Brendan’s Hot Takes: Small Dogs Can Be A Big Problem
Here’s a spicy opinion for you: small dogs aren’t always as “easy” as people think. In fact, they can be some of the trickiest pups to train. Not because of their size, but because of how we treat them. There is a lot of accountability we can take as pet owners to better the future of training and behaviors for our little, furry friends.
The biggest culprit? The instinct to scoop them up at the first sign of trouble. While it may feel protective, constantly carrying your small dog can actually create more behavioral problems than it solves.
Let’s break it down.
Picking Them Up Removes Their Responsibility
When a small dog barks, pulls, or gets nervous, many owners immediately lift them off the ground. The problem is that this teaches the dog: “I don’t have to work through this situation because my human will remove me.”
Over time, this can create a cycle where the dog never learns to self-regulate. Instead of developing confidence and calm behavior, they rely on you to “rescue” them every time they feel uncertain.
It Increases Reactivity, Not Reduces It
Think of it from the dog’s perspective: they see something that makes them anxious (another dog, a loud noise, a stranger, etc.), they react, and then they get picked up. To them, this feels like their reaction worked - they barked, they lunged, they panicked, and they got removed from the situation.
This not only reinforces the unwanted behavior but can actually escalate it. A dog that starts with nervous barking may eventually become a dog that bites or snaps when they’re not immediately picked up.
Small Dogs Need Boundaries, Too!
We tend to give larger dogs stricter rules because their mistakes are harder to ignore. But small dogs need just as much structure and training, sometimes more, since they’re often navigating a world full of things bigger than they are.
By carrying them too often, we strip away chances to practice leash manners, impulse control, and proper socialization. Size doesn’t excuse behavior; consistency builds confidence.
Quick Fixes You Can Try at Home
If you’re wondering how to start, here are a few simple adjustments that make a big difference:
Practice calm leash walking in low-distraction areas before heading into busier environments.
Reward four paws on the ground with praise or a treat instead of rewarding when they’re in your arms.
Use short training sessions (2–5 minutes) to build focus and confidence without overwhelming them.
Create structured exposure to new places, people, or dogs by keeping distance first and rewarding calm behavior.
Small steps build big confidence! So put your pup back on the ground and give them the chance to succeed.
The Big Takeaway
Being small doesn’t mean a dog is fragile, it just means they need guidance tailored to their size and personality. Picking them up should be the exception, not the rule. Let your small dog walk, work, and learn just like any other dog. With the right structure, they’ll develop the confidence to face the world on their own four paws.
At Adaptive Canine Training, we love working with small dogs to bring out their best, without relying on constant carrying. If you’re ready to give your little dog the chance to grow into a confident companion, we can help with that!
