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Small dog owners are told more often than not that their small dog will be hard to train and that it will take some time to get the response and actions desired; however, this is certainly not true in every case. And it is unfair to small dogs to label them difficult, or simply unable to be trained. It may actually be our fault and the stigma we have placed on small dogs for so long. Their pocket size and irresistible charm seduces us humans into treating small dogs more like toys or accessories instead of animals. We handle them freely, groom them often and carry them around with us everywhere. There is nothing really wrong with that at all, but all the fuss and attention we give our small dogs can place an enormous strain on a dog’s social skills- skills that are not innate or natural; these skills must be learned.

One of the most fundamental tips to training a small dog is to not reward any bad behavior. For instance, your dog is sitting in your lap while you have company over. One of your guests reaches over in an attempt to pet your dog. Instantly, she or he snaps or yips at the approaching hand and you simply say “Oh no Pooches, don’t do that,” without removing said Pooches from your lap. Remaining in your lap and receiving attention and affection from you is a positive reinforcement for a negative behavior from your dog. Conversely, freely reward your dog when called for. If your dog does something desired or is acting in an appropriate manner, give them attention through affection and praise. Perhaps you should take time out to play with a favorite dog toy or give them their favorite dog treat. These first two steps are the backbone of training any dog and everything really falls into place from here.

There are a few more important things to remember while endeavoring to train your small dog. Though small dogs are adorable, they are not toys. In other words treat the dog like a dog. This is a big problem when training small dogs. Just because they’re small, it does not mean it’s a doll or a toy to be carried around all day like a little 3 year old girl carries her baby doll. It is okay to pick up small dogs occasionally, but don’t carry them around because it can contribute to them being insecure. If you do intend to carry your small dog around with you, use a small dog carrier that can be found in many styles and sizes at places like swankpets.com. This gives your small dog a secure place to call her own while you carry her.

Keep your small dog on your schedule. Feed, walk, play, let out to potty and train them at the same time every day so they recognize that you’re in charge and not them. Successfully training your small dog may not happen overnight, but with consistent hard work, you will have a well-behaved companion to cherish as a member of your family.

SwankPets

3525 Lebon Drive, Unit A.

San Diego, CA 92122

(858) 272-9882