Training is just as important for small breed dogs as it is for large breed dogs. Because their small size allows some people to overlook a small dog's bad behavior, dog owners don't always put as much time and energy into training their small breed dogs as they should. Unfortunately, this lack of training can lead to a number of behavior problems including aggression pushiness, and incessant barking, it can also be dangerous for your small dog. A dog who doesn't learn to come when called is at risk for bolting out into traffic or becoming lost. And no matter their size, a well-trained dog is a much more pleasant companion than one with bad manners.

The following are some tips to help you get started on training your small dog:

Nothing in Life is Free

Their size means many small dogs are afforded privileges that larger dogs are not. For instance, small dogs are more likely to be allowed to sleep in your bed and sit on your furniture. While this is fine, as long as it is acceptable to you, it can lead to pushy dogs who think their pet parents are there to cater to their every whim. In other words, allowing your dog to do as he pleases all the time can lead to sharing your home with a tiny tyrant.
To let your small dog know you are in charge, get him started on a “Nothing in Life Is Free” program. This type of program is designed to teach your dog that he has to work for everything he values. Give him a command which he must obey before he has access to anything he enjoys.
For example, ask him to sit before he gets fed and to lie down before he is allowed up on furniture. Your small dog will quickly learn that pushy behavior gets him nowhere. You should make sure that everything he wants is on your terms.
If he wants to go out the door or come in the door he must wait for you to invite him in. The opening of the door should not be his cue. Your invitation in is his cue. If he wants up on the bed or furniture he must wait for your invitation. If he initiates jumping up on his own then tell him “OFF” in a calm assertive manner. If he is not off within 3-5 seconds then gently put him back on the floor. You can use your body to block him from trying to jump up again. If you have a large area of furniture and it’s too hard to control all that space then use a spray bottle with a stream setting to correct him the second he tries again. Please try to avoid your dog’s face when using your spray bottle. It is much more effective if you spray his back, side, or bottom.

Small Dogs with Big Problems

If you invite your little dog to sit on your lap that is fine however, if he starts to growl when another person or dog tries to get some attention too then you must put your growling dog gently back on the floor. That growling behavior means that he is claiming you as his and he is seeing you as one of his resources. You need to make certain that you make it clear to your dog who the real pack leader is. You must control ALL resources at all times in order for your dog to respect you as the pack leader. Resources to a dog are things such as: territory, toys, food, other pack members, furniture, and the leash. You also must initiate affection, attention, and playtime.

How many times has your little dog jumped up onto your lap, paw’d at your legs, or barked to get your attention? All of those behaviors, albeit very cute, are ways that your dog is trying to assert himself into the role of pack leader. The only way he would ever do that is if you are not providing him with boundaries, rules, structure, leadership, consistency, and the calming energy he needs.

The pack leader is the most stressful position and most dogs would prefer not to take on that role. However, their instinct says that in the absence of the above mentioned leadership traits, they must take over if they are going to survive.

I know it’s difficult to wrap your mind around but the truth is, our dog’s bad behavior is only due to our poor leadership. Dogs desperately want us to be in charge. They want us to give them a job. They prefer to follow instead of lead as long as the leader rules with love, calming energy, and consistent behavior.

So, the next time you see a little growling, yappy, and nippy dog you will know how that behavior was created and who is really to blame.

“There are no bad dogs, just uninformed Pet Parents.”

Deb Nabb
The Mutt Master
Dog Behavior Specialist