Tuesday Training Byte: Training a small dog with behavior problems

Unfortunately, the shelters have many small dogs surrendered due to behavior problems. These problems include biting, jumping up, incessant barking, and hyper behavior. Some of this stems from three main reasons: 1. an owner who does not want to correct bad behavior, 2. owner thinks that is was cute as a puppy and will outgrow it, and 3. believes you can't really train a small dog without hurting them.

First, it is important to set the boundaries and expectations as soon as possible when bringing your dog of any age home. There are many toy breeds that have earned high level of obedience, rally, or agility titles and awards that refutes the myth that small dogs can't really be trained. Dogs seek two main things: attention from their human, and leadership from their human. If the owner is not the leader, the dog will become the boss of the household. Start by crate training your dog. At first the dog my whine and bark, but simply walk away and do not just go let them back out. Be sure to let the dog out when they have remained quite and calm for a little while- not while barking. If your dog starts mouthing you or biting, be very matter-of-fact saying something like "game over" or Nope, and put the dog in it's crate, then walk away. If your dog jumps all over you as you walk into the room or sits in your favorite chair just as you go to sit down, turn and walk away- refusing to give your dog attention. Teach your dog the "Off" command and praise him when he does it. I use the word "Off" instead of down because down is a specific command to laying down. Off is used to mean all four feet on the floor. As soon as my dog puts all four on the floor, I reward the dog with "Yes! Good off!" followed by a pat or a treat. I have a little roll up mat or rug that I teach my dog to go lay down on to relax. This is where I give my dog attention when he is calm and quiet. Of course there are times when you may want your small dog on your lap or next to you, but the trick here is to make that place and time under your choice, not your dog's. This should be seen as an earned reward. For example, after I have finished grooming my American Water Spaniel, his reward is to sit on my lap in the living room love seat which is normally off limits. Not giving in to your dog's bad behavior- and yes looking at, touching, or yelling at him is viewed as rewarding- and rewarding calm, relaxed behavior should help turn the bratty behavior around. Happy training!