LITTLE DOG SYNDROME - He’s big on the inside, but is it in the right way?

We all know those little dogs that appear to boss everyone around. The ones that bark and lunge and spin on the lead. The ones that tell you off from the safety of their owner’s arms. The one’s that sit in the window and bark at everyone and everything going past. The one’s that snap at people’s ankles and feet when they try to leave. The smaller they are the feistier they seem to be. Just ask the Chihuahuas who are the butt of many a joke on social media when it comes to ferocity.

And while we often make excuses, even pretend it’s funny, spare a thought for what the dog is actually feeling.

As trainers, we see many little dogs that have bitten people or other dogs, have taken over the house, made walks or having visitors a nightmare, and are most often stressed, over-excited, running around telling everyone what to do (barking, pushy and aggressive behaviour) or correcting them (growling, snapping, biting) when they aren’t doing as they are told.

They have a job they don’t need. They are constantly on the look-out for what they perceive as threats. They need to know what everyone is doing all the time. They shout at and reprimand us because they don’t know what else to do.

Owners might say they don’t know what happened to the sweet little fun-loving pup they once had.  Or they don’t understand why the little rescue they adopted who looked so sad, that they brought home and showered with love and affection, still has so many of the behavioural issues they came with.

When we go into the homes of these little guys, we tend to find that there are not many rules at all. The dogs have just learnt to navigate the home situation and owners tend to put up with behaviours they would most likely be appalled at in a larger dog.

We humans are heavily programmed to nurture. It’s what we do, especially with small cute, fluffy things. And when it comes to little dogs, we often unfairly project our own human emotions, reasoning ability and values on to our dogs. There’s nothing wrong with the term “fur baby”, until it becomes a real thing and we treat our dogs as if they are a baby.

Dogs need to be allowed to grow up and be independent. Learning to make good decisions makes for confident and engaged dogs. Dogs that are fun, dogs you can take with you just about anywhere. What they really need is guidance, structure and opportunities to do the things their little canine bodies were designed to do.

The majority of little dogs are working dog breeds.

• Dachshunds were originally bred for tracking and scenting badgers (they would burrow, pull them out and kill them)

• Jack Russell Terriers were bred for hunting and killing rats

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were used for flushing out small birds

• West Highland White Terriers were bred for hunting foxes, badgers and vermin, their very strong little carrot tails enabling them to be pulled out of a hole by their tail if they got stuck (but please don’t go pulling a Westie’s tail. He will think you are rude)!

And even those who were bred for companionship, like Chihuahuas and Pugs, still always thrive on using their brains and their ‘wolfie” instincts.

Little dogs can be dogs. Little dogs should be allowed to be dogs. They can learn to be calm. They can be taught manners. They can be taught obedience and they can do cool dog stuff like agility, lure coursing, and tricks.

So, put away the designer doggy handbag and the pupper pram. Let your little dog walk and work. Swap the babying and fussing for enrichment and relationship. Let him learn. Give your little mate the best life he can have as an independent, confident and calm dog.

Yes, little dogs can be big on the inside, but it doesn’t have to be in an inappropriate way. Seeing a little dog who knows where it’s at will fill your heart.

Check out this video of some little guys relishing their training and rocking being a real dog.