Training Tips For Small Breed Dogs
Behavior of Small Dogs
Small dogs are adorable little creatures that captivate the heart and bring out our protective nature. Unfortunately this can create behavioral problems. Small dogs can be so adorable that many of us find it challenging to be serious when it comes to enforcing proper behavior.
And so begins our training – all too soon most owners come to the realization that small dogs can cause major destruction. Worse yet is the possibility of injury to themselves or others. Lesson #1 – believing a small dog is harmless will result in bigger problems down the road.
Small Dog – Big Attitude
If a Chihuahua were the size of a mastiff, he would be the most dangerous dog on the planet; and the tough boy reputation is not limited to these dogs either. Small dogs are entirely too adorable, making it easy for their owners to spoil them rotten, often leading to a Napoleon complex. If you find this plain fact funny, you certainly won’t be laughing when your six pound Pomeranian advises you with teeth bared that the couch belongs to him!
I can pretty much guarantee that training your small dog is going to hurt you more than them; you will have to to be strong if you are going to resist that trembling lower lip when you tell them NO. For those people who find the concept of teaching their small dog daunting, I advise beginning with the fundamental commands of “sit – stay – come”; even though you may choose not to progress beyond this stage, the safety of your tiny buddy will be greatly improved.
Beginning With The Fundamentals
Getting started with your small breed dog training program is easier than you imagine if you begin with the basics; think of “sit – stay – come” as the bedrock of your program. When you have achieved a solid understanding with instant compliance to the basic commands, you will always have a “grounding” place to return to when moving forward to more challenging training.
Small dogs are like kids in that they learn the things they enjoy the first time – instituting positive training habits from the second you first encounter each other will assist in preventing bad habits that will have to be unlearned later. When training a puppy, you have the edge of starting with an open mind that has yet to be introduced to negative environments. If you want an adult dog, particularly a rescue dog, you will most likely have to wade through the baggage they always come with; never hesitate to call in a professional trainer specializing in small dogs if you feel you’ve bit off more than you can handle.
Avoid Bad Behavior Patterns
Be on the lookout for cute habits your dog is developing that may cause issues down the road. For instance, enticing your small dog with a treat if they will please respond to your request is not the same as rewarding them for obeying your authority.
Cuddling with your canine companion in bed or on the sofa is a wonderful experience for the two of you, the key here is to be sure they understand this is your space and they must be invited – that jumping up themselves is not acceptable.
Another risky matter is allowing your small dog to jump up on you. Very little is more ingratiating than your miniature companion standing with its front paws on your legs, eyes shinning and tail wagging welcoming you to pick them up – what you might not recognize is that in so doing, you put them in a position of dominance.
If you discover your small dog is a bolter, you will need to take immediate action; nothing is more dangerous for your small dog than darting. Running from you or darting outside into the street any time the door opens makes them vulnerable to being struck by a car. Not only could you lose your dog, but you might be held liable for amends should a motorist wreck in an attempt to miss your out of control dog.
Some Dog Training Tips to Guide You
– All dogs regardless of size gain value from training
– Some may think that it is cruel to inflict obedience training on small dogs when in truth it is worse not to
– By training your small breed dog you are providing structure and emphasizing their sense of security under your leadership
– All dogs, regardless of size, require a pack leader – if it’s not you, it will be them!
– Dogs do not “deliberate” the way humans do – they “respond”
– Dogs do not “know better” and they to not “deliberately plan” to ruin your day
– Approach every training session with a positive mindset; be sure to end on the same note as well
– Consistency is vital to your training success
– A dog learns better by repeating the lessons over and over
– Some dogs will have difficulty staying focused during obedience training – a brisk walk to release some of their energy will do wonders for their attention span.
– Do not be too severe in your training sessions, if your small dog is not having fun, they will not look forward to the next lesson
– Feeding time for a small dog can be a potent tool for bonding and establishing your status as pack leader by making them work for their meal through physical exercise or training sessions
Closing Thoughts
By making a personal commitment to engage in obedience training for your small dog, you are taking the first step towards having a healthy, happy and well mannered canine companion. Establishing yourself as the pack leader will build a firm bond of trust; and as leader, you are making the assertion that no matter what, they will be safe with you.
Mucky Pup “U-Stink-But-I-♥-U” (1989)