Hi, I’m Mae Campbell and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for stopping by.

This website is all about small dogs. What small dogs are, how to live with them, and most importantly how to train a small dog. Every dog, regardless of its size, can (and should) be a healthy, well balanced canine member of your family.

What Is A Small Dog?

A small or toy dog is typically described as 25 pounds or less, give or take a few pounds. The height is also a classifying feature, typically 16-18 inches or shorter. AKC recognized breeds are largely members of the Toy, Terrier and Non-Sporting groups, but a few are also included in the herding and hound groups.

The Evolution Of Small Dogs

It is difficult to comprehend that the small 3 pound Chihuahua and the 180 pound Irish wolfhound share the same ancestry, but they do. As DNA research continues to mature, we are gaining a better understanding of canine evolution every day.

Research now points to a single genetic mutation occurring early in the domestic evolution of dogs that created this divergence in size. The mutation is in the growth-regulator region of a dogs genes and is present in all modern day small dog breeds.

Through the practice of selective breeding and exploitation of this gene by humans over thousands of generations, the dog species exhibits the most diverse spread in body size of any other mammal.

How A Small Dog Is Perceived.

Every time I hear a small dog being discriminated against, it is invariably with comments such as:

· I don’t like small dogs, their so yappy

· Little dogs bark all the time, it’s really irritating

· I would never have a small dog, their too stupid to be trained for anything . . .

· Don’t get too close, they bite without warning!

And so on and so forth – we have heard it all at one time or another. The sad part is so much of it is true! The problem however is not in the dogs, but rather how we, their loving masters, handle them!

Negativity abounds where the small dog is concerned, even advocates and owners find themselves making excuses for behavior that what would be considered dangerous and aggressive in larger breeds. Sadly, there are even some who encourage and reward such behavior.

Just watch this video if you don’t believe me, this is only one of hundreds just like it!

If you find this dog as harmless as it’s owners apparently do, might I point out that there are at least two cases on record where small dogs killed an infant in their home – one involving Daschunds the other a Yorkshire Terrier.

Can You Train A Small Dog?

Well of course you can!

A dog is a dog, regardless of its size, temperament, color or any number of other traits. It starts with the acceptance that your small bundle of furry love is not a human baby – it is a dog.

This does not mean you can’t play dress up, share your pillow at night or throw a surprise birthday party. It does mean that you must acknowledge your dogs needs first and yours second.

I believe there are four primary components that must all be in place for an effective training program:

#1 – Human psychology DOES NOT apply to dogs! Dogs are canine animals – not human children! This has been the hardest concept for me to grasp and I still struggle with it to this day.

· Dogs do not think like humans

· Dogs live in the moment

· Dogs do not dwell on what happened in the past

· Dogs do not plan for tomorrow

· Dogs respond to their environment and to training, they do not “know better”

· Dogs do not distinguish between moral right and wrong

· Dogs do not premeditate their behavior

· Dogs do not deliberately irritate you

I could go on, but I think you get the point. The sooner you stop applying human attributes to your dog, the happier both of you will be. Do not take your dogs behavior, good or bad, personally. Practicing a pragmatic and low key emotional approach will create a balanced atmosphere, primed for learning.

#2 – Exercise

· Every day without fail and twice a day if possible. Sorry, running through the house or exploring the back yard does not count. Structured walks and breed targeted exercises are mandatory is you want a well mannered pet. Lack of exercise is the leading cause of most dog problems.

· This is about the dog – not you!

· Side Benefit – Proper walks will strengthen the bond between you and your dog, plus I’m certainly in better shape!

#3 – Discipline – Every Day – All Day

· There is no day off, no “free for all” play time. Failure to provide proper discipline and leadership at all times will only serve to confuse your dog.

· This is for the dog – not you!

· Side Benefit – Since learning to exercise discipline through calm leadership, I have been told by family and friends that I have become an easier person to live with and spend time with. I am not as critical and negative as I once was. I’m happier too

Hi, I’m Mae Campbell and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for stopping by.

This website is all about small dogs. What small dogs are, how to live with them, and most importantly how to train a small dog. Every dog, regardless of its size, can (and should) be a healthy, well balanced canine member of your family.

What Is A Small Dog?

A small or toy dog is typically described as 25 pounds or less, give or take a few pounds.  The height is also a classifying feature, typically 16-18 inches or shorter. AKC recognized breeds are largely members of the Toy, Terrier and Non-Sporting groups, but a few are also included in the herding and hound groups.

