Happy Dog
Happy Dog
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Small Breed Dog Training Tips
Behavior of Small Dogs
Many of the small breeds were bred as companion dogs, emphasizing their endearing attributes and giving rise to our protective instincts. It is this response that promotes nearly all of the negative behavioral patterns small dog owners deal with every day. When it comes to small breed dog training lots of owners look at their tiny bundles of fur and just can't quite bring themselves to correct unacceptable behavior.
And so begins the challenge of the small dog owner, too soon we all discover that even though their size is small, their capacity to produce mayhem is great. Even worse, they possibly could hurt themselves. If you genuinely want to find out just how huge your small dog is, permit him be the pack leader for a day, it won't be pretty.
Big Attitudes in Small Packages
If a Chihuahua were the size of a mastiff, he would be the most dangerous dog on the earth; and be advised that many of the small breed dogs have been cultured specifically for their fearless demeanors. Their small size and adorable looks make it altogether too easy for owners to hand over the keys to the kingdom, leading to troublesome arrogant dispositions. If you don't believe me, just watch the small cocker spaniel strut up and challenge the neighborhood Rottweiler!
If you are going to see to it that your small dog is safe, it's essential that you toughen up and not give in to the "cuteness syndrome". By training your small companion to react immediately to the fundamental commands of "sit - stay - come", you will be able to protect them in pretty much any circumstance.
Starting On Solid Ground
Any training, not just dog obedience training starts from the bottom up; a good program will build a rock solid adherence to the fundamental commands of "sit - stay - come". By establishing a solid training foundation, your small dog will always have a home base to return to in times of high stress, anxiety or confusion.
Begin laying the essential training foundations from the instant you pick up your dog. Puppies are easy in the respect of habits, positive or negative have not been absorbed yet - you are starting with a clean sheet of paper. If you choose an older dog, particularly a rescue dog, you will most likely have to wade through the baggage they always come with; remember, there is nothing wrong with seeking help from a professional trainer if you are not making the progress you want.
Discourage Negative Behaviors
Damaging behavior patterns can be established before you even recognize it's happening. For instance, responding any time your small dog issues a demanding bark in your direction teaches them that you are the lacky and they the master.
Another area that can be troublesome is snuggling with you on the sofa; so long as you make it a point to invite your small dog onto the furniture and make your ownership apparent to them future problems should be minimal.
Permitting your small dog to jump on you, demanding notice ought to be a red flag. It really tugs at your heart to look down at your small dog standing on two legs, front paws on yours, asking to be picked up - regrettably, complying with this demand will put them in a dominant position over you.
A grave issue that requires close attention is bolting; not only is your dog at risk, so are those around them. Running away from you means they could become lost or worse, hit by a car. If a driver were to damage his car or himself trying to avoid your dog, you could be held liable.
Dog Training Tips
- All dogs regardless of size gain value from training
- Obedience training of small dogs is not cruel
- Training your small dog will make them safer
- A dogs society consists of one leader and the rest are followers - in your dogs mind there will be a leader - best make sure it's you!
- In the animal kingdom, only humans reason with logic; all other animals, dogs included, respond by instinct
- Small dogs live in the moment, they do not "recollect" that you neglected to feed them the night before, they only know that they are hungry
- Avoid negative or frustrated emotions in your training sessions, your dog will pick up on them and know your displeasure
- Commands you train your dog should be single words and consistency is vital to success
- Just like you, a dog learns with repetition
- Some dogs will have difficulty staying focused during obedience training - a brisk walk to release some of their energy may do wonders for their attention span.
- Limit the duration of training sessions to 15-20 minutes, do not stress your dog or they will not want to study with you ever again
- In nature, dogs have to work for their food - by taking a structured walk with training breaks before feeding, you reinforce your status as leader
In Closing
In today's society, adding a canine companion to your household is a serious responsibility; visit Train A Small Dog to better understand why a positive training regimen will go a long way toward creating a happy, healthy and well mannered small dog. When you have proudly gained the trust and acceptance as pack leader, living together will be much easier; and as leader, you are making the assertion that no matter what, they will be safe with you.
One happy dog
