| Small dogs don't always come with small | | | | everything he is given. He should never be given a |
| personalities. This is partly due to the breeding | | | | treat without doing something to earn it. This type of |
| process as it has evolved over the years and partly | | | | free ride can spoil even the best behaved dogs and |
| due to individual dog character. Anyone who has | | | | can make tyrants out of the already head strong toys. |
| ever owned a Chihuahua can attest to the fact that | | | | If you let him, the dog will quickly convince himself that |
| this breed of dog will not back down from even the | | | | he is in charge of the house. This needs to be |
| most dangerous of threats. | | | | squashed quickly. The longer you let his tyranicism, |
| Many small dogs were specifically bred for their | | | | fester, the harder it will be to bring him back down to |
| aggressiveness to be used as hunting animals. | | | | Earth. In nature, the alpha dog always leads the |
| Others were further bred smaller to serve as nothing | | | | pack. Mimic this natural trait by making the dog follow |
| more than cute companions, but this did nothing to | | | | you instead of leading the way. Do not tolerate his |
| change their strong hunter personalities. Furthermore, | | | | jumping on you or the furniture. Make sure he knows |
| these "toy" breeds seem even less inclined to obey | | | | that you hold the top spot in the hierarchy. |
| commands than their larger relatives. | | | | Small dogs will always try to test your superiority. If |
| Since these dogs have a ancestry as workers, they | | | | they sense weakness on your part, they will quickly try |
| can quickly become bored if they aren't kept busy. | | | | to take over and become pack leaders. A good |
| These little breeds are extremely energetic and need | | | | training program that instills discipline and gives the dog |
| daily exercise. Teach them tricks to focus their minds | | | | an outlet for his energy is the best way to stop this |
| and make them feel important. Make the dog earn | | | | natural tendency. |