Problems With Small Dogs

By Mary Jane Anderson

Small dogs are cute and easy to handle. They are favorites for dog owners that like to pamper their pets. They carry them, have them on their laps, and they take them to bed with them.

However, did you know the biggest problem with small dogs is housebreaking? The problem, with puddles here and there in the house or apartment, is tolerated, but not a pleasant experience. Using newspapers as the way to housebreak a puppy can be beginning of a lifetime dilemma.

Training inside with newspapers for toy breeds and small dogs might be a matter of convenience or a necessity when the owner is unable to walk the dog outside. If this is the case, the puppy should be taught to eliminate in one area the same as taking the puppy to the same area outdoors in housebreaking. When you put clean newspapers down, put a used paper on the top in order for the puppy to smell and see where he has gone before, the same as not cleaning up the outdoor area as the puppy will become aware of where to do his business.

It has been suggested to make a box, similar to a litter box, lined with metal or use the metal box from a rabbit hutch. Line the box with several thicknesses of newspaper. The puppy, with a leash and collar, is brought to the box. The puppy must jump or walk into the box to eliminate. Anticipate the puppy’s or dog’s time to eliminate and walk the pet to the box with encouraging words, and give him lots of praise when he performs in the right place.

If the older puppy has been having accidents, you must go back to the beginning. Confine the dog in a crate overnight or as you leave the dog home alone. If the newspapers are loose on the floor, the puppy or dog might think they are using the newspaper while they only get their front feet on the newspaper, really missing the newspapers! The box established the puppy’s or adult dogs “bathroom” and makes it much easier to keep the area clean.

Another serious problem is leadership. Some small pampered pets become very “macho” and slowly and skillfully become the leader. The overindulged and permissively raised dog may begin to take the advantage of its owner by controlling the owner. The dog may threaten or attack visitors and even bite the owner. All dog owners must realize that dogs — small, medium, or large — think like an animal.

Dogs are very smart and if they find that they do not have to obey their owners commands, they will not listen. Disobedience becomes a frustrating game as your dog will outfox you each and every time. The owners should be the leader and the dog subordinate to the leader. The dog should be disciplined instantly by voice command and collar.

A dog that doesn’t obey your commands usually has been taught without a collar and leash. If your dog does not have a leash and collar on when learning your commands, the dog discovers very quickly that he does not have to obey. If you have not formally taken your dog to obedience classes, it would be very helpful to sign up for a class.

If you have taken your dog to obedience lessons, then begin a daily practice of what the dog had learned in class.

Practical application is a sure way to put your dog on the right track. Most behavior problems can be eliminated or improved if they are treated properly and humanely.