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Small dogs are such a great fit for many people that would like to have a dog as a companion. However, even if they may seem easier to manage, small dogs can develop the so-called small dog syndrome. What does this mean? The small dog syndrome is actually a display of unwanted behaviors in small dogs, triggered by their need to compensate for their small size and overly protective nature of their owners.
Detecting Small Dog Syndrome
As you can tell, the behaviors determined by this syndrome are unwanted and can be quite bothering. So, a small dog that is supposed to be easy to handle ends up being a handful for its owners. In order to correct such behaviors, you first need to determine if your small dog has the small dog syndrome. So, here are the kinds of behavior displayed in this case.
- Destructive behavior when left alone at home, like chewing on furniture;
- Barking excessively when someone approaches the dog, especially an unknown person;
- Being snappy and even biting not just strangers, but also its owner and the owner’s family;
- Jumping on the owner and other people;
- Being possessive with its toys or food;
- Demanding to be carried by the owner, instead of walking;
- Showing stubbornness and refusing to perform the commands given by its owner;
- Teeth displaying and growling for no obvious reason.
What leads to the appearance of these behavioral issues? Many small dog owners treat their dogs as children, pampering and spoiling them more than necessary. While they see it as taking very good care of their companions, treating them like royalty or picking them up each time they whine a little can lead to behavioral issues.
At one point, the dog will demand to be treated in a special manner and will misbehave if treated otherwise or throw a tantrum. A small dog can even end up thinking that it owns the house, which is not something a dog owner would want.
How to Fix a Small Dog Syndrome?
First of all, when you get a dog, whether it is small or large, you need to remember that it is a dog. Dogs are, by nature, pack animals that organize their daily business according to a pack order. So, yes, even a small and adorable Yorkie is descended from wild wolves and should be treated like a dog.
To establish a healthy pack order, you have to take the role of Alpha or leader of the pack. If you don’t, your dog may want to occupy this position. You should not allow that to happen, as the dog will stop listening to you, as you become an inferior creature in its eyes.
So, no matter how small your dog is, don’t forget you’re dealing with a dog, after all. Thus, it is healthy to set boundaries and rules within the house. To make this a successful plan, the entire family should respect these boundaries and rules. For example, if the dog is not allowed on the sofa, no member of the family should allow it to happen. If one cheats, the rule will fail in being effective.
Play with your dog in a regular manner. This will strengthen your bond and will show your dog that you have only good intentions. Also, you should allow your dog to play with other dogs as well. Preferably, the playtime partners of your dog should have a similar size.
If you have a small dog that doesn’t like large dogs, find gentle large dogs to introduce to your dog. But, do not allow their interaction to happen uncontrolled. Keep your dog in a leash at all times and choose a neutral area, like the park. Don’t make them sniff each other right from the start as it won’t happen. Instead, walk them together, at a safe distance, until your dog starts accepting the presence of the other.
It would also be useful to attend obedience classes with your dog. The instructor will show you how to gently control your dog and make it listen to you. Just make sure to practice at home what you learned in classes, for a more effective learning process.
Conclusion
Most certainly it is unpleasant to have a small dog that is misbehaving and is far from the dog you dreamed of having. Still, this is something that can be corrected, with an adequate strategy, calmness, and patience. If you want to find out more about how to handle your dog in a responsible manner, please click here.
