Small Dog Training: Obedience School 101

Having problems training your small dog? Is there a difference in training a regular-sized pup and a toy dog? Are there helpful tips that can make your small dog training life easier?

The truth is there’s really no difference when it comes to training all kinds of dogs, no matter what their breed or size. The challenges my older brother went through while training his Labrador retriever, for example, were the same challenges I had to face in training my much smaller cocker spaniel. However, how different kinds of dogs respond to training may vary. Labs are typically friendlier and more good-natured, while spaniels are a little moodier and more apt to snap.

What about small dogs or toy dogs? What’s the best way to train them? Here are some tips you might find helpful in small dog training.

1. Avoid carrying small dogs around

People who own small dogs tend to carry the pup around with them instead of letting them walk on a leash. This habit can be detrimental to your training, especially when you’re trying to potty train them. Carrying your dog to the garden or the potty box when it needs to go will give it the impression that you will always be around to do so. And when you’re not – ah, the horror. So, use a leash. And next time your dog makes a mess on your carpet, walk him to the spot, let him smell it, say “bad dog” firmly and then lead him to the proper potty place. Hopefully, he’ll get the picture before the 10th try.

2. Aggressive behavior in small dogs

Watch out for aggressive behavior in your small dog. Don’t allow your small dog to get away with it because of his size. Many behaviors which are not condoned in larger dogs seem to be allowed very often in small dogs. For example, if a small dog growls at a larger dog, it is sometimes seen as cute. This is dominant, aggressive behavior, and you should try to change it.

3. Reward and punishment

Using the reward and punishment system is perhaps the best way to train a dog – big or small. Dogs (and humans too!) learn through good and bad experiences. Humanely punishing your dog when he chews your couch will help him remember not to do it again. And rewarding him for, say, pooping in the right place, will reinforce the behavior.

Even though there is no difference between small dog training and training larger dogs, the above factors do influence their training. So watch out for behaviors that you are unintentionally letting them get away with, and you will have a more balanced pup.

Feel free to check out this great resource for small dog training advice.

For more information on small dog training visit Cris Santeiro’s Dog Training With Love blog.