Training Small Dogs (Patreon)

I get asked quite a bit: but how do I train my small dog to do this behavior.

I've been training dogs of all sizes for a long time, and the answer is generally: the exact same way that you'd train a large dog, except your back will hurt more.

Now of course there's modifications you can make, but generally, the physical mechanics and behavior you're training will look exactly the same, just with smaller motions.

So, here's a throwback video, from when I ran the Rocky Mountain Dog Training puppy program, of me teaching Coco (poodle x cocker mix maybe?) a variety of skills like sit, down, place, her name, and finding heel position. I can't remember exactly how old Coco is in these videos, but if she was in my program, she'd be between 10 and 14 weeks. Notice that I make errors in this video (hand in treat pouch occasionally, one rep where I don't get to her quick enough and she self-releases from the down, etc.) and yet she still learns the behaviors really well for such a young pup. Errors will happen. Your dog will still learn. This was 5 years ago now! We get better every day :)

All the mechanics were exactly the same as training my larger friends, except after 5-8 puppies per day, my back hurt more LOL. Also, if you're luring, you'll generally have to fade some of your movements a bit (aka, you don't want the physical cue for the "down" to be for you to bend all the way over, but rather, you'd want to fade it to a hand signal).

But here's a few things you can do to help with training your smaller dog:

• Train on a pedestal so they're up higher, especially for stationary work like sit, down, stand, hold, etc. Use stairs or similar up to the pedestal if it's higher up so they're not jumping off high places constantly, especially as puppies.

• Reward using a wooden spoon with reinforcement smeared on it so you don't have to bend over so much

• Train from the floor (but be careful with young puppies, as this can sometimes be an invitation to chew on you/your hair/etc.)

• Train from a seated position, like in a chair

• Shape a lot of your behavior vs. luring it. This requires less bending over from you

• Use targets like the green flag you see me use, instead of your hand. Use place targets and front and rear foot targets to move your dog from location to location without having to pick them up or bend over.

• Use a food robot like the Treat and Train to reduce bending over

Other ideas? Put them in the comments!

Also remember that little dogs should have smaller (very tiny!) rewards so they don't get full, and you have to be a bit more careful to not step on them or injure them, due to their size.

I also find it helpful to train a small dog to do a dog catch (ie. jump into your arms on cue). This can be useful in situations where it's safer for your small dog to be picked up, but with their consent. Many small dogs develop handling issues because they constantly get bent over the top of, and picked up, even when they don't want to. Teaching them to willingly jump into your arms on cue can be a great alternative to decrease frustration and handling issues with your little dog when you do have to carry them.

Otherwise, treat your little dog just like you would your biggie! And remember to socialize them from the ground. The world looks wayyyy different with 4 tiny legs on the floor than being held.

Happy Training ya'll!