Small Dogs vs. Big Dogs

Some dogs are small and some are big. The end.

Just kidding.

Today’s post is less about actual size and more about how small dogs are treated compared to their larger canine friends because how we treat small dogs has, in many ways, facilitated the widespread notion that all small dogs bark a lot and are aggressive.

As a TAGS volunteer, I have met many fantastic dogs who are up for adoption. When I’m in pet stores doing outreach, I often hear families who are looking for a dog say that they don’t want a small dog because they are known to be aggressive and therefore not good with kids. While it’s true that we have dogs up for adoption who we would not recommend to a family with small children, this is not a blanket statement for all of our small dogs. Some of our larger dogs are also not suited for a life with kids, and some of our small dogs would be great with anyone and everyone.

Every small dog I have ever met is yappy, and you want me to believe that it’s just a stereotype?

It’s a common assumption that because these dogs are little, they bark more and act tough as compensation when they feel the need to defend themselves against strangers and larger animals. Being defensive is unfortunately common for some dogs depending on what they have experienced in their lives, but that said, it’s not all about size. Dogs probably don’t even know that size means anything in the human world. Big or little, a dog who is taught or encouraged to be defensive, protective or dominant is going to display that behaviour. Moreover, any dog, regardless of size, can feel intimidated by another dog or animal or human. Why else have so many large dogs been put in their place by a cat? Why do I know a Lab who is afraid of pugs?

Sheldon is a small breed, and yet he didn't make a peep
when he visited students at UOIT and Durham College. 

But I trained both of my dogs and my terrier barks all the time, while my husky is quiet. 

Whether you are aware of it or not, the way humans treat small dogs compared to large dogs is a major factor in the way that smaller breeds conduct themselves. Even if they were trained in the same obedience class as a large breed, their “yappy and aggressive” behaviour can emerge over time based on day-to-day interactions. For example, when a small dog growls or tries to “act tough,” it is common for people to think this behaviour is not a concern because the dog is small. Some people even think it is cute that the dog is trying to “act like a big dog.” If your German shepherd were to bare his teeth and growl at your guest, too, would it be so cute? I doubt it.

 Other ways we treat small dogs differently than large dogs

At the TAGS dog park, all dogs wait nicely
for a treat, no matter what their size is! 

Giving attention/Greeting new people: When small dogs are looking for attention or for a treat, they might go up on their hind legs and rest their front paws on their owner’s legs, some even jump up into this position until they are told to sit for their treat. However, it’s likely that you trained your large breed to go straight into the sitting position or else risk being knocked over.

Going on a walk: While on a walk, large dogs who are considered to be good at walking on a leash are not allowed to pull and generally walk beside or behind their owner. Smaller breeds pull, too, but because they are small and easy to scoop up or otherwise control, owners do not worry as much about their little dog leading up front.

Playing: If you wouldn't feel comfortable letting a large dog  nibble on your hand during playtime, then don't let the little one do it either!

So what does all this have to do with small dogs being yappy or aggressive? 

While pulling on a walk is not necessarily a sign of aggression, it is similar in the mind of the dog. If your Chihuahua is allowed to jump up, pull on a walk and otherwise do anything he wants, then why isn’t he allowed to bark at everyone? Why can’t he growl in the dog park when he’s allowed to growl at home? These are all types of dominant behaviour, but “yappy” and “aggressive” have become the buzz words for small breeds because these are the habits that are most noticeable to others.

Help break the cycle!

Rocky at PetSmart a few months ago.
Rocky has since been adopted! 

Dogs bark, it's true, but learning how our actions can affect our dog's behaviour is key, especially if they are little and often allowed to get away with negative behaviour. Take note of when you might be treating your little dog differently, and work on correcting your own habits. In time, the dog's habits will improve, too, and people will notice: During a PetSmart shift with Rocky, a customer commented on how quiet he was "for a little dog." While the ultimate goal is to not have it be assumed in the first place that Rocky would be loud just because he's part Chihuahua, part miniature pinscher, maybe that woman has a slightly different perspective on small dogs now.

Dear TAGS: What's the best method against pulling?

Hilary asked:

I have had a few people recommend a certain way of putting on our dog’s leash to reduce his pulling. Basically it's as follows: run the leash along the dog’s back to its hips; wrap the leash around the dog’s waist under its belly and loop the leash through itself to make a slip tie (it has a special name but I can't remember what!). This technique has worked wonders for us and results in much less pulling; however, my husband is concerned about the pressure of the leash on our dog’s waist/hips. What is your take on this technique? Do you recommend it?

Our certified trainer answered:

To find out if that method of using a leash could harm your dog, you should consult your veterinarian. However, there are many other options available that will most certainly help you keep your dog from pulling.

One of the primary reasons people attend our classes is to address a dog that pulls them off their feet or acts “aggressive” on leash. If you haven’t yet taken an obedience class, you could start with that.

But there are also great tools on the market to help you teach your dog how not to pull. Which one is right for you is a personal decision.

Dog with gentle leader. CC image courtesy of krossbow on Flickr.

I have always used the veterinarian-developed Gentle Leader head halter.  When the Gentle Leader first hit the market, it was sold only through veterinarians and trainers, who would ensure a proper fit for the dog. Now pet stores are selling them, and I have a concern that they are not fit and used properly. The principle behind the Gentle Leader is simple: control the head, control the dog.

Several years ago, anti-pull harnesses hit the market. They offered a different approach. Rather than using a halter-style, the harness was designed to cover the dog’s body to reduce the dog from pulling. They work well, and I have never heard of any issues with them. Again, remember these are special harnesses for teaching dogs not to pull; they are not a regular-style harness, which will make some dogs pull more.

Dusty pulls a lot less with this special type of harness

In the old days, choke collars were used, and we were taught to “correct” the dog by snapping the chain until the dog responded to our command. I would never use a choke collar or a pinch collar! Why would we use tools that can harm our dogs and that most pet owners do not use correctly?

So, ultimately, what is the goal? Most owners are happy to use the tool that eliminates the pulling—end of story. As a trainer, though, I ask, Is your dog learning? Tools should be used to teach your dog. And they must be used correctly. Walks are opportunities for training, challenging and rewarding your pet. Make the most of them!

If you have any questions concerning your pet, send us an email or ask it on Facebook or  Twitter or in the comment section below.