Small Dog Syndrome

Small dog syndrome is the name given to a collection of behaviours displayed by small dogs, behaviours that have the effect of overcoming any deficits caused by being small in stature. Typical behaviours displayed include:

Excitable behaviour
Jumping up on owners, other people or dogs
Growling at people or other dogs
Lunging or snapping at perceived threats
Avoidance or fear of larger dogs, typically hiding behind or trying to be picked up by owner
Reluctance to move off sofas and beds
Failure to obey commands
This does not mean that every small dog will display these behaviours, or that each of these behaviours is indicative of small dog syndrome. Collectively, however, these behaviours make life with small dogs difficult for owners and for other people and animals around them

If your small dogs is scared or even aggressive towards larger dogs, this may be because they are fearful. Hence, we see the lunging, barking or snapping at bigger dogs. This behaviour gives the impression that small dogs perceive themselves to be bigger than they actually are.

There are ways of improving this behaviour. Changing dog behaviour generally involves changing owner behaviour too and, in fact, this syndrome may have more to do with the owner’s behaviour than their dogs! Understanding dog behaviour, and how humans affect it, is the first step in improving small dog syndrome.

How humans affect dog behaviour
There is no doubt that many small dogs get away with behaviours that owners of large dogs would not allow. Jumping up on us, for instance. A large dog would be more likely to knock us over but a small dog can often be encouraged by owners. Inadvertently, owners often reward the very behaviours we dislike. If your small dog runs to you and begs to be picked up when they encounter a large dog and you oblige, you have reinforced this behaviour and your dog will continue to react this way each time they encounter a large dog.

Small dog owners are less likely to train their dog than owners of larger dogs. Trained dogs are more likely to obey commands; therefore, this may be the reason that smaller dogs appear so disobedient. It is because they have never been trained.

Improving Small Dog Syndrome
Unwanted behaviours in small dogs, such as excitability and poor obedience, are considered to be directly related to owner behaviour. The following suggestions may improve their behaviour:

Be more consistent in interactions. Set the rules and boundaries and ensure all family members stick to them.
Engage regularly in play sessions with your dog and allow your dog to play with others in an appropriate manner, especially those of their own size.
If they dislike larger dogs, introduce them to ones that you know are friendly and gentle. You will need to slowly introduce your dog to other dogs and don't let them freely interact, as this may result in rough play or aggressive behaviour. Introduce them in a neutral location like the local dog park, walk them past one another at a distance and slowly get closer, ask your dog to sit every so often, this reinforces your dog’s good behaviour and keeps you in control of the situation.
Do some training with your dog including attending obedience classes. Ask for commands to be obeyed, for example a ‘sit’ before feeding them. The best way to train your dog and maintain their focus during these sessions is to reward with treats and praise.
If you are concerned with any of your dog’s behaviour, then we suggest speaking with a qualified animal behaviourist