Small Dog Obedience Training
Continued from Part I – Small Dog Training
Leadership
Would you be surprised to find that your tiny pooch actually descends from wild canines – the grey wolf specifically? This means their nature is suited to pack living and in order to be successful at small dog obedience training, learning how the pack works will give you a running head start.
In each wolf pack there is an alpha dog. This is the dog that all others in the pack depend upon and submit to. Alpha animals maintain the rules that other pack members must follow and they mete out discipline for unacceptable behavior. This is the position in the family that you want to have. Not only will your dog submit to your authority, they will feel safe and secure knowing you are providing for their needs.
Signs of Dominance
So how do you know who is the leader of the pack? There are several indicators that your small dog obedience training program needs to address to ensure the pack hierarchy is maintained. Here are a few of the most common.
Walking
Wild canine packs are always on the move, it is part of their natural behavior. When the pack leader heads out the pack follows – not the other way around! Taking controlled structured walks with your dog will firmly establish your role as pack leader.
So – do you walk your dog or does your dog walk you?
If your dog pulls you around the block, they are not submitting to your authority. This is a common problem that owners face and the best way to address the situation is with basic commands.
When your dog begins to pull against the leash, immediately make them sit. Only after they are sitting calmly with their attention is on you, should the walk resume. You will need to perform this stop and sit action multiple times before they get the picture.
Growling or Snarling
If your dog ever growls at you, for any reason, they are displaying alpha dog tendencies. Growling, snarling or nipping at you should never be allowed!
Claiming the Furniture
Does your dog make herself comfortable on your bed or sofa? While many dog owners like to have their pet snuggle on the couch, your pet should only access the furniture when invited. Make them wait until you call them up on the couch, chair or bed to firmly establish your position as leader.
These are but a few signs that your dog has decided to take charge. In order for your small breed dog training to be successful, you must be the alpha dog of your pack. Addressing any challenges quickly and firmly will save you and your canine companion stress later on.
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It Begin With Basics
Regardless of which training path you choose, small dog obedience training will always begin with the basics. Think of dog training as akin to algebra, where each small formula builds up to the next. First teaching a dog to sit makes teaching them to stay much easier. “Sit”, “Stay” and “Here” are the most common basic commands every dog should know and obey.
Even if you do not plan to move on to intermediate or advanced training, the basics of sit-stay-here will keep you dog safe in all sorts of situations, not to mention making your life easier.
Benefits of Training
Small dog obedience training gives you the opportunity to bond with your dog. As a puppy, this is almost an automatic process; older dogs will usually take a little more time and effort on your part, but the end results are well worth the investment.
How many times has your heart raced as your small dog headed at full speed towards a busy street? An untrained dog is one that is in danger. If your dog bolts every time you open the door, they are at risk for being injured. Teaching your small dog to sit and stay is the first step to keeping them safe.
A dog who knows their place in the home and defers to you as the alpha leader will feel safe and secure. This positive emotional state alone will address many issues experienced by scared or insecure dogs, such as whining, barking or even biting. Nip these potential problems in the bud by instituting a good small dog obedience training program.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reasons dog obedience training is beneficial to you, your family and your small breed dog. If you are having trouble getting started, check with your local pet professionals for the closest dog training classes. Your veterinarian, county humane society, ASPCA or even the neighborhood pet supply store will be able to put you in contact with a training professional.
The internet can also provide information about dog training; just remember to check the source carefully. The only thing worse than no training is bad training!
Return to Part I – Small Dog Training
