| Small Dog Syndrome is not a disease or an inherent | | | | because humans allow them to get away with |
| behavior of small dog breeds. It is caused by poor dog | | | | activities that we would not dream of allowing a big |
| training skills and pet management of the humans that | | | | dog to do. |
| own the animals. Before you bring a puppy home, it is | | | | Allowing a Yorkie to jump on you when greeting is not |
| important to learn how to train and manage them so | | | | as intimidating to a human as it would be if a 90 pound |
| they become welcome members of the household. | | | | Shepard did the same, but to a dog, this jumping is a |
| What is Small Dog Syndrome? | | | | display of dominance. By allowing the little terrier away |
| That is the term given to small dog breeds that display | | | | with this you are giving them permission to be the pack |
| a certain set of behaviors. These include | | | | leader. |
| possessiveness, being yappy, tendency to snap and | | | | Are you afraid when a Pekinese growls or barks at |
| nip, being high-strung and nervous. Contrary to popular | | | | you? Of course not, but again, if you allow that kind of |
| belief, these traits are not inbred, they are developed | | | | behavior you are encouraging them to establish |
| through lack of training and human's control over their | | | | themselves as the more dominant member of the |
| pets. They are the result of a dog who has | | | | household. |
| established itself as the pack leader or home owner. If | | | | All of these little behaviors that you would not tolerate |
| not given the proper attention and clues, a dog will | | | | in a large animal seem to have become okay or |
| naturally take the leadership role. The behaviors | | | | expected in a little dog breed and that is the only |
| mentioned above are just the instincts of an animal | | | | reason they have gained the reputation of being |
| who is protecting it's pack. | | | | cranky little beasts. If you correct their perception of |
| How To Prevent Small Dog Syndrome | | | | where they fit in within your household, you will not see |
| The key to prevention is establishing yourself as the | | | | those behaviors develop and your little pet will be a joy |
| pack leader right from the start. Just because your little | | | | to have as a member of your family. Your friends and |
| dog does not pose a physical threat to you the same | | | | family who come to visit will be much happier and so |
| way a large breed would, you still need to make the | | | | will your pet. It is a big job for the little guy to take on |
| small breed know who is the boss. The reason most | | | | being a leader and protector of your family and home. |
| small dogs have gotten the reputation of being nasty | | | | Remove that stress from your pet and they will be the |
| little creatures that you can't have around children is | | | | loving and cuddly companion you imagined. |