Podcast Notes:

• Small Dog Syndrome describes a set of behaviors both human and canine; it is not a cause or source of behavior.
• Small dogs have a tendency to puff up and act larger than life if the situation requires them to do so.
• Small Dog Syndrome is insidious. It begins when we expect less of our small dogs and tolerate more bad behavior than we would for a larger dog.
• Your small dog will try and take control of you and your household if you let him.
• Once the small dog realizes it has some measure of control, it will take over completely.
• The key to conquering Small Dog Syndrome is regaining control of your dog’s environment.
• You can regain control through basic obedience training with an emphasis on walking your dog properly on a leash. You lead the dog instead of letting the dog lead you.
• Take a look around your house to see if it promotes the dog’s sense of control. Does he have toys everywhere? Does he eat whenever he wants (as in a full food bowl on the floor at all times)? Is he allowed to jump up on your furniture at will? These should all be modified so the dog does not have carte blanch in your house.
• There are many good references on how to teach your dog to respond to you. One of my favorites is Let the Dog Decide, by Dale Stavroff.