Is It Little Dog Syndrome, or Just Socialization?
I recently received this question in my inbox. It's a common problem, so I thought I'd share the answer.
Question: My terrier mix, Sam, has Little Dog Syndrome and is a real stink around other dogs. He
tries to attack them. I grab him by the scruff and firmly tell him "no"
immediately, but he doesn't care. So what do I do?
Answer: AAAHHH! The age-old dilemna of how to make your dog behave!
Unfortunately, there is no magic skill or saying or pill to make a dog behave whether they are dominant or not. And the majority of the time, dominance in dogs is over-diagnosed. Most of the dogs with 'little dog syndrome' actually aren't dominantly aggressive dogs at all—they are terrified dogs and like the puffer fish that puffs up to scare preditors, they act big and bad and hope no one calls their bluff!
Success in dog training is to have your dog listen to you when you tell them to do something, like "quit barking." However, they have to learn to listen to you ALL THE TIME! This means that you CANNOT let your dog walk you, have the best spot on the couch, jump all over you whenever they want to, etc, etc, etc, but then expect them to sit or be quiet every time you tell them to. If they don't respect your space or directions the majority of the day, they are not going to do it when you really want them to either!
So how do you acheive respect from your dog (I know we all want love, but respect will actually get you more and gentler love!)? This starts with the simple act of walking your dog correctly (Watch Cesar Milan—he is the master at correct walking!). If you walk your dog daily (yes! every day!), and you make them sit to put the leash on, sit before they follow you out the door (just like that!) and make them walk beside or behind you, you are creating a dog that will respect and listen to you! For some dogs this is all you need to do! If you are consistent with this, they will listen to you in other situations as well.
If your dog becomes unruly at certain times (like when another dog approaches while you are walking), there are some simple steps to follow. First, you need to pay attention to your dog and the surroundings. Your dog will give you plenty of notice about an approaching dog if you watch their body language—their tail will straighten and their ears will go up. THIS is when you get your dog's attention; make them sit and focus on you rather than the other dog. Do not baby talk to them or try to reassure them that everything is okay. This reinforces their bad behavior! You must do this BEFORE they enter the crazy-barking-lunging zone. Once they have entered this zone, you cannot reason with them. While your dog is sitting calming and focusing on you rather than the other dog, then give them lots of praise either with words or treats so they understand the behavior you want.
Yes, it really can be that simple, if you are calm, assertive, and providing your dog with exercise and discipline! However, some dogs do require the help of a veterinarian with experience in behavior or a certified behaviorist.
Answer: AAAHHH! The age-old dilemna of how to make your dog behave!
Unfortunately, there is no magic skill or saying or pill to make a dog behave whether they are dominant or not. And the majority of the time, dominance in dogs is over-diagnosed. Most of the dogs with 'little dog syndrome' actually aren't dominantly aggressive dogs at all—they are terrified dogs and like the puffer fish that puffs up to scare preditors, they act big and bad and hope no one calls their bluff!
Success in dog training is to have your dog listen to you when you tell them to do something, like "quit barking." However, they have to learn to listen to you ALL THE TIME! This means that you CANNOT let your dog walk you, have the best spot on the couch, jump all over you whenever they want to, etc, etc, etc, but then expect them to sit or be quiet every time you tell them to. If they don't respect your space or directions the majority of the day, they are not going to do it when you really want them to either!
So how do you acheive respect from your dog (I know we all want love, but respect will actually get you more and gentler love!)? This starts with the simple act of walking your dog correctly (Watch Cesar Milan—he is the master at correct walking!). If you walk your dog daily (yes! every day!), and you make them sit to put the leash on, sit before they follow you out the door (just like that!) and make them walk beside or behind you, you are creating a dog that will respect and listen to you! For some dogs this is all you need to do! If you are consistent with this, they will listen to you in other situations as well.
If your dog becomes unruly at certain times (like when another dog approaches while you are walking), there are some simple steps to follow. First, you need to pay attention to your dog and the surroundings. Your dog will give you plenty of notice about an approaching dog if you watch their body language—their tail will straighten and their ears will go up. THIS is when you get your dog's attention; make them sit and focus on you rather than the other dog. Do not baby talk to them or try to reassure them that everything is okay. This reinforces their bad behavior! You must do this BEFORE they enter the crazy-barking-lunging zone. Once they have entered this zone, you cannot reason with them. While your dog is sitting calming and focusing on you rather than the other dog, then give them lots of praise either with words or treats so they understand the behavior you want.
Yes, it really can be that simple, if you are calm, assertive, and providing your dog with exercise and discipline! However, some dogs do require the help of a veterinarian with experience in behavior or a certified behaviorist.
Posted by Jessica Braun at 10/27/2009 10:28 AM 
Categories: Dog Care
Tags: Chihuahuas dogs dog training Jessica Braun DVM dog care Western Plains Animal Refuge Little Dog Syndrome
Categories: Dog Care
Tags: Chihuahuas dogs dog training Jessica Braun DVM dog care Western Plains Animal Refuge Little Dog Syndrome
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