Should Small And Big Dogs Behave The Same?

[FranVT]

+1 for what Cavalier said

I have all three sizes - they all interact the same with all sizes of dog. They all have manners when out and about. Small dog syndrome is just poor socialisation (bad parenting). (same goes for badly behaved biggies!)

Yep. My mother in law has a horrible little toy poodle that was badly socialised, it was also mauled by 2 roaming GSDs when it escaped its yard and hit by a car nearly dying both times (IMO should have been allowed to, it can only walk for about 5 mins before it can't use its back left hip joint anymore and has many other lasting but more minor physical & mental/psychological injuries) which didn't help. When MIL takes Atlas and the poodle walking people avoid Atlas and gush over the poodle and she says "it's not the white one you should be worried about it's the poodle".

[puggy_puggy]

Thier used to be a SWF up the road from me who was so bad for this every time we went past it would snarl and nip at my dogs! It used to be allowed to roam freely too. One day my friends lab just picked the dog up and carried it around for few seconds... that shut it up. Of course the owner came when he heard his dog yelping and went mad... but we said to him show us where is he hurt? There was no puncture marks. Of couse the little dog learnt some respect for bigger dogs.

Whilst I really have no problem with what your friends dog did with the SWF. I find it ironic that in another thread I was told it is not ok or acceptable for small dogs on a lead to tell a big roaming dog that was pestering them that they didn't like it hovering over them with it's noses up their butts. Same situation just the dog sizes switched around.

Other thread

Edited October 15, 2009 by puggy_puggy

[Diva]

Whilst I really have no problem with what your friends dog did with the SWF. I find it ironic that in another thread I was told it is not ok or acceptable for small dogs on a lead to tell a big roaming dog that was pestering them that they didn't like it hovering over them with it's noses up their butts. Same situation just the dog sizes switched around.

While I wouldn't tell you your dogs shouldn't tell their pesterer to bug off, I also don't recall you saying that dog was snarling and nipping. In fact you said it was friendly. Not acceptable even so, but not really the same situation IMHO.

Edited October 15, 2009 by Diva

[ncarter]

Yes they should.

I am sick of owners of smaller dogs thinking it is ok for their small dog to rush up to mine, aggress and generally behave in an unsocial manner. If the tables are turned - I suspect the small dog owner would have a massive issue if my large dog ran up to theirs and acted in the same manner. I suspect I would have the council ranger on my doorstep before I could say boo.

From what I have seen, many large dogs become reactive to smaller dogs because of repeated instances of this type of behaviour.

Inciting even more of this small dog owners are idiots angst is hardly productive. Its not the size of the dog that matters, they are all dogs after all. This topic was done and dusted by the first page.

Edited October 15, 2009 by ncarter

[Clyde]

The thing is though if someone with a small dog rushed my dog and attacked my (on lead) dog, my dog defending itself if going to do damage and we'd probably be labelled the ones in the wrong.

So very true!

[poodle proud]

After reading most of the posts I think everyone is agreed that it would be fabulous if all dogs were taught manners and that owners enforced these.

Sadly whether we own big or small dogs (and the experiences that come from both sides of the fence) we are forgetting that it's ultimately the owners responsibility.

I wish kids wouldnt tear around the supermarket so that I didnt have the dodge them with my shopping trolley for the WHOLE shopping trip. But the reality is that if the parent doesnt say a thing then really what can I do, even if I say something?

I have small dogs and understand totally about big dogs "just playing" with my dogs (yeah right) at the dog park. However I also understand that small dogs can also be psychos and that big dogs get pinned for things they shouldnt.

I daresay that most of us wouldnt be on this forum if we didnt want to be responsible dog owners and teach our dogs manners. I don't know how you get through to those who just think "dogs should be allowed to be dogs" no matter what behaviour they display. Really some people just don't have the time or inclination to go beyond the VERY basic care of their pet.

Its the dogs I feel sorry for.

