If you’re looking for agreement from a dog trainer, you’re talking to the wrong ones. We love small dogs. Many of us have small dogs, and they’re well trained. So why do they have such a bad reputation?
It’s important to know that small dogs come programmed with the same brain as big dogs do. They come with the same hard-wired needs and behaviors. They are not dumber or harder to train. The difference is in the job they were bred to do, and in how differently people treat them.
Many small dogs are under-socialized.
While very tiny dogs are more physically fragile than larger breeds, isn’t healthy for a Chihuahua puppy to be raised in isolation (read: in a purse) any more than it is a German Shepherd or a Labrador. This leads to fear and aggression problems, the same as it would in any other animal.
Adding to this problem, many small breeds were genetically designed to be pets, and with that “job” comes the desire to be with their human at all times, preferably touching them, perhaps to the point of over-bonding. If these breeds aren’t taught at a young age that humans other than their primary caretaker are pretty awesome too, trouble can brew.
For some reason, socialization is always very important to large dog owners, but not so much for those who own small dogs.
Many small dogs are under-exercised.
Your little dog has a perfectly good set of legs, and he needs to use them regularly. Small dogs need walks, fresh air, play dates, and extracurricular activities just as much as big dogs to maintain good behavior and health.
People aren’t as concerned with a small dog’s behavior.
The first time a small dog barks and lunges at a person, it’s considered funny and even encouraged with teasing. The first time a Golden Retriever does it, it’s considered a serious behavior problem and it’s addressed immediately. If your small dog is showing aggressive behaviors, she’s very, very stressed. Reach out to us for help before it gets worse.
Small dogs often aren’t house trained properly.
If a toy Poodle has an “accident” on the carpet, it’s easy to clean up. If a Great Dane has an “accident” on the carpet, it’s a major project. If this goes on for 6 months, which one of these breeds do you think is more likely to work with a professional to get it under control? Maybe small breeds, because of their tiny bladders, are more work to housetrain, but the difference is marginal. The bigger problem is that “accidents” are much easier to miss or ignore until the habit is ingrained and has started to make the house smell.
People don’t respect a small dog’s right to say “no.”
Let’s say you’re a fluffy little Pomeranian whose favorite spot is in your owner’s arms. You hate being touched by strangers (perhaps because you didn’t meet many as a puppy); it’s violating. But, when you’re in your owner’s arms, you have no way of escaping. You try to say “no thank you” with a sharp look, hard stare, freeze or growl, but you’re so darn cute, people pet you up anyway and laugh when you’re grumpy. How long will it take you to figure out that growling is ineffective, but a bite makes people back off REALLY fast? Small dogs are smart, and they will do what is effective to protect themselves just as much as a big dog.
The moral of the story
Treat that small dog like a big dog. Ask yourself, would this be okay if my Rottweiler did it? Be aware that small dogs are more physically fragile than big dogs, but mentally, they are the same, so pretend you have a Labrador retriever instead of a Shih-Tzu and you will have a much better behaved dog!
Terri says
Hi, I loved this post on small dogs. I would like tips on socializing a mini schnauzer who wants nothing to do with dogs or people. He lives with his brother who we got as litter mates and an older shih-tzu. As a pack they are fun loving and playful. One schnauzer and the ST love dog parks, formal and informal and love greeting other dogs. The one with the, say we call it, scared behavior has nipped a couple friends in the back of the leg once with walking along side another dog and owner and once at home unprovoked while a friend was grooming their dog at my house. They have all been to 2 separate trainings and behave very well for my husband and me. They all come, sit, stay, working on down stay, recall in the park when I go off leash without any distractions. Very attentive. Also, they love other family who visit and their dogs are welcome and they play together regularly. I put the little scared one in a great dog daycare a few times and he is fine there, no problems. As his owner I think he’s in the right home because I have learned to help him be successful and he’s very affectionate and attention seeking at home with all the people he knows and trusts. The puppies are 16 months. Comments??
Joanna says
Hi Terri,
Each dog will have his or her own comfort level. If your little schnauzer isn’t the one with the lampshade on his head in social situations, but rather the one with the crossword puzzle and a cup of tea in the corner, that is okay. As long as he’s happy and comfortable.
That said, dogs who bite or threaten to bite are always very, very stressed. A bite is a dog’s last line of defense, so in his mind, that was the only way to go (no matter what it looked like to us humans). Perhaps there are more steps you could take in the situations that trigger his anxiety to help him feel more comfortable. Private training is the perfect way to learn how to advocate for your “wall flower” properly – if you’re interested, call or email me and we’ll set it up. If we do it right, he should not only be less of a bite risk, but also have more confidence to handle social situations and be a happier dog in general.
Joanna