1/29/2024 0 Comments Little big adventure aggressiveIncreased anxiety and fear was related to a more frequent use of punishment* in smaller but not in larger dogs. Punishing a Small Dog Can Increase Fearfulness and Reactivity The small dog owners usually just laugh nervously and apologize, thus enabling the behavior instead of correcting it. When I see small dogs behaving the same way, usually nothing is done about it in regard to controlling the dog or situation. The dog may even get reported to animal control if it’s bad enough or happens repeatedly. A big dog acting that way is seen as scary and threatening. They have to because a large dog can do a lot of damage to another dog or person. When I see big dogs who bark or jump, or otherwise act act aggressively, the owners do something about it. This makes sense to me according to what I’ve seen. In other words, small dog owners spend less time training their dog and engaging their dog’s brain. Smaller dog owners reported being more inconsistent with, and engaging less in, training and play activities than larger dog owners. In the study cited in the section above, the differences in behavior between small and large dogs came down to this: Lack of Training for Small Dogs There is even some evidence that early spay and neuter can cause a dog to be more anxious and aggressive. In addition to the way a dog is raised, things like genetics and when and if they are neutered can affect their behavior. However, this was true regardless of the dog’s size.Ī large part of a dog’s behavior comes down to “nurture” – training, exposure to positive or negative experiences, the stability of their surroundings, etc. I’ve read studies indicating some dogs are just born with more nervous and fearful personalities. I understand that genetics plays a role in the base, or natural, personality of a dog. Or is it something else? Why Are Small Dogs More Aggressive, Anxious, and Misbehaved? So, yes, the belief that small dogs are more aggressive and mean than big dogs is not totally unfounded.īut why is this? Why does little dog syndrome exist?Īre they born that way? In other words, are they genetically predisposed to this behavior? Small dogs were more anxious and fearful (more likely to be scared of new situations or unfamiliar surroundings).Smaller dogs were more aggressive and excitable (more likely to bark, growl, and lunge at strange people and other dogs).Smaller dogs were seen as less obedient (less likely to listen to their owner’s commands and/or perform a command consistently).In a 2010 study led by Christine Arhant, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna titled Behaviour of Smaller and Larger Dogs: Effects of Training Methods, Inconsistency of Owner Behaviour and Level of Engagement in Activities with the Dog, it was confirmed that: A little guy with small dog syndrome will probably growl menacingly and may even try to bite.” Are There Behavioral Differences Between Small and Large Dogs? Symptoms of the syndrome include not following instructions, becoming territorial over areas of the house, toys, food or people, and even biting.Ī small dog with spunk is ready to play when your grandchild crawls into your lap alongside him. “There’s a big distinction between a typically spunky small dog and a dog with small dog syndrome. There is a whole list of signs and symptoms of little dog syndrome but these are the most typical I see and have experienced.ĭo note: many small dogs are full of energy but there is a difference between a small dog “being spunky” and one that is acting inappropriately and aggressively.ĭon’t discourage your dog’s playfulness but the behavior needs to be addressed if it starts to get aggressive or possessive. reacting aggressively towards people and other dogs.Acting upset and frantic to the point that they “see red” and stop listening to the owner’s commands.Standing rigidly and raising their hackles.Lunging or snapping at perceived threats.Small dog behaviors that can be considered aggressive include: ![]() Little dog syndrome is a broad term to describe collection of behaviors and actions that are – for lack of a better way to describe it – naughty or bratty. Photo Credit: Depositphotos/evdohaĬollectively, this behavior is often referred to little dog syndrome, small dog syndrome, or a “Napoleon Complex”.īut is it true? Are small dogs more aggressive?Īnd if so, why? First, What Is Little Dog Syndrome? It’s a common belief that small dogs are aggressive, misbehaved, angry, and are always trying to prove themselves to big dogs by barking, lunging, and sometimes even biting.
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