Our dogs…
They are our best friends, our snuggle buddies after a long day and our exercise partners. However we need to address one thing that I have been encountering more and more. It doesn’t matter what size they are, dogs are dogs. Have you been noticing, like I have that the little ones tend to get away with more? Behaviors such as jumping, pulling, barking and even get primo limo service from place to place in their owner’s arms. However, what we tend to forget is that just because they are pint sized (and cute, and in most cases fluffy) they are the same as their bigger counterparts. They have the same genetics, the same social code of conduct and should have the same expectations. Because of their cuteness, it doesn’t mean that your small dogs should be able to get away with the same behavior we would correct a large dog for because it is less annoying or because we can pick them up and force them to stop. And, let’s face it…I would look pretty ridiculous under my mom’s arm every time I did something wrong.
If a large dog were practicing all of the same bratty behaviors we would want to do something about it. What’s the reason you ask? Well, it is a little more annoying or a little more dangerous when a large dog jumps on your guests, or pulls you down the street, or lunges and the kids riding their bikes. We NEED to get it fixed. However; when a little dog practices the same behavior, they get picked up…and basically rewarded for the same state of mind. That sounds pretty unfair huh!?
Humans tend to pick up a small dog when it is barking; lunging or practicing any other less than optimum behavior. Unfortunately this practice is actually rewarding the behavior and their state of mind. Remember, love, affection and praise is a reward to your dog. If you would not give Fido a treat in that moment, then we should not be picking him up either! You are essentially telling him “good job” for lunging at that other dog! Instead, we should be confidently and effectively communicating with our dog that the other dog is not a threat, and I have the situation under control! They need to understand, just like any other dog that the crazy behavior is unnecessary.
Big or small, we should strive to have a balanced dog with good behaviors. You will actually be helping your dog by raising your expectations of them. You will be helping to make them confident members of the doggie community, and isn’t that what we all want!?
If you’re wondering how to help your pint sized pooch become a more balanced member of the Manasota County/Pinellas County doggie community, visit our website for information on how we can help!
