They are very intelligent and absolutely need physical and mental exercise to be the best dog they can be.  Understand that small, non-working breeds are highly intelligent and often have finely tuned nervous systems and adrenaline systems that need to be channeled productively.  Small dogs can also possess big temperament problems.

The biggest mistake owners of small non-working breeds make is treating their dog like a cat.  They tend to think the dog is too small or frail to go outside in the world.  They try to teach the dog to use a litter box or “wee wee” pads instead of going outside, resulting in a dog that is never housebroken.  (Most small dogs are given up to rescues and shelters for housebreaking issues.)  Not getting the dog out and about in the world also tends to lead to an un-socialized dog resulting in fear aggression and anxiety. Owners tend to baby these breeds as puppies.  They tend to hold them all the time, especially when they are out of their home environment or when the dog is uncomfortable with any situation and displays unwanted behavior.  This perpetuates the undesired behavior by teaching the dog that it can avoid everything by being held if it displays the unwanted behavior, which often is frenzied barking and fear aggression or dominance aggression.  The owner of a 90 lb. Rottweiler would never tolerate the dog snapping at “Dad” when he comes near “Mom”, but for some reason the owners of a Maltese will often not only overlook that behavior but often find it cute or endearing until the dog bites someone!

 P.U.P.S has had equal success with small, non-working breeds in all problem areas including but not limited to:  dominance, low confidence/shyness, fear aggression, housebreaking.  This feature is presented complements of P.U.P.S. Dog Obedience Training LLC.  For more information, call 410-992-8410 or e-mail pupsmd@aol.com.  Mention that you read this article on the Maryland Pet Gazette website!  See ad on page 22.