Small Dogs Can Present Unique Behavior Challenges

These days, the Marin community is filled with a mix of big and little dogs. While all dogs can have the same behavior problems, they might manifest themselves in different ways. A cautious or fearful large dog might act very differently than a small dog with the same behavior problems.  

Small dogs live in a huge world, and their pimary caretakers (us) are positively enormous. So their first priority is generally self preservation. A small dog can be stepped on easily, grabbed easily and hurt easily.  They need to learn to get out of the way, fast. It can be devilishly difficult to pick up a small dog who doesn’t want you to. 

Small dogs can also be noisy. They need to tell everyone where they are, so they don’t get ignored or injured. People laugh at small dog syndrome - the tendency of little guys to act tough and act out prematurely. From their point of view, they actually need to be proactive, because the alternative could be painful.

I think the most important thing we need to remember when introducing ourselves to a small dog is that humans seem so big and intimidating.  This is especially true for a fearful or cautious little guy.  So we try to mitigate that perception.  During the introduction, I try not to approach a little dog at all or to focus my big scary eyes on him.  I might sit on the floor doing something tremendously interesting (like staring into space..?) until the little dog begins to approach.  I may might scatter a few little tasty tidbits around me, while sitting, and wait to see whether he will eat any (a stressed dog won’t eat, can’t eat, so it’s a good way to assess their level of stress). He might wander towards me in a tentative way, retreating when I move, approaching when I lean back a tad. In the shelter, that might be the extent of our first meeting. The dog is likely to relax more during the second visit, and might even approach my hand and mouth, where they can get the most accurate information about me.  I remember that I have no agenda here, and my time is his time, and he needs to become comfortable at his own pace. When I reach out my hand, low so he can see it,  and he doesn’t retreat, he may be ready for touch.   

Touching can make or break the relationship. People have a tendency to hover over a dog, and use both hands to caress. We tend to put our hand over the dog’s back, or curl it under his chin or body. We may mean well, but it might not be the best idea. Generally, I will use just one hand - the one closest to the dog. I will gently stroke the side of his neck for about three seconds, then drop my hand.  If he comes back for more, I repeat the process.  He is still very much in control and, generally within minutes, he has put himself on my lapand is eagerly seeking affection.  

Putting a leash on is a different matter! The best way to do that is to try to clip it under his chin, or to use a slip leash and put it from the side, so it is less intimidating. If he dodges or snaps, a rest time is in order so that he can relax again. The rest might be for a few minutes, a half hour, or a day.  We go slow, because that will end in success.  

Trish King
Director of Behavior & Training
Marin Humane Society

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