attention and affection. Pet him, and call him by name to accustom him to your presence and voice. Introduce him to the neighbors and to delivery people who regularly visit your home. Invite neighborhood kids to come play with him, and show them how to hold and pet him. Let him meet other dogs as long as you know they are vaccinated.
Your pug begins learning about his environment the minute he walks into your house. Some of the things he'll learn about (if he hasn't already encountered them at the breeder's home) are vacuum cleaners, blenders, doorbells, fireworks, and thunderstorms. Be careful how you react the first time your pug pup encounters these things. He'll take his cue for future behavior from your response.
Be matter-of-fact, whether he reacts with surprise or fear or curiosity. “That's just the dishwasher/vacuum cleaner/blender.” Don't comfort him if he seems frightened by the noise. Your reassurance will make him think that there really must be something to be afraid of. It's a sure way to create a dog that's afraid of loud noises.
Introduce your puppy to different surfaces around the home and in public. He should be comfortable walking on or through grass, concrete, gravel, asphalt, grates, slippery floors, stairs, sand or dirt, rocks, snow, and puddles.
Among the noises your pug should take in stride are the television and stereo, clattering pots and pans, dropped books or other items, whistles and sirens, balloons popping, party noisemakers, popcorn popping, and electric saws and drills. Reward your pug any time he shows curiosity about a sound — if he cocks his head or approaches the vacuum cleaner, for instance. Calm behavior in the presence of loud noise warrants a treat and praise.