[Cosmolo]

I think small dogs should be trained and socialised too. Its not acceptable for any dog to rush another or behave in an aggressive manner. But i also know i can't control what other people do so i put my effort into training and socialising my dogs as much as possible to deal with reactive or rushing dogs as best as possible. I'm in the fortunate position to be able to socialise my dogs to be non reactive to reactive dogs so they do ignore them when they see them. But i also know its not a simple easy or practical process for many and that not all dogs would be able to do this anyway.

You'd be amazed at how many small dog owners have no concept of what could happen if a larger dog reacted to them and attacked them. I think if they had more of an idea about the consequences, they may be more inclined to seek help.

[charlie mouse]

ok so we have bagged small dogs enough how about giving some advice on how to help small dogs get over there small dog problems.

[corvus]

I don't think this is the group of people you need to ask. Obviously we are all dog lovers and responsible dog owners and consider manners to be important regardless of the size of the dog.

OH's parents' Min Pin is not so much allowed to get away with murder because people think it's cute as he gets more easily frightened and then he gets punished for it and that just makes him more afraid. People say he has small dog syndrome, but he doesn't. He's just a little dog in a world of giants and no one is very understanding of that. I think that essentially is what "small dog syndrome" is.

I think what happens to misunderstood small dogs is the same as what happens to misunderstood large dogs. The difference is that small dogs react more often because they are more easily startled or frightened. I don't expect them all to behave the same, but I do expect them all to be taught the same things and be held to the same rules as larger dogs.

[Diablo]

Training a dog to behave takes effort and is an effort that many dog owners are not prepared to do. With a small dog, it's easier to get away with poor behaviour.........in the crunch, you can pick the dog up if necessary and stick it under your arm with the behaviour in society generally overlooked :D A large dog forces us to train them to behave, there is no other option other than having the ranger knocking on the door. The worse behaved dogs I have seen are small dogs without question

[Danois]

Yes they should.

I am sick of owners of smaller dogs thinking it is ok for their small dog to rush up to mine, aggress and generally behave in an unsocial manner. If the tables are turned - I suspect the small dog owner would have a massive issue if my large dog ran up to theirs and acted in the same manner. I suspect I would have the council ranger on my doorstep before I could say boo.

From what I have seen, many large dogs become reactive to smaller dogs because of repeated instances of this type of behaviour.

Inciting even more of this small dog owners are idiots angst is hardly productive. Its not the size of the dog that matters, they are all dogs after all. This topic was done and dusted by the first page.

Ummm - why is my post singled out??

Just because I may have read the thread after it had gone past page 1 does not mean I cannot add my view to the topic.

[Diablo]

Yes they should.

I am sick of owners of smaller dogs thinking it is ok for their small dog to rush up to mine, aggress and generally behave in an unsocial manner. If the tables are turned - I suspect the small dog owner would have a massive issue if my large dog ran up to theirs and acted in the same manner. I suspect I would have the council ranger on my doorstep before I could say boo.

From what I have seen, many large dogs become reactive to smaller dogs because of repeated instances of this type of behaviour.

Inciting even more of this small dog owners are idiots angst is hardly productive. Its not the size of the dog that matters, they are all dogs after all. This topic was done and dusted by the first page.

Ummm - why is my post singled out??

Just because I may have read the thread after it had gone past page 1 does not mean I cannot add my view to the topic.

I totally agree with your observation Danois and in fact, I have had owners of small dogs bragging to be an advantage of a small dog is "they don't require much training", meaning poor behaviour is more easily handled, controlled and accepted.

[Adnil444]

Should the owners of small, medium and large dogs be expected to teach their dogs the same level of manners regardless of the size of their dogs?

Are bigger dogs expcected to behave better than smaller dogs due to their size and the possible damage they can cause?

Is it all right for small dogs to react to bigger dogs due to "small dog syndrome"?

And if so, why are larger dogs not allowed to react?

