Most of small dog breeds are known to suffer from small dog syndrome. These are the collection of behaviors that a small dog might usually display. Among the most common behaviors include a puppy being overexcited or exhibiting aggression.
Having a new pet in your household is all fascinating until it’s a puppy. In that case, the most challenging task would be to choose the appropriate training for small dogs. Even though you might use the best collars for small dogs or even serve delicious treats, the learning curve is still a bit hectic to maintain initially.
For most of the time, we are all busy with our hectic schedules, and we might rarely get to train our aggressive babies. When it comes to small dogs, they are the most aggressive dog breeds you will come across. As a pet parent, you might encounter many puppy problems, among which change in dogs behavior is the most common.
So, why are small dogs so aggressive? And how to correct dog behavior using dog psychology? We have the answers to all of your queries in this article. From recommending chew toys for small dogs to tips for training dog with attitude, we have covered you all!
In today’s post, we will share our expert’s take on how to correct dog behavior, even if you live in an apartment or have a hectic schedule. So, without further ado, let’s delve into this interesting topic.
Why Are Small Dogs So Aggressive?
So why small dog breed is often referred to as a bad puppy?
Basically, their timid appearance might make small dogs appear as a bad puppy and threatened all the time. Due to this problem dog belonging to small breeds are scared of getting trespassed by strangers. Another common reason that might force you to think why is my dog acting out is that you are leaving your dog alone at the apartment for a long time. Fear of being abandoned by their owner is one of the common puppy problems in small dogs.
Now as you have got the answer to why are small dogs so aggressive, the next thing you need to be aware of is how to correct dog behavior.
10 Common Dog Behavior Problems and Their Solutions
To learn how to deal with a dog with attitude, you must be aware of the common puppy problems. Below we have compiled a list of 10 small dogs, especially terrier behavior problems, along with their solutions. So, let’s start with the first one.
1. Excessive Barking
One typical bad puppy behavior is excessive barking. Small dogs can be extremely vocal when excited or notice their owner after a long time. However, when this barking becomes unbearable or is extremely loud, understand that this could be the symptom of little dog syndrome.
Additionally, before getting on to how to correct dog behavior that involves excessive barking, find out the underlying reason for his behavior. You can try purchasing some safe-to-use bark control devices, or the least you can do is teach him quiet and bark commands. Also, remember terrier behavior problems require patience and consistency for correcting dog behavior.
2. Separation Anxiety
Have you ever wondered why are small dogs so aggressive and anxious all the time? Some aggressive small dogs suffering from separation anxiety might bark when they know the owner is leaving the house. Another common sign of anxious puppy behavior is following the owner around and trying to touch them frequently.
So, how to correct dog behavior relating to separation anxiety. You must use dedicated training to overcome dog behavior changes relating to separation anxiety. Additionally, you can also pair it up with behavior modification therapies and exercises. With that, you can also get him an anti-anxiety bed so he will sleep well without fear.
3. Aggressive Chewing
Imagine walking to your apartment and seeing your favorite leather sofa chewed into shreds. Sounds familiar, right?! So why are small dogs so aggressive that they start biting everything until it is destroyed? Usually, chewing is not a bad puppy behavior and can be looked over. However, if this chewing causes destruction, you must learn how to correct dog behavior.
Aggressive small dogs must be provided with appropriate chew toys so they can let their frustration out. You can find a number of toys for aggressive small dogs to avail pet behavior help.
4. Suddenly Urinating or Pooping
Another small dog and terrier behavior problems involve frequent urinating and pooping. When not trained aggressive small dogs can urinate everywhere without thinking twice. Pet behavior help must be availed from an expert veterinarian to understand this typical puppy behavior.
If your puppy is less than 12 weeks of age, you must not stress about dog questions about why are small dogs so aggressive, causing them to urinate or poop suddenly. For correcting dog behavior relating to sudden urination or pooping.
5. Unnecessary Digging
One of the most common dog questions that often pet parents struggle with is why are small dogs so aggressive while digging. All small dogs and terrier behavior problems include usual digging and hunting for histories.
So how to correct dog behavior if he is involved in unnecessary digging through your yard? First of all, determine the cause of the digging and try to work on this reason to eliminate this bad puppy behavior. Train your dog to dig in an acceptable area. Most specifically, arranging a sandbox for him is the right way to avail of pet behavior help.
