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Though they may be small, they’re still dogs.





Small dogs are often unfairly labeled as yappy and aggressive, and face stereotypes that overshadow their true personalities.  Just like any larger dog, a small dog’s behavior is largely influenced by its individual personality, upbringing, and training.


Generalizing an entire group based on size overlooks the rich diversity of temperaments found within small dog breeds. Life with small dogs is an enchanting journey filled with wagging tails, boundless energy, and unconditional love. There is so much joy to experience when you share your life with these pint-sized canine companions.  The compact size of a small dog makes them easy to bring along on most adventures, whether it's a stroll through the park, a road trip, or just a cozy night on the couch watching Pup Academy on Netflix.  Small dogs have a knack for effortlessly transforming your lap into their personal throne and turning mundane moments into heartwarming connections.


Don’t let their size fool you, small dogs often have larger-than-life personalities. From the feisty chihuahua to the elegant toy poodle, each small breed brings its own flavor of charm, spunk, and charisma to your life. Just like big dogs, the little dogs need their share of exercise. Their energy levels are surprisingly high, making playtime an essential part of your routine. Fetch in the living room or a game of tug of war becomes a fun daily ritual.


Training a small breed is no different than training a large breed dog, it’s a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership. Training is crucial for all dogs and small dogs are just as capable of learning commands, tricks, and good manners as their larger counterparts. Training fosters a strong bond and promotes positive behavior regardless of a dog's size. One major issue with small dogs lies with their owners. Many small breed owners treat them like delicate dolls carrying them everywhere. There’s an entire industry devoted to backpacks and bags to carry around your little furry friend, While it’s tempting to scoop up our small canine companions at every opportunity, constantly carrying them may seem harmless but can lead to a myriad of issues. They may become accustomed to being constantly held, making it challenging for them to cope when left alone, this dependence can result in behavioral issues such as excessive barking or destructive behavior.


Missed socialization is another possible issue that can be caused by excessive carrying. Socialization is crucial for a well-adjusted dog. When constantly carried, small-breed dogs may miss out on interactions with other dogs and people. This lack of socialization can contribute to fearfulness or aggression, hindering their ability to navigate the world confidently. Lack of mental stimulation is yet another issue. Dogs, regardless of size, thrive on mental stimulation. Walking and exploring their environment provide valuable sensory experiences. Being carried limits their exposure to new sights, smells, and sounds, potentially leading to boredom and behavioral problems.


In the delightful realm of canine companionship, the size of a dog has no correlation with the amount of joy and fun they bring to our lives. Small breeds exude boundless charm and playfulness and are just as fun if not more so than their larger counterparts. Treating small dogs just like big dogs ensures a harmonious and fulfilling relationship.


By Louisa Redman

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