| Are you of the belief that a Maltese, perhaps one of | | | | "small dog syndrome" is a common reason why many |
| the smaller and cuter dogs among other breeds, | | | | small dogs are given over to pet rescue shelters. |
| really needs extensive training to ensure that it | | | | Proper Maltese training, though, can alleviate this |
| behaves well? The answer is most certainly a | | | | problem and eliminate the need to hand the dog over |
| resounding yes! Not counting the physical appearance | | | | to a shelter. |
| of the breed in general, many pet owners decide to | | | | Perhaps the first way to deal with the problem is to |
| get lap or toy dogs because of the strange idea that | | | | treat the small dog the exact same way you would |
| it is easier to handle small dogs than it is to handle | | | | treat any larger dog. They need the same limitations |
| large ones- less food, less training, and less exercise | | | | and rules, and these rules need to be kindly (but |
| is needed. While this may be true in the food and | | | | strictly) enforced with no regards to size. |
| exercise department, it is known that all dogs need | | | | Consistency is the key issue in making sure your dog |
| the same amount of training, regardless of breed, | | | | will understand what they are and are not allowed to |
| age, or size. | | | | do. Confidence is important n establishing your role as |
| This single misbelief can cause a behavioral issue | | | | "pack leader" so the dog will respect you more. This |
| known as "small dog syndrome", and it mainly occurs | | | | includes not letting them get away with anything |
| in small dogs like the Maltese or Shih Tzu. It is | | | | simply on the basis of looking cute and pitiful. |
| brought about by the failure of the owner to | | | | This portion of Maltese training (and also learning to |
| establish proper authority, thus allowing the | | | | alleviate or avoid small dog syndrome altogether) will |
| four-legged companion to get out of control. This is | | | | help your dog learn to control barking with no reason, |
| seldom a purposeful state of the owner- it usually | | | | chewing on anything other than his toys, jumping on |
| happens unintentionally from pampering and spoiling | | | | people, and snapping or growling to whoever may |
| the dog. These types of dogs are usually allowed to | | | | come near him. This is not necessarily the work of |
| get away with other things that larger dogs wouldn't | | | | experts that have many years of experience with |
| be able to do, simply because it is part of being small | | | | dogs. Even a new owner can raise a well-behaved |
| and cute. | | | | dog with enough care and dedication. Making all the |
| No matter the reason, this problem should be dealt | | | | rules be followed from the moment your dog first |
| with promptly, or else you will end up with a dog that | | | | steps into your home is the best way to ensure |
| will "attack" you or growl at you every single time | | | | small dog syndrome never happens. |
| you approach his or her property. Failure to deal with | | | | |