6. Chasing
Chasing is normal for small dogs; however, when devastating outcomes accompany this chasing, then you would wonder why are small dogs so aggressive. Some steps to prevent this disastrous puppy behavior include using a leash or diverting your dog’s attention with a whistle or noisemaker.
To learn how to correct dog behavior involved in rigorous chasing, you must train your dog to maintain his attention. Teaching him to have his focus diverted to you is an important factor for correcting dog behavior.
7. Begging
Begging is among another common puppy problems that many pet parents might fascinate. However, owners might not know that this behavior might result in digestion problems, including obesity.
Suppose you are sitting at a table to eat; try to have him in his place. This will probably be the location from where your small dog might not be able to spot you while eating. Additionally, if you are wondering how to correct dog behavior at this stage, try giving him treats for small dogs and constant praise.
8. Jumping Up
Small dogs are very fond of jumping around everywhere. However, often times this jumping can be accompanied by anger, then it is important to wonder why are small dogs so aggressive even though he is jumping and wiggling.
So, how to correct dog behavior that involves ridiculous jumping? For this purpose, lift your knee or push the dog away. If this jumping gets along with aggressive puppy biting, you must ignore him for a while. Proceed to reward him with treats or praise as soon as he relaxes.
9. Showing Aggression
Small dogs are all cute, but when they start growling, lunging, and biting, understand you are in deep trouble. So, why are small dogs so aggressive sometimes? The thing is that dogs having a history of aggression are much more likely to exhibit negative behavior in the future.
If you are thinking about how to correct dog behavior accompanied by severe aggression, then unfortunately, you cannot do much about it. When the aversive behavior is in his instinct, you can only use praise or treat to minimize the act.
10. Biting Other Animals
Till now, you would have seen small dogs biting around furniture or just say their favorite chew toys. However, the moment you see a small dog biting around other pets or even their owner, then you seriously need to think about why are small dogs so aggressive.
Remember, small dogs have this instinct to bite or nip to explore their surrounding. So, how to correct dog behavior that involves rigorously biting other animals or humans? For this purpose, you need to train your dog through socialization or other breeding practices.
Things to Consider While Correcting Dog Behavior
If you have been looking around for strategies regarding how to correct dog behavior, you must remember that small dogs also are living beings, and any mean act would make them go crazy. To not upset your little friend, make sure to consider the below points beforehand researching why are small dogs so aggressive.
Avoid Emotional Charging
Remember to stay calm whenever you are learning how to correct dog behavior. Small dogs can readily sense our emotions, and if in this time you become aggressive, it might confuse your furry friend. Ensure that you maintain a kind and patient approach while understanding why are small dogs so aggressive.
Be Mindful of the Reinforcement
While you are working on how to correct dog behavior and why are small dogs so aggressive, make sure you remember to give positive reinforcement. Use treats, praise, and rewards to reinforce your desired behavior. Keep in mind that positive reinforcement is always better than punishment.
Start Slow and Gradually
While working on how to correct dog behavior, remember that consistency and patience are some important keys. Ensure you are not overburdening your small dog and yourself with too much at once. Start with small steps and then gradually increase the level of the challenges. A good rule of thumb is to break down challenging behaviors into manageable milestones so it will be easier to accomplish them.
FAQs
Can I Fix My Small Dog With Attitude Immediately?
No, you cannot fix your small dog with attitude immediately. It usually takes about 3-8 weeks to train a small dog. You need to be patient and consistent with your small dog during his training period so you don’t give him a hard time.
What Is the Most Common Cause for My Small Dog Acting Out?
The most common cause for your small dog acting out is his fear of being separated from its owner. Other usual reasons for a dog acting aggressively might also result from a change in your working schedule, leaving your dog alone for a long time, or moving into a new house.
How Can I Stop My Small Dog From Biting?
To stop your small dog from biting, start screaming whenever he just puts teeth on your skin. After a long scream, stand up and walk away from him. Ignore him for about 30 to 60 seconds so he would know he did something wrong.
Are All Small Dogs Aggressive?
Yes, all small dogs are aggressive. Their petite size makes them fearful and compels them to lash out in defense. Also, as they are small, they often fear getting abandoned, making them aggressive or acting out.
What Is the Most Common Behavioral Issue With Small Dogs?
Aggression is the most common behavioral issue with small dogs. These dogs often have this small dog syndrome, allowing them to rule over other pets because they are tiny. Make sure to be aware of the issue your small dog has before working on how to correct dog behavior.