Training is just as important for small dogs as it is for larger dogs. Dog owners don’t always spend a lot of time and effort training their small dogs, often viewing any bad behavior as inevitable. Lack of training can actually lead to a number of behavioral problems, including aggression and constant barking. It can also be dangerous for your puppy; for example, if he doesn’t learn to show up when called, he could get lost or get injured. And, regardless of its size, a well-trained dog is more pleasant than an impolite one.
Try the “nothing in life is free” philosophy Their size means that many small dogs enjoy privileges that larger dogs don’t. For example, 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 you can live with it, it can lead pushy dogs to think that the owner is there to cater to their every whim. In other words, letting your dog do whatever he wants all the time could lead you to share your home with a petty tyrant. To let your puppy know you’re in charge, start with a “Nothing in Life is Free” program. Many dog trainers follow this type of program, designed to teach your dog that things must work. Give your dog a command it must obey to get whatever it likes. For example, have your dog sit down before feedings, and sit down before being allowed on furniture. Your puppy will soon learn that aggressive behavior doesn’t help.
Training your dog for heights requires attention training a puppy can be hard on your back and scary for your dog. Especially in the early stages of training basic obedience commands, it can scare your puppy if you’re up there. To relax the dog (and protect your back), start at the same body level as your dog. You can lie on the ground with your puppy, or let it rise to your height level by placing it on a table or step.
Once the dog is comfortable with training and learning new commands, you can start training while standing and he is on the ground.
- Stay positive Positive reinforcement training is a great way to train small dogs. Techniques such as clicker training and other reward-based training can be very effective. On the other hand, because they are so small, punishment-based training can be harmful and scary. Straightening it with a leash can easily injure a puppy accidentally. And being a lot younger than you is intimidating enough without increasing the penalty. Stay positive, reinforce your recognition with frequent praise and treats, and your puppy will surely learn to love training sessions.
- Try sports, advanced obedience, etc. Don’t underestimate your puppy’s ability to learn new behaviors and excel in a variety of activities. Small dogs excel in dog sports such as agility and earth dog, as well as advanced obedience. These are great ways to incorporate skills into your daily training. If these competitions don’t appeal to you, you may still want to consider training your dog for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. With proper training and socialization, small dogs make great companions and will be welcomed wherever you go. Frequently Asked Questions Dog trainers often hear complaints from small dog owners about home training. Owners will find that recommended burglary techniques, such as crate training, do not work for their small dogs. This is not true. Be consistent with training and demonstrating behavior in different settings, just like with larger dogs. The same techniques that work for large dogs work for your small dog, with one notable exception. Small dogs usually have smaller bladders than larger dogs. This means that they are not physically able to hold it for hours as a larger dog. Your small dog may only need to run outside a few times a day. Owners whose schedules don’t allow them to walk their puppy every three to four hours may need to hire a dog walker or choose to teach their dog to use a shack pad or litter box indoors.