I would be interested in people's opinions for two reasons:

1. I own large breed dogs that interact with all breeds of dog, small, medium and large

2. Being a volunteer instructor I am interested in all dog owners expectations of their dogs

Hi, I agree that all dogs should behave the same (most of the time anyway). What gets me is that many owners of SWF take them to the dog park, just because they have a dog and there is a dog park, when the dog is not happy. I can't tell you the amount of these small dogs that are terrified being in a dog park, and the owners have no idea. Dog parks in my opinion are for confident, well socialised dogs.

Lots of these SWF run and squeal when a bigger dog approaches them (only to sniff them and investigate them), but these SWF things run and squeal, which unfortunately sets off the pack mentality of lots of other dogs (small, medium and large) in the park. In a dog's world, they will go for the weaker of the pack, so a squealing running dog is a target. The owners of these dogs cannot see it and then get totally annoyed/upset (naturally) because their dog has been a target.

Tonight I had a lady tell me to "f**k off" because I nicely approached her and suggested that she keep her SWF on a lead until it got more confidence with the other dogs, or bring it when there are only a small number of dogs around (gradual introductions) - her SWF was running and starting to squeal and you could see the other dogs getting excited!! Her dog was not happy at all and the silly thing is, at my dog park, which is a large round showground, fully fenced, is there is a great track that runs the outside of the park, which is perfect for getting the new dogs used to being around the other dogs, but they will be safe. Most of these SWF don't socialise with the other dogs in the park at all, as they seem to be so timid and scared that the stick right by the owners legs - which if it was my dog, I would walk on the outside of the fence.

Does anyone else have this problem - owners that cannot see that their dogs are terrified and why bring them to a dog park?

[MelissaS]

IMO all dogs no matter what size should be expected to act in a way the is acceptable

Nohting annoys me more than an ill trained small dog and stupid owner

I dont want your small/meduim dog jumping on me, would you like my fully grown rotti to jump on you???

Agreed.

All dogs should be expected to have manners.

My dogs have played with some beautiful small dogs.They also have a lot of little dog mates that visit us at home.

We have also had small aggro dogs behaving very badly and the owners actually stand there and laugh finding it amusing!!!???

One said to me it's lucky ours is so aggressive and yours isnt??!! They just stood and laughed as it tried to attach itself to my rotty's face

There is one small terror known locally and the owner takes it out offlead knowing it dislikes other dogs, the owner then abuses all the other dog owners.

I just steer clear when I see her and her dog even though my dogs are on lead-I just don't need the hassle. I've seen her and her tiny dog clear the entire park-most just avoid them.

[animalia]

I think all dogs should be trained and socialised no matter what size, it's not about small dogs versus big dogs, It's about safety. If any dog is not trained or socialised it can be dangerous to both other dogs and people around it and a danger to itself. There is no reasonable excuse not to train a dog due to it's small stature, what happens if your Maltese is running towards a road and because it's not trained it doesn't recall or if your JRT picks a fight with a large breed dog the results aren't nice.

I think the only difference between training small to big dogs is if your using physical positive punishment then the intensity would differ.

[Erny]

Apart from the fact that regardless of the "big dog/small dog" thing, all require mental stimulation .

[Crisovar]

I expect good behaviour from all sizes, but I am heartily sick of owners of large boofy breeds who allow their "just playing"

fool dogs to bowl over small dogs and bound all over them.

Works both ways.

[tdierikx]

My expectations of MY dogs are that they are social with other dogs of all sizes - my dogs are of the large variety, but I foster pups of all types. All my fosters are socialised with others of different sizes.

Right now I have 4 foster pups - 1 Ridgey/Dane (weighs 25kg) and 3 terrier crosses (all just under 2kg) - they all play nicely together.

I think the general perception is that smaller dogs won't do as much damage as larger dogs, so some people allow their smaller dogs to display behaviours that they would deem totally unacceptable from a larger dog - personally I don't subscribe to that notion - all dogs, regardless of size, really should display no aggression to others (human or animal) if being taken out in public.

It is NOT amusing to see a dog of any size being aggressive or dominant.

T.

