When talking about small dogs, we are referring to breeds that are usually less than 18 inches high and under 20 pounds in weight. Some examples of small dogs include breeds such as West Highland Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzu. They may look like cute little toys, but they are real, live animals that need a lot of care if they are to live happy lives.
Finding the right kind of dog.
Some breeds of dogs might do better in your particular household than others. After you have chosen a few breeds you like, you should do a little research on them to find out what kind of care they will need and what kind of personalities they have.
Training.
They may look cute and cuddly, but small dogs have a mind of their own and can take advantage of you if you don’t take control. That means training. They need to know what the rules are. They should be able to follow simple commands, such as sit, stay, heel, and come.
You need to spend time with your dog to get him used to being around people. When training, rewards work really well as incentives for small dogs.
You also need to begin house training the dog as soon as possible.
Feeding.
Again, they may be small, but they will eat whatever they can find, so you need to have the right food for your dog and make sure to keep him away from foods that can be harmful. You need to establish a consistent feeding schedule that works for your dog. For small dogs, generally two to three times a day is a good schedule, giving them small meals.
You also need to make sure that your dog always has clean, fresh water because he can become dehydrated very quickly.
Grooming.
Some small dogs with long coats need a lot of grooming. If the coat is long, you may need to brush it every day to keep it from becoming tangled or matted. So, invest in a good brush and a pair of scissors for cutting stray hairs. For big jobs, like a haircut, you will need to take the dog to a professional.
Health.
Small dogs generally live a little longer than their larger counterparts. But there are certain health problems they are more prone to, such as hip and kneecap problems, in addition to skin conditions.
Naturally, you want to take your pet to the vet for regular checkups and make sure he has all his vaccinations. Keep an eye on your pet’s weight and his general health. If you notice your dog is listless or not eating, it’s time to get him in for medical attention.
And small dogs need exercise too. Take your pet for a walk. Check Kennel Club websites for information about how much exercise your small dog needs.
Speaking of exercise, board your small dog here at Barney’s Ranch for the day or overnight, and he will be able to enjoy our 4,000-square-foot outside dog run. Doggy heaven! Call us at by (469) 273-1661 for more information on our boarding services.