Insight into the Small Dog

Small dogs can exhibit a variety of different behaviors when compared to larger breeds.  Small dogs tend to be excitable, sometimes noisy and energetic.  Owners of small dogs tend to be drawn to them for several reasons: (1) they are more easily managed since they don't have the weight and strength of a larger dog; (2) inappropriate behaviors of small dogs typically aren't as much of a nuisance as that of larger dogs (i.e. jumping on people, walking on lead, etc.); (3) they are easier to travel with and may be acceptable in public places due to their size (owners can easily scoop them up and carry them or put them in a sherpa bag and there is no need to own a large vehicle since a small crate fits in just about any car); (4) they are perfect for apartment and condo living since the crates and beds are smaller; (5) they may require less exercise and a 5 lb. bag of food can easily fit into the kitchen cabinet as opposed to a 40 lb. bag; and (6) they don't require training and get along well with children (while this may be sometimes true, it is also a big misconception).

Unfortunately, some owners of small dogs tend to treat them like surrogate children.  The fact is that they are still dogs, not "furry children" or stuffed animals.  They go through the same developmental stages as large dogs.  Despite their size, they go through a juvenile period and grow up to be adult dogs.  Therefore, they need to be treated as dogs in order to maintain a healthy, respectful relationship with you.

Even if the dog is treated like a surrogate child, the key factor is that they still must listen and obey.  All dogs require a social structure and benevolent leader.  They will feel more secure with a proactive leader and less likely to take matters into their own "paws."

When owning a small dog, we need to paint a clear picture of what life is like for them.  While you do need to be more cautious and protective of them due to their size, this doesn't mean that they should be carried everywhere you go, sit on your lap at the dinner table or sleep under the covers at night.  A dog that is used to being carried and constantly held can turn into a quivering bundle of fur when  you attempt to put her down or insist that she sleep in a crate or dog bed.  Think of the stress you are putting on your dog when she may need to be  crated at the veterinarian's office or groomer.  Carrying a small dog everywhere is not only physically unhealthy for them (legs need to be used), but behaviorally unhealthy as well.  Sometimes the attachment can become too strong, to the point of being detrimental.

You do, however, need to be proactive when the dog is in public so as to avoid injury or cause extreme fear.  Some human's feet are as big as a dog so you may not want to have her walk (depending on the breed) around a big city during the holiday season.

Even though you may own a "fearless little wonder" you must continue to remind yourself that her size isn't as big as her ego.  The following are some general safety tips for you to remember to keep your small dog safe when greeting people or other dogs:

Greeting People:  To help build your dog's confidence with new people, request that people squat down next to your dog when greeting her as opposed to bending and looming over her.  This can be quite disconcerting for small dogs.  If you are going to have guests over for dinner, you may initially want to pick your small dog up until everyone gets settled.  The foyer area can get quite busy during the holiday hustle and bustle.  An no one is thinking about little "Tinkerbell" under their feet.

Greeting Other Dogs:  If you are unfamiliar with approaching strange dogs, it is recommended that you stay clear or pick your dog up.  You shouldn't take chances.  If a dog is riding in the back of a pick-up truck or barking at your dog through the house or car windows, pick him up.  If your neighbor's dog suddenly runs out into the backyard and your dog is outside with you, pick him up.  Big dogs, sadly, have killed little dogs.  It happens more than we like to think.  This doesn't mean you need to panic every time you see a dog.  Just use common sense and don't take obvious chances.

Yes, small dogs are different, but with proper training and continued socialization, your dog can reap the same benefits as her larger cousins!