The Walking ClubShort answer: yes. A small dog is as much a dog as a big one. They often get less training, and that can lead to behavior problems.
The AKC says small dogs tend to get less training time than bigger dogs because people assume they need less, and that dogs who do not get training are more likely to have behavior problems. Training gives dogs of all sizes a shared language with their owners.
The AKC also has advice on when to pick up a small dog. It is natural to want to protect a small dog from an approaching large dog, but it suggests thinking about when carrying helps and when it does not. See another dog on a walk.
Start with the basics: sit, stay and down, loose leash walking and calm greetings. Use small treats, short sessions and rewards.
If your small dog snaps, growls or lunges, treat it like any other dog and ask for professional help.
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