Should You Pick Small Dogs Up?
It is natural for owners of small dogs to pick them, especially if they see larger dogs approaching. But, is it the best idea? In this Holidays4Dogs article we ask the question – should you pick small dogs up and if not, what are the alternatives?
There are behavioural differences between large and small dogs. Many dogs owners will be familiar with anecdotal evidence that bigger dogs are more laid back then their smaller cousins. However, there is plenty of research which backs this assumption up.
Small dogs have much more energy, tend to be more vigilant, more anxious and less sociable than larger breeds of dog. Small dogs are also the most emotionally reactive and this can, therefore, cause problems when it comes to meeting strangers, unfamiliar dogs, other animals or novel situations.
To be fair – if we were only stood a few inches off the ground in height – we might have the tendency to be rather more stand-offish and a little more defensive too.
In addition to these existing traits, small dogs often receive less training and often ‘get away’ with behaviours that many wouldn’t tolerate with a larger breed.
Small dog socialisation and training.
Training and socialising small dogs is just as important as it is for large breeds of dog. In fact, given we know that small dogs are naturally more anxious and reactive it is even more critical. Small dogs need plenty of positive exposure to a variety of different environments, people and other dogs to ensure they feel safe and confident. Likewise, positive training and reinforcement is really important.
Small dogs might be more inclined to be nervous, excitable and reactive. However, this does not mean they are not responsive to training. Indeed, small breeds of dog can be exceedingly clever and easy to train and the benefits for dog and owner can be huge.
In what situations should you pick a small dog up?
Keeping small dogs safe can be harder than ensuring the welfare of larger, more robust, breeds. While it isn’t always best to pick up small dogs all the time, there are situations where picking them up is the best way of making sure they don’t come to physical harm. If you see a large dog approaching slowly off lead (stalking), or one running very fast towards you – picking your dog up may be the most sensible option.
While many owners of large breeds might maintain their dog is ‘friendly’, small dogs can easily get hurt. Something large breed dog owners don’t always think about. If the small dog is on the lead and the other dog isn’t, the lead could be jerked badly enough to cause injury to the little dog. Is it not unknown for this to happen. Small dogs can sustain whiplash injuries from an off lead dog running at speed across a lead. Occasionally, this has resulted in death of the small dog.
If you’re dog is too overwhelmed in a given situation for constructive training – it is probably better to pick them up. However, avoid situations which may mean you have to carry your dog more than they are walking.
Problems with picking small dogs up.
Many small dog owners are – rightly so – very worried about the physical welfare of their companions. However, small dogs need to be able exhibit normal dog behaviour. By constantly picking them up, it means they are prevented from doing this. This can cause frustration.
Picking up little dogs all the time, can also create a situation where the dog feels safer in their owners arms. As a result, they can become more reactive. Therefore, if you think your dog will not come to physical harm, it is better to work on reward based training, while your dog’s paws are firmly on the ground.
Being aware of the changing needs of small dogs.
It is imperative to pick small dogs up if they are in immediate danger. Particularly if this involves larger off lead dogs, for example. However, small dogs need to learn about their environment at their own pace on their own level. Being picked up frequently can be disorientating and even scary for them.
TIP – It’s a good idea to get your dog accustomed to a particular cue before you scoop them up – especially if you have to do this suddenly. You can use a verbal cue such as “pick up” or, “hup”, perhaps. Practice this at home and reward your dog once they are in your arms with a tasty treat. This will prevent the dog from becoming startled – very important if you have to pick the dog up quickly in a stressful situation.
What else can I do to keep my dog small dog safe?
The main thing is be vigilant of your surroundings, especially when it comes to unfamiliar dogs. Learn how to read a dog’s body language as this will give you an insight into what the other dog may do next.
If your dog is reactive, it is important to work on positive behaviour modification and ensure your dog does not go over threshold. This means keeping a suitable distance away from the ‘trigger’ and at a point where your dog does not react and will take rewards. You can read more about this here and here.
Making sure your dog is well socialised is crucial. Nobody likes an ill-mannered, lunging, barking dog – even if they are tiny. It can be comical up to a point, but it is in the best interests of your dog to teach them that the world need not be scary and they do not always have to be defensive.
Final thoughts.
Picking small dogs up can be very beneficial in order to keep the dog safe. However, do be aware of the pitfalls of doing this, if it is not absolutely necessary. It really does depend on the situation as to whether you should pick your small dog up, or not. Training and socialisation is just as important for small dogs. This helps to provide small them with the skills and confidence to negotiate the world from their low down perspective.