[Mystiqview]

I think no matter the dog or the breed. They all should behave. There should be minimum "standard" should I say apply to all dogs. I call them house manners.

For dogs that live at home:

* Don't jump on strangers/family when they come to the door (I only say this as I am thinking of my grandmother here). I like dogs to be "invited" up to say hello. Not run, run run JUMP!!!!

* Control barking - Everyone hates constant barking dogs (especially at night when you are trying to sleep)

* Basic, sit/drop, stay, come - Just HANDY..

* BE SOCIAL - no aggresion: While I there are always going to be reasons for certain aggression (dog being attacked, timid etc) it should be worked on. If it cannot be controlled when you have someone over - remove the problem: Restrict the dog while you have visitors. I say this to PREVENT incidents from occurring. It is also common sense if Auty Terese is coming over with her kids and and you know your dog does not like children.

If you take your dog out in public, then I think the level of behaviour should increase according to where and what is being done with them. For dogs that go to dog parks. PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG.. Other than that. The one that really peeves me is those owners who take a book and sit somewhere while their dog goes and bullies every other dog in the bark and doesnt do anything. IF the dog is not social enough to go to a dog park, don't take it there when everyone else is there.. Work on the issue then maybe later take it to the dog park.

My other pet hate is when you are out walking your own dogs and someone is coming the other way and they just let their dog/s come up and get in your dogs face/s without even asking if its ok to do so.. It's just rude. Sometimes when I am walking, I am training my dog.. Not only that, how would you like like it if I came up and hugged your child without asking. You would probably tell me off, right? To me, it is the same thing with dogs. I don't mind my dogs saying hello, but please be courteous and ASK!

I think the biggest problem is generally speaking, people with small dogs FORGET to socialise their puppies. They are small, they are fragile, they don't NEED to be walked like bigger dogs, therefore they aren't. They don't learn social graces. Larger dogs get walked, so therefore need to be perceived as "more social" than their smaller counterparts. People think only large dogs bite. They are out there in public in the public face. Small dogs tend to be locked into their house/yard and you know the saying "out of sight, out of mind".

My sister-in-law has a mini dachy pup. That dog does NOT know what the floor is. Right from a small age, the dog has lived on their shoulder. It did basic puppy class when it was about 12 weeks old. But only socialised with other small dogs for fear "it could get hurt". Yes, it is a consideration, but controlled supervised socialisation with suitable larger dogs will work. Now at 6 months of age, it still lives on the shoulder. It does not know what floor is when we go to the mother-in-laws place. I recently took two of my calm guys (yeah.. lounge lizzard bcs). And the dog had a hysteric. For the brief 2 seconds it was on the floor, it fled into my sister-in-law's bedroom. My guys however, were lying on the floor, not even paying the dachy any attention. After that, it was back to the shoulder...

Another thing. Some breeders do not adequately socialise their pups. Parvo and Kennel Cough are serious concerns. However when more dogs are dumped and put to sleep due to temperament/socialisation issues than those two viruses kill, is also a concern. Done correctly. Puppy socialisation at the breeder's is VERY important.

[StKildaMal]

All dogs have a sharp end ...all owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dog's don't use it.

As with everything there's a small minority of people on both sides that ruin it for everyone else, both small and large dog owners. Most are great though.

I've owned Cavs, a Malamute and now a beautiful medium sized mutt. The Cavs were bullied by some big dogs, the Mal was constantly attacked by small dogs (there was a certain terrier back when I lived in Melbourne who I couldn't go to Albert Park if he was there, even when I had the Mal on a leash this dog would come running over and bite her back legs and the owner would tell me my dog was a killer and should be muzzled )

My biggest complaint is owners that don't think. My local dog park is very big. Generally the big dogs are at one end and the little ones at the other. There is two gates. Most people work out which end their dog "belongs" in and goes there. Yet some small dog owners bring their yappy fear aggresive small dog into the big dog end, then complain when they get rumbled by the big guys.

Common sense is required. Again, they all have a sharp end, if owners aren't confident they won't use it, keep it on a leash.