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Why do we love our small dogs? Why do most owners decide to get a small dog? Here are some of the reasons we like our small buddies and some of the common things we do - or don't do - with them that would not apply to bigger dogs: 1. We want a dog that can sleep in bed with us. 2. We want a dog that we can pick up and carry around and cuddle. 3. We want a true lap dog, one that really does fit in our lap rather than one who just thinks he can fit. 4. We allow them on the furniture and let them perch above us on sofas and chairs. Or we let them on the pillows on the bed. 5. We don't exercise them the same way we would bigger dogs such as playing retrieving games, nor do we think they need much exercise at all because of their size. 6. We don't always teach them to "sit" or "down" rather when we want them to slow down, or stay in one place we just pick them up! 7. We don't always leash train them or teach them to walk quietly beside us - why? See # 6! 8. When we do take them out for a walk, they more often meet a bigger dog instead of one their own size. Sometimes they feel the need to be defensive with the big dogs so they lunge and bark. 9. We often consider them "babies" all the time, even when they've grown into adulthood because they stay small. 10. We are more much more likely to let them get away with obnoxious behavior (such as jumping up on us or others) than we would a larger dog. Do these sound familiar to you? They sure do to me! Unfortunately, some of the things we allow our small dogs and why we love them are also some of the reasons why they bite. Not setting limits for our dogs gives them the impression that they can do anything, anytime and that they pretty much own the world. So it's not surprising that when we finally do set some limits, they don't like being told what to do. They can react by biting us. So how can we spoil our little guys and still maintain control? Here are some suggestions: Unlike bigger dogs, they won't knock us over or put huge scratch marks all over us, but jumping up is still an undesirable behavior and an obnoxious one if not managed properly. Try not to reinforce this behavior. You'll have to refrain from putting your hands on the dog, as this will only encourage him to do it more. It's better to ignore the jumping up and walk away. When out in public, you need to discourage others from letting your dog jump up on them. Most people will say that they don't mind your small guy jumping up - isn't he so cute after all? Don't hesitate to insist that the dog sit quietly for greetings before he is petted, or turn down the attention if the people are not willing to cooperate. Pick your dog up or just say that you are in a hurry and can't stop! However, there may be times when your dog is feeling intimidated by a situation, such as being approached by a big dog, and his reaction is to jump up. In this instance, picking him up is the best thing to do. If your dog decides to get up on you and sit in your lap, on the sofa, in the bed, etc, don't hesitate to put him back on the floor if you don't want him there! If you don't teach him to ask first, he will think that he is allowed to invade your space any time he feels like it. Then when you do try to take him off, he could growl or snap at you. Don't allow him up if he's not invited. If he gets protective of you when he's in your lap, and growls or snaps at other people or dogs, simply start to stand up and let him roll gently off your lap. He will be surprised and probably give you a funny look. Just say "too bad" and walk away. If you are standing up and holding him when he does this behavior, put him on the ground. Small dogs need obedience training just as much as their larger friends. They should learn to walk on a leash, sit for greeting, lie down and relax, come when called and many other things. They need to develop self-control rather than always doing what they want when they want to do it. Carrying him all the time encourages him to guard you and consider you his property. You should also be able to hold him and restrain him for doing his nails and brushing without him putting up a fight. Socialization is equally important for him. He should meet different people in different places and as well as different dogs. Try to socialize him with dogs his own size and be cautious when he meets larger dogs. Sometimes larger dogs can accidentally injure your dog with a greeting from a big paw or body slam. However, small dogs are often seen as prey to larger dogs, not as other dogs. It only takes a second for a big dog to latch on to your small dog with his teeth and shake him. This can happen even if the big dog is leashed. As a big dog approaches, don't hesitate to pick up your dog till the big one has passed. Your dog may want to let the big dog know he's not afraid of him, so he may posture and bark even if you are holding him. Unfortunately this can invite a confrontation from the big dog. Don't acknowledge your dog's behavior. By continuing to walk away and avoiding contact with the big dog, you're letting your dog know that you are in charge, not him. Some dogs seem to be particularly adamant about guarding and keeping things that they've stolen, items that they're not suppose to have. It's a good idea to teach your dog to accept having things taken away from him. This can be done by offering him a yummy treat in exchange for the item. That way he knows he will get something good in return for giving the item up. The same goes for toys and bones, offering the treat, taking the toy or bone, then giving the item back. Also make sure that you can take his food dish away in the same manner, and be able to stick your fingers in his dish while he's eating. This is particularly important if you have kids or grandkids that interact with your dog. Have fun with your little dog and if you are experiencing any problems with him, please contact a professional for help. Copyright Meredith Lunn CDBC, May, 2006; references: Small Dogs Big Issues, copyright Sue Sternberg 2000; Small Dog, Big Attitude, copyright Meredith Lunn 2002 UVHS. |
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