Dogs: Big Fun for Little Dogs

Big Fun for Little Dogs
Jennifer Viegas

Big Fun for Little Dogs

Is your lap dog spending too much time lounging on your lap? Or maybe there's little lap time and too much yapping from your petite -- yet vocal and bored -- pet. In either case, small-dog expert Deborah Wood can come to the rescue for you and your dog.

"I think the big thing for owners of little dogs to remember is that these dogs have the same needs as their larger cousins," says Wood, who is the author of The Little Dogs' Activity Book: Fun and Frolic for a Fit Four-Legged Friend. "They need exercise and mental stimulation. The great news is that they don't need a lot of space to meet those needs."

Make sure your small friend gets the mental and physical exercise he needs. Wood, who is also the animal services manager for Washington County, Ore., shares her top tips to help you provide big fun for your little dog.

Loose and Easy

Take your dogs for walks -- and stay in charge. Your small dog should have no problem following basic commands such as "Watch me," "Sit," "Come," and "Down-stay." For small dogs, learning how to walk on a loose leash is essential, according to Wood. Before outings, your dog should be on a comfortable buckle or snap collar, she advises. "Have him on a lightweight 4-foot or 6-foot leash -- not a flexi leash."

Small dogs tend to have big opinions about where they'd like to go, darting left when you want them to go right or zipping to the right just as you're ready to go left. The instant your dog pulls in the other direction, say "Let's go!" as you gently guide your dog. This verbal command should always accompany the correction. When your dog is walking on a loose leash, "provide an easily chewed treat and tell him he's a very, very good dog," says Wood. Combine this with the "Watch me" command later, and soon your dog will be merrily walking wherever you go, paying attention to you for guidance.

Matching Activity to Breed

The adventures you and your dog will enjoy are partly determined by your pet's breed. Woods suggests the following guidelines by breed:

High-energy-level activities

Including chase and fetch games, agility, flyball and hiking -- are often enjoyed by dogs of these breeds:

Affenpinscher, Australian Terrier, Bichon Frise, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Miniature Poodle, Papillon, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Rat Terrier, Schipperke, Scottish Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Silky Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier.

Moderate-energy-level activities

Including long walks, dancing and tricks -- are frequently enjoyed by furry friends of these breeds:

Beagle, Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested, Dachshund, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Maltese, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Pomeranian, Pug, Skye Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier.

Low-energy-level activities

Including shorter walks and work as a therapy dog -- are often enjoyed by the following breeds:

Brussels Griffon, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Shih Tzu and Tibetan Spaniel.

Your Little Dog Is Unique

Your dog's breed is only half the story. Each and every dog has its own unique personality, likes and dislikes. Over the years, Wood has taught her own small dogs "a ton of fun tricks, from playing the piano to the dog sticking out her tongue on command."

It doesn't matter so much what you do, however. "It's all about fun, bonding and joy, and having a positive relationship with your dog," says Wood. "What could be better?"

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/ParkerDeen

Jennifer Viegas is a journalist for Discovery News, the news service for the Discovery Channel, and has written more than 20 books on animals, health and other science-related topics.

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