Small dog syndrome suggests that smaller breeds—such as Pomeranians and Chihuahuas—are more likely to engage in behaviours like frequent yapping and resource guarding. Although there’s no recognised medical diagnosis for this “syndrome”, it is true that smaller dogs can be prone to such behaviours. So what’s going on?
“For small dogs, the world can be a pretty scary place,” says Jeanette Muldoon, dog trainer at the Family Dog Club. “In the wild, they would have to shout louder and use more aggressive body language just to survive.”
Due to their petite size, humans often end up overlooking some of their body language and facial cues. As a result of having their earlier stress signals ignored, they may start to show aggression, Muldoon explains. Aggressive behaviour in this context isn’t the same as the “Napoleon complex” in humans (where a person of a smaller stature demonstrates overly assertive behaviours to compensate for their size). Muldoon says with dogs’ aggression, this behaviour is more of a stress signal than a “look at me” tactic.
Read on to learn how to rebuild your dog’s confidence in the world and what behaviours you, as their guardian, should avoid.
Primary Signs of Small Dog Syndrome
If your dog is small and displays these signs, they may also be reactive:
- Barking or growling a lot (at both other dogs and humans)
- Ignoring commands
- Possessiveness
- Frequently jumping up, and nipping or biting others
- Anxiety
These behaviours can be more apparent when your dog is in an unknown environment or meeting new dogs.
One study suggests that smaller dogs raise their legs higher compared to larger dogs when urinating, so their pee trail reaches higher and gives the impression that they’re bigger than they are. However, the researchers noted that they didn’t have controls to recognise ‘over marking’, which may have influenced their findings.
Causes of Small Dog Syndrome
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There’s somewhat of a nature vs. nurture debate regarding small dog syndrome. “Some breeds tend to genetically be more prone to territorial issues and other behavioural problems,” says Shannen Standiford, dog trainer and behaviour consultant at Pups On The Coast. This means even big dogs can display small dog syndrome tendencies—we just call it small dog syndrome because we are projecting our human social beliefs onto the dog.
1. Lack of Training
In some instances, small dog syndrome-related behaviours can be learned or happen because of a lack of training. But in Standiford’s experience, smaller dogs are less likely to go through training to address behaviour problems. One study found that owners of smaller dogs are less likely to be consistent with training, interaction, and reward-based behaviours, which can lead to lower obedience.
2. Not Respecting Small Dogs’ Need for Space
“One common mistake owners can make is treating a small dog differently because of the dog’s size,” continues Standiford. “Behavioural issues in small dogs can be just as serious as in a larger breed. [But] owners will often let these behaviours go due to the fact that it can be visualised as funny or cute, when in reality it can be detrimental to the dog’s well-being.”
Dogs might show more aggression and anxiety around new humans and larger dogs. While aggressiveness against something bigger might seem like a bold move, Standiford explains there’s a good reason for it. “Every dog has a ‘flight or fight’ response. Each time they’re under stress, they need to evaluate their situation and choose which instinct to use,” she shares. “The fight response is very automatic [and] reactive.”
3. Lack of Socialisation
A dog who hasn’t been socialised enough or has had bad experiences with larger dogs in the past may become more easily stressed, Standiford says. It’s okay to accept that your small dog might not be a good fit around larger dogs, she adds. But if you do want to integrate the two, “positive conditioning and desensitisation is the way to go. Never rush your dog into socialising with larger dogs if they are not yet comfortable.”
How to Fix Small Dog Syndrome
Good news: Small dog syndrome “is typically not based on biological factors alone and can likely be fixed!” says Standiford. So, what approaches can help minimise behaviours?
1. Avoid Picking Your Dog Up Too Much
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You might be tempted to carry your small dog around in your handbag or a stroller—especially if you think their little legs aren’t up to long walks. But regularly doing so will encourage your dog to think that being carried is the norm rather than walking. “It’s important for them to be at ground level so they can use their nose and take in information that will help them cope in the real world,” says James Hare, dog trainer and founder of Newquay Puppy & Dog Training.
That said, it’s okay to pick your dog up when necessary, says Hare. For instance, if they’re “feeling unsure when out walking, or offer a reactive response.” Your dog might also need help if they have a medical condition that prevents them from walking for too long. It’s essential to offer your dog choice, as well. Just because you want to pick them up doesn’t mean they want to be picked up. “If they want a cuddle and offer it to us, then of course we can accept it. But carrying them around for no reason will not help long term,” Hare says.
2. Work to Understand Your Dog
All dogs, no matter their size, can learn the correct methods of socialisation, habituation, and training, says Hare.
However, like humans, dogs have their own personalities and reasons for engaging in certain behaviours. “We have to understand our dog’s emotions. Our dog will not be performing a behaviour just because they want to or to annoy us,” Hare says. “Behind every single behaviour is an emotion. It is our responsibility to understand what is driving the emotion and how we can help the dog manage that better.”
3. Build Confidence with Positive Reinforcement
“Dogs love reinforcement,” shares Hare. Positive reinforcement might be a cuddle or food treat—enough to incentivise your dog to engage in a certain behaviour. Repetition is also an important aspect of positive reinforcement, he adds.
You might be tempted to ‘baby’ your dog as a form of reinforcement. Hare says it is acceptable to do so (whatever your dog’s size), as long as it incentivises them to engage in good behaviour.
If you’re using a behaviour that fuels bad habits in your dog and isn’t a positive form of reinforcement, aim to taper it out slowly and replace it with a more productive action. “When we take away any reinforcement from our dogs, they can offer what we know as ‘extinction bursts’,” explains Hare. “They will offer us behaviours they find acceptable to get our attention because we’ve stopped giving them what they like. [As such] we have to teach our dogs better behaviours to overcome those.”
4. Treat Your Dog When They See Other Dogs
Helping your small dog relax around larger canines will not only relieve their stress but yours, too! As noted, slow and steady positive reinforcement and desensitisation is the way to go.
Niki French, dog trainer at Pup Talk recommends using treats to encourage calm behaviours. “Small dogs don’t have as many calories in their day compared to larger dogs. I would use some of their daily food [allowance] to reward good choices, as well as supporting them when they need it.”
Rather than putting your dog in a room with a larger dog, start at the park. Give your pup a piece of food if “they look at a larger dog and are far enough away not to react or bark,” French suggests. “[This] can create a positive association with something that might worry them. We don’t want to prevent them from looking at other dogs, but help them feel differently when they do.”
5. Be Your Dog’s Advocate
In any situation, “don’t be afraid to be the voice of your dog,” asserts French.
If guests or passers-by start to pet your canine without permission? “It’s perfectly okay to politely ask people not to approach your dog if you don’t think they’ll enjoy the experience,” she says. “Just because they are small and cute, it does not give everyone the right to pet and fuss them.” Taking this approach will help your dog stay calm.
If you’re out on a walk or having playtime at the park, French recommends putting a “space awareness” collar, slip, lead, or vest (such as these) on your canine. “They can let people know that your dog doesn’t want to be touched by strangers,” she notes.
When To Speak To A Professional
It’s never too late for a dog to unlearn undesirable behaviours, such as those associated with small dog syndrome. As French says, “Some behaviours can be more ingrained, but you absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks!”
If your small dog is regularly barking, snarling, lunging, or even biting at larger dogs (or humans), consider asking for expert support. “I would always recommend seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist that uses kind and positive training methods to give you the tools you need to help your dog,” concludes French.
