Furthermore, a muzzle on a big dog may make the humans around him (or her) feel more comfortable. Why muzzle a small dog? It’s a no-brainer to muzzle a large breed dog because their bite can be fatal. This equipment is, of course, a leash, collar and/or harness. Additionally, even a small dog should wear a muzzle when being introduced to new people, animals, or situations. Begin gradually, and have all safety equipment in place. From the time your dog arrives at your home, you should make it a point to introduce him (or her) to as many other humans, animals, and situations as possible. Socialization is exactly what it sounds like. Generally, the younger the dog when training and adequate socialization occur, the less yappy the dog will be in his (or her) adulthood and the less likely they will suffer from any behavioral syndromes in adulthood.ĭID YOU KNOW?Dogs can tell how big another dog is by the other dog’s bark? How to Use Socialization to Minimize Barking Of course, not all small dogs will exhibit these behaviors and not all dogs that exhibit these behaviors are small. Lunging or Snapping at Perceived Threats.If you know (or own) a small dog who exhibits some of the following behaviors, he (or she) may have what’s been coined “Small Dog Syndrome: “Small (or Little) Dog Syndrome” is defined by as “…the name that’s given to a collection of behaviors displayed by small dogs, behaviors that have the effect of overcoming any deficits caused by being small in stature.” Pet Care Rx adds some insight by reporting that excessive barking in small dogs when they encounter bigger dogs, is a learned behavior that can be adjusted through training and socializing the small dog from a young age. You’ll have to approach the issue from an aggression standpoint, not a nuisance barking standpoint.ĭID YOU KNOW? The Chihuahua dog breed barks the most of any breed. If this is the case, barking can be a precursor to undesirable behaviors like lunging and/or biting. If any of those signs are visible in your dog’s body language during a “bark fest”, you are dealing with aggression and not just an overly-vocal dog. A “Guard Stance” Head Lower than Shoulders.Ears That are Laid Flat Back (or Standing Straight Up Stiffly).Raised Hackles (hair along the neck/back).The next time your little dog goes into a yapping frenzy, watch that body! The barking may be more than simple vocalization if it is accompanied by one (or more) of the following 10 “Body Languages” of Aggression: Your dog’s body language changes when he (or she) is feeling nervous, fearful, or even aggressive. This is how dogs communicate with each other, and how your own dog “reads” you. We’re only addressing the nuisance barking and the inappropriate barking. My dog has a “hungry” bark, a bark for when friends approach, and a very different bark when strangers approach! It’s important we remember that we aren’t trying to stop a small dog (or any dog) from barking altogether. Listen to the different barks to learn what they mean. Observing your dog from the day he (or she) arrives at your home will be your greatest insight into any behaviors exhibited. It won’t take a dog owner long to recognize that their dog will have a “different” bark for different circumstances. Some of this barking can be attributed to breed or size, and some of it attributed to nervousness and/or excitement. Like humans, each dog is unique with his (or her) very own traits, personality, and quirks. There’s a lot of information to sort through to dig out the facts, so let’s get started! Do Small Dogs Really Bark More Than Big Dogs? I didn’t stop there though! For this article, I’ve also gleaned information from experts like the American Kennel Club, the M erck Veterinary Manual,, Pet Care Rx, Cesar Milan, and more! Additionally, are interviews with dozens of people who own both a small dog and a big dog to learn some “hands-on” tips for helping dogs get along. I’ve owned dogs from my youth and learned much from personal experience and even more from my dogs’ veterinarian. I’ve saved you the time and headache of separating fact from myth when it comes to training your dog to exhibit new behaviors. How Small Dogs and Big Dogs can Live in Harmony.Training Techniques to Silence a Small Dog.Why it’s Important to Adress Your Little Dog’s Behavior.What Small (or Little) Dog Syndrom Is (and Isn’t). Welcome to the Big Dog Den, I’m glad you’re here! It can be overwhelming! If you’d rather glean from the latest and most accurate information, all gathered in one convenient place, you’ve landed on the right site. There are certainly some contradictions in opinion when it comes to why small dogs bark at big dogs out there.
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