Small dog syndrome is the name given to a collection of behaviours commonly displayed by small dogs. Many owners are less likely to train their small dogs than owners of larger dogs. Trained dogs are more likely to obey commands. There is no doubt that many small dogs get away with behaviours that owners of larger dogs would not allow. In fact, inadvertently, owners often reward problem behaviours. Typical problem behaviours include:

• Excitable behaviour, like jumping up on people
• Growling, lunging or chasing people or other dogs 
• Failure to obey commands  
• Barking for attention.

This does not mean every small dog displays these behaviours or that none are trained, but “small dog syndrome” is common because people do not think little dogs can cause problems or any damage; they are sometimes treated like little people or babies. Yet even small breed dogs have evolved from wolves. They are still canines and may display aggressive or territorial behaviour. Their bite can cause injury.

Improving unwanted behaviours:
Set rules and boundaries with basic obedience exercises by training regularly at home, in obedience classes, or have a dog trainer guide you. If your dog dislikes large dogs, introduce him to one who is gentle and friendly in a neutral place. If you have no fence, then it is best to back-tie the dog to a post or tree via the harness when you are outside - if the dog is free. This prevents him from crossing the road and being hit by a car or harassing people and dogs passing by.

Some larger dogs will just ignore little dogs chasing and harassing them, but some will not. Size does not make much difference in the dog world; large dogs are often dominated or intimidated by smaller dogs. This is based more on temperament and personality than size. The old saying, “it’s not the size of a dog in a fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”. However, if a larger dog is seriously angry or clumsy in play, it is logical that the smaller dog will be worse off.

My medium-to-large ageing dog is still strong and responds to other dogs accosting us, especially when we are connected by the lead. We have both injured ourselves a few times by me pulling her backwards and away from free-ranging dogs, so now I find it is better to release the lead and let the dogs sort it out, knowing my dog will not hurt another animal unless defending herself or me.

Pam Brandis, 
 Dip. Canine Prac.