Protecting the Little Dog

Do little dogs really need extra protection?  In some cases, perhaps.  Generally, they don't.  What small dogs really need is to learn how to navigate and negotiate the big, wide world full of bigger dogs, large humans and clumbsy little humans.

Little dogs MUST learn as small puppies (ages 8 - 16 weeks) that running from bigger dogs will lead to being chased and that they can stop larger puppies from smooshing them by giving some puppy feedback.  I get really excited when a large breed pup puts a heavy paw on a small breed pup, receives a squeal or a snark and quickly learns that he must be more careful with this little dog.  At the same time, the smaller pup learns that she DOES have some control over the situation.  She learns that she CAN speak up, keep herself protected and play with the big guys.  To me, this is a wonderous thing!

A small breed pup who is constantly held and sheltered never gets the opportunity to figure out how to interact with others.  Instead, the world is a scary place that must be kept at bay with nipping, whining and growling.  Hands are constantly coming at these little dogs while they are being restrained, up in the air.  THAT is scary!

Just as the Rottweiler may begin to think that people are strange and unpredictable because they get defensive and nervous in the Rottie's presence, small breed dogs can pick up on their owner's anxiety in the presence of bigger dogs and children.  I wonder if these dogs are actually afraid of the other dogs and children, or if they've learned that when other dogs or children arrive on the scene, they are going to be scooped up and restrained by a nervous owner.

Of course we should be careful when dogs of different sizes are playing together.  Big groups of dogs at dog daycare or a dog park are better off being separated by size and play style.  But when pups are pups, between the ages of 8 - 16 weeks, they MUST play with other puppies of all shapes, sizes and play styles.  This is the time when it's safe for little dogs to learn confidence and bigger dogs to learn to be gentle.

For more information on raising a small breed dog properly, read Small Dogs, Big Hearts:  A Guide to Caring for your Little Dog, by Darlene Arden.