Often times I will train a small dog who owns the owner’s household. He barks constantly for the owner’s attention, jumps on whoever he wants, assumes the highest position on the couch or bed, resource guards his food and possessions and growls when the owner tries to move him. The same dog barks aggressively at other dogs while leash walking and decides when he wants to obey commands. Indeed, size related lenience can cause a small dog’s misbehavior to be dismissed due to his small stature. Owners that fail to correct their small dog’s improper behavior create behavioral problems that would never be tolerated in a larger dog.
These owners frequently bend over their dog or carry her around like a teddy bear. Dogs are extremely sensitive to human posturing i.e., our facial expression, vocalization (pitch, volume, tone) and body position. Eye height in the canine world equates to status. When owners constantly lower their eyes by bending over their cute small dog they unwittingly lower their status. I tell my clients your dog is not a Roman Emperor and you’re not feeding him grapes! When you’re giving commands and corrections you want to stand tall, lower your tone and use a neutral facial expression. You can lower your eye height, employ a higher “puppy party” tone and happy facial expression when you’re recalling which makes you more sociable.
Because of small dog lenience, many small dogs feel they are entitled to their owner’s affections, their food, their space etc. whenever they want it. Therefore, besides posturing correctly, small dog owners must implement the “no free lunch policy.” Your dog must learn that he is not entitled to anything in your household. Every resource is a privilege that must be earned. This is the essence of modern-day dog training-show me calm behavior, whether you offer it yourself or I order it, and you’ll get all the petting, praise and treats you ever dreamed of! Show me uncalm, reactive behavior, and you’ll get ignored. If the uncalm behavior continues, it will get corrected. Having your dog make the choice between calm and uncalm behavior empowers them to make the right choice!
Finally, canines are hardwired to live in a structured social pack with leaders who control access to resources through a leadership, rules, and discipline. As a rule, always require your dog to perform a calm behavior such as a sit, down, stay or watch in order to earn access to resources i.e., food, space, furniture, height, your affection, toys, leash walks, car rides etc. Owners also practice leadership rituals which their dogs recognize and respect such as always being calm and in control of their emotions, setting the pace and direction of the walk, not letting their personal space be invaded without permission, determining when play begins and ends, assigning rest spots and spots to greet visitors.
Good owners are always proactive in training and rewarding their dog’s calm behavior. In the rare instance where a correction will be required only auditory/space restriction corrections should be used. Your hand should never be associated with anything but petting, praise and treats coming to your dog!