Small Dog Training Techniques: How to Help Your Little Dog
Do you have a small dog that barks a lot? Or maybe one that growls at bigger dogs? Many people think small dogs are just born “yappy” or mean. But that’s not true! Small dogs live in a world made for animals much bigger than them. Imagine how you’d feel if everyone was 10 times your size!
Why Small Dogs Bark and Growl
Small dogs often bark and growl because they’re scared. Think about it – to a Chihuahua, even a friendly Labrador looks like a giant! When your little dog barks at a big dog, they’re really saying:
“Please stay away from me! I’m small and you’re big!”
As I tell my clients, “Little dogs aren’t difficult – they’re trying to be brave in a world built for giants.”
Small dogs learn that making a lot of noise keeps scary things away. It works! When a small dog barks, people and other dogs often back up. This essentially rewards the small dog for barking.
How to Help Your Small Dog Feel Brave
The good news is that you can help your small dog feel more confident! Dogs that feel brave inside don’t need to bark and growl as much. Here’s how to help:
1. Be a Strong Leader
Small dogs need to know you’re in charge and will keep them safe. This doesn’t mean being mean to your dog. It means having clear rules.
For example:
Don’t let your small dog jump on furniture without permission
Make them sit before meals
Don’t pick them up every time they seem scared
When your dog sees that you control what happens, they’ll feel safer and bark less.
2. Let Them Be Dogs
Many people carry their small dogs everywhere and don’t let them walk or play like bigger dogs. This makes small dogs feel even more scared of the world!
Try these instead:
Let your small dog walk on their own leash
Give them safe chances to play with friendly bigger dogs
Let them explore different places and surfaces
“The most impressive small dog I ever met was a Chihuahua competing in a training race. Despite going against much bigger dogs, he took 2nd place through sheer heart and determination. Same breed as many ‘problem’ Chihuahuas, but with proper dog training, he was a completely different dog.”
3. Teach Basic Commands
When your small dog knows commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” they feel more in control. Practice these commands every day for just 5-10 minutes. Use small treats your dog loves.
Start practicing in quiet places with no distractions. Once your dog gets good at listening inside your home, try practicing in your yard. Then try at a quiet park.
4. Slowly Introduce New Things
Many small dogs bark because they’re scared of new things. Help your dog get used to new people, places, and other dogs slowly.
For example, if your dog is scared of other dogs:
Start by watching other dogs from far away
If your dog stays calm, give a treat
Each day, try getting a little closer
Never force your dog to meet another dog if they’re scared
5. Use a Drag Leash at Home
A drag leash is a light leash that your dog wears around the house. It gives you control without having to grab your dog’s collar, which many small dogs hate.
If your small dog runs to the window to bark at people walking by, you can gently use the drag leash to guide them away instead of chasing or yelling.
6. Give Your Dog Exercise
Even small dogs need exercise every day! A tired dog is usually a calmer dog. Take your small dog for walks, play fetch in the yard, or teach them to run through tunnels or over small jumps.
Exercise helps burn energy that might otherwise come out as barking or growling.
7. Stay Calm When Your Dog Barks
When your small dog barks and you get upset, it actually makes them more worried. They think: “My human is upset too! There must really be something to fear!”
Instead, stay calm. Use your drag leash to gently move your dog away from what’s causing the barking. Once they’re calm, give them a treat or toy.
The Amazing Change in Trained Small Dogs
Small dogs that get good training are amazing! They can be brave without being aggressive. They walk confidently on leash. They don’t need to bark at everything that moves.
I’ve seen this change in hundreds of small dogs. The difference isn’t the breed or size – it’s the training.
A small dog with good training becomes a confident companion everyone loves to be around. A small dog without training often becomes nervous and barks at everything.
Your little dog can become brave and calm with your help. The barking, growling, and biting aren’t who your dog really is – they’re just signs that your dog needs better ways to feel safe in our big world.
Ready to help your small dog find their inner brave, calm self? Start using these techniques today, and you’ll be amazed at the change in your little friend! Or book a free session with one of our trainers and they’ll create a customized plan for you.
