Small Dog Syndrome: What It Is and How to Prevent It

“Small dog syndrome” is a time period used to explain behavioral issues that usually happen in smaller breeds. Due to their measurement, small dogs are sometimes handled in a different way from bigger dogs. They could also be extra pampered and allowed to get away with extra unhealthy behaviors.

For occasion, a small canine might not be reprimanded for begging, whereas a German Shepherd is extra more likely to be corrected. It’s simple to disregard a begging Chihuahua – not a lot a Great Dane.

However, this distinction in coaching and socialization will increase a small canine’s chance of creating behavioral points, equivalent to:

• Aggression: Many small dogs are carried and never allowed to work together with the world like a bigger canine. Therefore, they’re extra more likely to develop confidence issues and the aggression that usually comes together with them.
• Resource Guarding: Small dogs usually tend to guard “their” sources, seemingly additionally as a result of confidence issues (although this may additionally stem from a scarcity of socialization). Sometimes, persons are included on this class.
• Attention-seeking: Smaller dogs are sometimes stored of their proprietor’s laps and arms loads. When they turn out to be adults, this usually interprets to the canine all the time eager to be in a lap or held. They might turn out to be clingy and bossy.
• Bad House Manners: Many smaller dogs develop unhealthy home manners with out correct coaching. They might bark and even growl at guests, as an example.

Not all small dogs have these behaviors. Instead, they’re a results of how the canine is raised, although some canine breeds are extra susceptible to those behaviors than others. Larger dogs may also develop these issues.

Luckily, this additionally signifies that stopping and fixing small canine syndrome usually entails easy fixes in how the canine is raised and skilled.

How to Prevent Small Dog Syndrome

You can keep away from lots of the behavioral points grouped collectively as small canine syndrome by correctly coaching and socializing your canine. You ought to goal to supply very constant coaching to your smaller canine, similar to you’d a giant canine. Get them enrolled in puppy lessons (or grownup coaching lessons) and educate them the basic instructions.

An excellent instance is leash walking. A much bigger canine can simply pull their proprietor round, so a whole lot of precedence is placed on walking accurately on a leash. However, smaller dogs simply don’t have the capability to drag very onerous. Some aren’t even placed on a leash in any respect. They could also be carried as a substitute.

This is a mistake. A small canine ought to be taught how one can walk correctly on a leash and allowed to walk on a leash. This easy coaching teaches obedience and builds the canine’s confidence.

You also needs to socialize your canine frequently. Puppy lessons will help them to some extent, as your canine will be capable of work together with different folks and puppies. However, don’t solely depend on lessons to socialize your canine. Take them to canine parks and shops (and allow them to walk on a leash).

Don’t reinforce unhealthy conduct, even whether it is “cute.” Many little dogs find yourself yappy, as they’re usually rewarded for barking. Avoid unhealthy habits by setting clear boundaries early on. Don’t let your canine’s smaller measurement dictate what is appropriate and what isn’t. A smaller canine shouldn’t beg, similar to a bigger one.

Smaller dogs additionally want loads of train, however many sadly overlook this. If your canine has an excessive amount of vitality, they could be hyperactive and boisterous, which might result in all kinds of behavioral issues.

Fixing Small Dog Syndrome

If your canine already has a few of these behavioral issues, we could also be within the realm of fixing – not stopping.

Luckily, the method could be very related. Fixing takes longer, as you need to compete with unhealthy habits.

Start by instructing your canine basic obedience in the event that they don’t know the basic instructions. Even in the event that they do, now is perhaps time to revisit them. If your canine has by no means been in obedience lessons, take into account enrolling them in group lessons.

Start socializing your canine extra, even when you suppose they’re already well-socialized. Practically all the behavioral points related to small canine syndrome might be corrected with socialization. Take your canine all over the place dog-friendly you’ll be able to consider, ideally a number of occasions every week.

Start setting constant guidelines immediately. Ensure that everybody in your family is on board. Your canine will seemingly buck towards the brand new boundaries for the primary few days. However, these first few days are a few of the most necessary, so don’t give in.

Of course, cease reinforcing damaging behaviors, as properly. For occasion, don’t give your canine consideration once they begin excessively barking. Don’t give them meals for begging.

Try to introduce your canine to a constant train schedule in the event that they aren’t getting exercised presently. Often, many downside behaviors are because of the canine having an excessive amount of pent-up vitality.

Sometimes, it’s possible you’ll want skilled assist. If your canine actually can’t be with different dogs as a result of aggression or concern, speak to your native canine coach about personal lessons. These lessons enable the coach to work on the precise points you’re having, and they need to assist your canine work as much as group lessons.

The first week or so is the toughest for everybody. However, dogs adapt to adjustments comparatively shortly, and your small canine will be taught the brand new family boundaries when you’re constant.

The photograph featured on the prime of this submit is © eAlisa/iStock by way of Getty Images

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