I see all kinds of issues in
my practice, but one that comes up again and again is behavior issues in small
dogs. I know that some of these are specific to the type of dog and what they
were bred to do, but often they are simple mistakes that their person is
making.
Housetraining
– Any dog can be trained where to do his business if you are diligent and
consistent and make it a good experience for the dog. Since they are small,
it’s hard to keep an eye on them, so use a leash when you are training. So
often with little dogs they are allowed to use pads or even the floor. Because
it’s easier to wipe up that little bit of pee than do a lot of training, small
dogs get away with this. You don’t have this issue with a Malamute or St.
Bernard – we wouldn’t allow it.
Socialization
– Many people are overly protective of toy or small dogs and don’t allow them
to be socialized with other dogs when they are puppies. This is a big mistake.
Dogs need this interaction to become confident and well adjusted. Socialize
your little dog carefully, but don’t coddle him. Protecting a dog all the time
makes him fearful and sometimes aggressive because they don’t know how to act with
dogs. They can also pick up the person’s fear.
The same is true for
socialization with people. Put your dog on the ground and let him approach
people on his own. If you are always holding your dog, he can feel trapped and
defensive when people approach. Let your dog spend time with children while you
supervise the interaction. Ask people to sit on the ground or floor to meet
your dog so they are less threatening.
Obedience Training – It’s just as important that you train a small dog as a large one. Many
small dog behavior issues can be effectively managed, reduced or prevented
altogether through reward-based training that focuses on fun and motivation.
Most small dogs are eager to learn simple obedience and tricks for tasty
treats. Remember, a well-trained dog gets to do more things than an untrained
one. To assure a happy life for you little dog, find a positive, reward based
trainer that works with little dogs. It’s the best investment you can make in
your dogs psychological health.
