SMALL DOG SYNDRONE?

 

Little dogs are often described as having, "small dog syndrome," and this description refers to a collection of unwanted behaviours such as yapping, barking, aggressiveness or defensiveness and so forth.

Some believe that these behaviours are an inherent trait that is a part of a small dog trying to protect himself in a big world full of challenges that might overwhelm a little dog.

I disagree with that and there is no more reason for a small dog to be difficult, unruly or out of control than any of the bigger breeds.

Little dogs can be a victim of their size as owners sometimes decide that a tiny dog cannot really do much harm so there is less urgency to train them than if they were a bigger dog. If a chihuahua snarls at people in the street or bites visitors it is seen as annoying - however, if a Doberman does the same then they will meet with quite a different reaction from their owners or anyone who meets them.

In many years of training dogs through classes and behavioural modification programs, I have certainly noticed that puppy and "next stage" group classes mostly attract owners with larger breeds who know from the onset that they must train and socialise their dog before it becomes an adult.

Sadly classes seem to attract way fewer owners of small breeds. The majority of my small breed customers contact me when their little dog is older and displaying various unwanted behaviours and one or other of those bad behaviours is driving them mad! Many of these people wonder why their lovely puppy has turned into a difficult adult, and having got to a point where they are struggling to manage the dog they book behavioural modification training with me.
The bottom line is that a lot of small dogs are treated differently than you would a Labrador or any larger breed. Overall they seem to receive less formal training and possibly at home are allowed to take liberties that most larger dogs are not.

I think it is crucial to understand that small dogs not only respond very well to training and boundaries but will be better prepared to cope will life in a calm manner. If you fail to teach your dog how you want him or her to behave then you will be lucky if he or she does not develop a bundle of unwanted behaviours.

Furthermore, our small breeds might be tiny and they might be more fragile than most larger dogs - but they are still dogs! As with any dog they have instincts, drive and intelligence that need an outlet. Physical exercise and mental stimulation are crucial to the health and well-being of all dogs and where this is lacking you will get a bored and frustrated dog.

In my opinion, if you opt for a small breed then you have an absolute duty to train and prepare your dog for the life you want him to lead. You will both have much more fun and peace if you do so.