Is Your Small Dog Dominating You? It Could Be Small Dog Syndrome
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Deb_Gray]Deb Gray
If you have a small dog that's been acting pretty aggressive, or barking and whining a lot, is destructive or generally being a little obnoxious, you may have a case of small dog syndrome on your hands.
What is small dog syndrome?
It's the cluster of behaviors in your pet that result when there's confusion about who is the leader of the pack. All canines after all, are pack dogs, and packs have followers and leaders. Most dogs prefer being followers. But if you are letting your dog dominate you in ways you might not even recognize, then trouble begins.
What are some of the symptoms of small dog syndrome?
If your dog is confused and anxious about who's the alpha dog in your pack, here are some of the types of behaviors you might see:
Destructive - chewing your things, stuff around the house, ripping up paper, chewing door frames, and so on. Clear signs of anxiety and unrest.
Physically dominating - does your small dog jump up on your or other people? Insist on sitting in your lap when you don't necessarily invite it? What about bed time? If your dog insists on sleeping high on the bed - near the pillow - you've almost certainly got a case of small dog syndrome.
Yappy, whining, excessive barking, growling - these are all signs of a dog who thinks he's the leader in your pack group. He may not "allow" other people to approach you, or may be very aggressive with other dogs, sometimes those that are many times bigger.
Losing all potty training ability - does your dog 'mark' or pee all over the house? Poop wherever she wants? Again... the signs are there.
Is it small dog syndrome or dog separation anxiety?
There are many behaviors in common with both of these disorders; the clear sign your problem is more about separation anxiety, is that it's that these negative actions are directly related to your departure and arrival.
Dogs with separation anxiety can be very nervous, frantic and appear desperate to leave the home, trying to "find you" out in the big world. Your dog goes overboard when you get home, and can be very destructive when you're out.
Small dog syndrome on the other hand, is related more to how your dog behaves when you are around her.
Steps to take reduce small dog syndrome
This isn't a quick fix. There are many steps to undertake, but some of the obvious places to start with your small dog include:
stop carrying her around everywhere - she can walk!
don't let your dog eat off your plate or beg for treats - ignore, ignore, ignore
do not let your dog jump up on your, or jump into your lap uninvited
a sharp no and then ignoring, will help end aggressive barking
Expert trainer and "dog whisperer" Cesar Millan offers specific training on how to manage your dog, be the pack leader and enjoy a long-term, fulfilled relationship with your pet. First, he says, we must remember that your pet is indeed a DOG. All dogs are members of the same species, canine. Canines have specific needs, like lots of exercise, routine and boundaries. Canines want to work for their rewards, not trot through life with nothing but treats.
To get to the real root of small dog syndrome, read more from Cesar Millan on how dogs think and behave; you'll enjoy a whole new relationship with your toy dog if you follow his advice.
To learn more about how Cesar Millan banishes small dog syndrome, and can help you build a lifelong bond between you and your happy, well balanced dog, you can watch his TV programs, order his DVDs, books and even special products like leashes and Romp! toys. Visit dog expert Deb Gray's site, [http://cesarswaytotrainayorkie.com/]Cesar's Way To Train a Yorkie for more, or check out my Squidoo lens called [http://www.squidoo.com/cesar-millan-and-small-dog-syndrome]Cesar Millan and Small Dog Syndrome
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Your-Small-Dog-Dominating-You?-It-Could-Be-Small-Dog-Syndrome&id=6396579] Is Your Small Dog Dominating You? It Could Be Small Dog Syndrome
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