The Evolution Of Small Dogs

It is difficult to comprehend that the small 3 pound Chihuahua and the 180 pound Irish wolfhound share the same ancestry, but they do.  As DNA research continues to mature, we are gaining a better understanding of canine evolution every day.

Research now points to a single genetic mutation occurring early in the domestic evolution of dogs that created this divergence in size. The mutation is in the growth-regulator region of a dogs genes and is present in all modern day small dog breeds.

Through the practice of selective breeding and exploitation of this gene by humans over thousands of generations, the dog species exhibits the most diverse spread in body size of any other mammal.

How A Small Dog Is Perceived.

Every time I hear a small dog being discriminated against, it is invariably with comments such as:

• I don’t like small dogs, their so yappy
• Little dogs bark all the time, it’s really irritating
• I would never have a small dog, their too stupid to be trained for anything . . .
• Don’t get too close, they bite without warning!

And so on and so forth – we have heard it all at one time or another.  The sad part is so much of it is true! The problem however is not in the dogs, but rather how we, their loving masters, handle them!

Negativity abounds where the small dog is concerned, even advocates and owners find themselves making excuses for behavior that what would be considered dangerous and aggressive in larger breeds. Sadly, there are even some who encourage and reward such behavior.

Just watch this video if you don’t believe me, this is only one of hundreds just like it!

If you find this dog as harmless as it’s owners apparently do, might I point out that there are at least two cases on record where small dogs killed an infant in their home – one involving Daschunds the other a Yorkshire Terrier.

Can You Train A Small Dog?

Well of course you can!

A dog is a dog, regardless of its size, temperament, color or any number of other traits. It starts with the acceptance that your small bundle of furry love is not a human baby – it is a dog.

This does not mean you can’t play dress up, share your pillow at night or throw a surprise birthday party. It does mean that you must acknowledge your dogs needs first and yours second.

I believe there are four primary components that must all be in place for an effective training program:

#1 – Human psychology DOES NOT apply to dogs! Dogs are canine animals – not human children! This has been the hardest concept for me to grasp and I still struggle with it to this day.

• Dogs do not think like humans
• Dogs live in the moment
• Dogs do not dwell on what happened in the past
• Dogs do not plan for tomorrow
• Dogs respond to their environment and to training, they do not “know better”
• Dogs do not distinguish between moral right and wrong
• Dogs do not premeditate their behavior
• Dogs do not deliberately irritate you

I could go on, but I think you get the point. The sooner you stop applying human attributes to your dog, the happier both of you will be.  Do not take your dogs behavior, good or bad, personally.  Practicing a pragmatic and low key emotional approach will create a balanced atmosphere, primed for learning.

#2 – Exercise

• Every day without fail and twice a day if possible. Sorry, running through the house or exploring the back yard does not count. Structured walks and breed targeted exercises are mandatory is you want a well mannered pet. Lack of exercise is the leading cause of most dog problems.
• This is about the dog – not you!
• Side Benefit – Proper walks will strengthen the bond between you and your dog, plus I’m certainly in better shape!

#3 – Discipline – Every Day – All Day

• There is no day off, no “free for all” play time. Failure to provide proper discipline and leadership at all times will only serve to confuse your dog.
• This is for the dog – not you!
• Side Benefit – Since learning to exercise discipline through calm leadership, I have been told by family and friends that I have become an easier person to live with and spend time with.  I am not as critical and negative as I once was. I’m happier too.

#4 – Affection

• In the animal world, affection as we view it does not exist. This is an emotion that we as humans need from our dogs, not the other way around! Fortunately for us, they know how to deliver.
• This is about you – not the dog!

Ready To Get Started?

If you are planning on a small dog and want to avoid the embarrassing behavior you have observed other small dog owners experience, or if you are one of those embarrassed owners and would like to change it, then join me for a journey of enlightenment, discipline and canine edification.

I promise you – your dog, your family, your neighbors and your mail carrier will be happier and healthier as a direct result.

.

#4 – Affection

· In the animal world, affection as we view it does not exist. This is an emotion that we as humans need from our dogs, not the other way around! Fortunately for us, they know how to deliver.

· This is about you – not the dog!

Ready To Get Started?

If you are planning on a small dog and want to avoid the embarrassing behavior you have observed other small dog owners experience, or if you are one of those embarrassed owners and would like to change it, then join me for a journey of enlightenment, discipline and canine edification.

I promise you – your dog, your family, your neighbors and your mail carrier will be happier and healthier as a direct result.