Monday, August 31, 2015

Living with Small Dogs

August 31, 2015

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.