Small dogs are not stuffed animals

If I say to you: “little dog”, you think:

• Snarling dog?
• Couch dog?
• Maybe even both?

Unfortunately, this is the image that is imprinted in the minds of a certain number of individuals who believe that small dogs are easily handled, sometimes delicate, sometimes quarrelsome. Many of them forget that these “masquottes” have specific requirements that deserve to be met, just like their larger counterparts.

For a dog to be fully fulfilled and balanced, it is necessary to satisfy its different expectations which are:

• physical expenditure
• mental stimulation
• socialization
• chewing

These fundamentals are the same for all canines, regardless of their size; small dogs also want to let off steam. Certainly, a Maltese Bichon will not be able to take walks as long as an Australian Shepherd. And for good reason: one stride for a Shepherd is equivalent to several for a Bichon. The pace is different for each category, but all require exploration and physical exertion.

We frequently forget that the Yorkshire Terrier was bred to poach and get rid of pests , the Poodle to hunt and the Dachshund to dislodge badgers from their burrows . Usually dogs of large proportions are bred for hunting or herding surveillance. However, some small dogs have more or less strong predispositions to work.

If mental and physical stimulation is not part of daily canine life, there is a high risk of behavioral disorders, such as exaggerated dynamism or biting.

No matter the breed, garden expeditions are far from enough . Outdoor walks offer a multitude of smells, unexpected stimuli, other paths to sniff, analyze and remember... unlike the garden, which the wanderer knows by heart.

The getaways are also an opportunity to meet new friends and socialize through their contact .

Walking her half-portion in a stroller or on arms, under the pretext that she has no stamina, unfairly amounts to depriving her of going out. Please note, I am not talking here about owners who use it to help their weakened old companion; In this scenario, this decision is entirely justified.

Mini predators, as miniature as they are, have the right to live their real life as a dog:

• run (in freedom, it's even better)
• sniff out tracks
• to bark
• dig holes
• roll in the mud
• communicate with their peers…

Hey, bringing up the subject of congeners...

Small dogs sorely lack contact with their peers

If you have a furry little one, you must be afraid of seeing him get pushed around, or even crushed, by a big mastiff during a couple's getaway. It's understandable. Moreover, there are few dogs in dog parks. However, small does not mean fragile.

Dogs need to be around colleagues , to sniff them, to play with them. A lack of social relationships is not without consequences; this promotes fear and aggression.

Small dogs are often misunderstood...

In the common imagination, small dogs are more aggressive than “hounds”.

In my opinion, it is above all the constraint that they undergo on a daily basis which encourages the development of this character. They are carried when a guest enters the house, cuddled and caressed in turn, “shifted” when they sit in the wrong place on the sofa, disturbed in the middle of their nap...

Where an imposing chap is difficult to handle, a puny and light loulou does not provide much resistance. Without realizing it, we dictate our options to them . Now, these little furry ones don't necessarily want to be patted down by everyone, or even picked up all the time.

Don't be upset if you recognize yourself in my words. This portrait of a little “soft toy” has always been projected to us, in novels, films and advertisements. Sometimes we even think we are doing the right thing, we tell ourselves that by carrying her everywhere in our arms, she will be reassured, whereas if we really dig, that is not the case. Being aware of this is already a great step forward. Next time, try giving your furry friend the choice . He will only be more grateful to you!

Education should not be neglected

While some people think that scale models are complacent, others do not see the point in educating them since, a priori, they are malleable. After all, just because a Yorkshire is less sturdy than a Boxer doesn't mean he shouldn't receive training. A lack of education can generate behavioral problems which, in the long term, are underestimated. 

Let's take the example of the Yorkshire and the Boxer again

The Yorkshire is walking with his master when they come across another quadruped in the street. The York jumps at the end of the leash to bark and attack the opponent. It doesn't matter, it's convenient to remember it. In people's minds, a small size is not considered dangerous, or even scary.

Now imagine this same situation with the Boxer. By pulling on its leash, the dog pulls its human and throws it forward. Here, it is much more complicated to control a large format, which has more strength.

In these 2 situations, the problem is the same: the dog is reactive. Unfortunately, the repercussions are different:

• In the first context, no rehabilitation protocol will be put in place, or even considered. As long as the weakling does not seem dangerous by being less consistent, his teacher is not completely clear about the difficulty.

• In the second circumstance, the guy with a more powerful and frightening appearance will encourage his human to take measures aimed at readjusting his behavioral deviance, in order to put an end to it.

Generally speaking, as soon as a large dog shows signs of combativeness, it is immediately taken to a behavior specialist. On the other hand, when it comes to a dog with a thin build, the occurrence makes you smile: " It's normal, small dogs are all snarly" , and the incident is quickly passed over in silence.

The fact remains that, robust or weak, powerful or not, reactivity causes the same discomfort in dogs . He enters a state of distress, of panic, in front of an equal. Attack then becomes the best defense against what he considers to be a threat.

No behavioral imbalance should be underestimated, regardless of the dog's stature, because even small, an animal uncomfortable in an uncomfortable position should be taken seriously.

Small dogs are not frail beings that need to be constantly protected. Being guided, socializing and letting off steam are just as essential for young and old alike.