By PIA SILVANI
Small dogs can exhibit
a variety of behaviors
that are quite different
from those of their larger
counterparts. Many small
dogs tend to be excitable,
sometimes noisy and
often energetic. Owners
of small dogs tend to be
drawn to them for
several reasons:
They are more easily managed by many since they don’t have the weight and strength of
a larger dog.
They might jump on people and pull on the leash, but those inappropriate behaviors are
less of a problem when the offender is so small.
They are easy to travel with because their small crate will fit in most any car.
They may be allowed in more public places than big dogs because they can be held or
placed in a soft carrier slung over the owner’s shoulder.
They are perfect for apartment and condo living since their crates, beds, toys and food
supplies are smaller and, if necessary, they can be trained to use a large litter box
eliminating some trips out from upper floor residences.
They may, depending on the breed, require less exercise.
It’s important to recognize, though, that even a very small dog requires good training. And,
being small does not guarantee that a dog will get along with children any better than
another size.
While small dogs might look very much like sweet, cuddly toys they are indeed dogs, just
like the bigger ones. They go through the very same developmental stages as large
dogs. Despite their size, they go through a juvenile period and grow up to be adult dogs.
They need to be treated just like other dogs to maintain a healthy, respectful relationship
with you.
Even though the dogs can be picked up and snuggled in one arm, remember that they
still must listen and obey. All dogs require a social structure and a 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, one should have a clear understanding 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 that could occur when
your dog may need to be crated at the veterinarian’s office or stand on the groomer’s
table without you.
Carrying a small dog everywhere is not only physically unhealthy for them (their legs
need to be used), but behaviorally unhealthy as well. Sometimes the attachment can
become too strong, to the point of being detrimental. All dogs need to be able to “stand
on their own four feet.”
Of course you need to be proactive when the dog is in public so as to avoid injury or
cause extreme fear. Some human feet are as big as a dog so you may not want to have
her walk (depending on the breed) around a crowded city street.
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! She’s dependent on you to keep her little self safe
when greeting people or 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. And, 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 barking at your dog from a house or car, 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
powerful dogs, sadly, have killed little dogs. It doesn’t happen that often, thankfully, and
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 in stature, but with proper training and continued
socialization, your tiny companion will reap the same benefits as her larger cousins!
Small dogs can exhibit
a variety of behaviors
that are quite different
from those of their larger
counterparts. Many small
dogs tend to be excitable,
sometimes noisy and
often energetic. Owners
of small dogs tend to be
drawn to them for
several reasons:
They are more easily managed by many since they don’t have the weight and strength of
a larger dog.
They might jump on people and pull on the leash, but those inappropriate behaviors are
less of a problem when the offender is so small.
They are easy to travel with because their small crate will fit in most any car.
They may be allowed in more public places than big dogs because they can be held or
placed in a soft carrier slung over the owner’s shoulder.
They are perfect for apartment and condo living since their crates, beds, toys and food
supplies are smaller and, if necessary, they can be trained to use a large litter box
eliminating some trips out from upper floor residences.
They may, depending on the breed, require less exercise.
It’s important to recognize, though, that even a very small dog requires good training. And,
being small does not guarantee that a dog will get along with children any better than
another size.
While small dogs might look very much like sweet, cuddly toys they are indeed dogs, just
like the bigger ones. They go through the very same developmental stages as large
dogs. Despite their size, they go through a juvenile period and grow up to be adult dogs.
They need to be treated just like other dogs to maintain a healthy, respectful relationship
with you.
Even though the dogs can be picked up and snuggled in one arm, remember that they
still must listen and obey. All dogs require a social structure and a 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, one should have a clear understanding 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 that could occur when
your dog may need to be crated at the veterinarian’s office or stand on the groomer’s
table without you.
Carrying a small dog everywhere is not only physically unhealthy for them (their legs
need to be used), but behaviorally unhealthy as well. Sometimes the attachment can
become too strong, to the point of being detrimental. All dogs need to be able to “stand
on their own four feet.”
Of course you need to be proactive when the dog is in public so as to avoid injury or
cause extreme fear. Some human feet are as big as a dog so you may not want to have
her walk (depending on the breed) around a crowded city street.
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! She’s dependent on you to keep her little self safe
when greeting people or 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. And, 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 barking at your dog from a house or car, 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
powerful dogs, sadly, have killed little dogs. It doesn’t happen that often, thankfully, and
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 in stature, but with proper training and continued
socialization, your tiny companion will reap the same benefits as her larger cousins!
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