People ask me all the time: what is small dog syndrome?
Maybe you’ve seen a Chihuahua who barks at everything or a Yorkie that charges at bigger dogs. Too often, these little pups get labeled as a “small mean dog” – but that reputation isn’t the full story.
In this episode, I explain exactly what is small dog syndrome, why it happens, and most importantly, how to train small dogs so they’re confident instead of cranky. With the right approach, you can prevent those common frustrations and enjoy life with a calm, cooperative companion.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
- Why small dog syndrome shows up more often in toy breeds than in larger dogs
- The truth behind the “small mean dog” label and how to rewrite the story
- Everyday strategies for building confidence and independence in little dogs
- Smart socialization techniques that prevent small dog syndrome before it starts
- Proven tips on how to train small dogs so they thrive in the real world
By the end, you’ll not only know what is small dog syndrome, you’ll also have clear steps on how to train small dogs with positive reinforcement so they grow into calm, capable adults.
👉 Listen now and see why no dog – not even a so-called “small mean dog” – is destined to struggle with behavior if they’re trained the right way.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Staci Lemke:
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:
[00:00:00] Staci Lemke: Have you ever met a tiny dog with a big attitude? Maybe a chihuahua who barks at every person who walks by, or a Yorkie who charges it 90 pound Labradors like they own the place. People often call this small dog syndrome, and often these dogs get labeled as ankle biters or armpit piranhas. Is that really a thing?
[00:00:22] Staci Lemke: Hello, and welcome back to the Well-Mannered Mud. Podcast. Today we’re gonna break down what people mean by small dog syndrome, what’s really going on with these little dogs, and how can we raise small puppies to be just as confident, calm, and well-mannered as their big dog cousins. Welcome to the Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast.
[00:00:42] Staci Lemke: I’m Staci Lemke, certified professional dog trainer, registered veterinary technician, and proud owner of manners for muts dog training. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped countless dog owners just like you, build stronger, happier relationships with their furry friends. From private lessons to online courses, I’m here to help make life with your dog easier and more rewarding.
[00:01:06] Staci Lemke: I believe in training that is kind, fun, and scientifically proven. Positive reinforcement is at the core of everything I do because it’s the most effective way to teach your dog. While strengthening your bond, whether you’re tackling basic training, solving behavior challenges, or just looking for tips to keep your pup thriving, you are in the right place.
[00:01:27] Staci Lemke: So let’s dive into today’s episode and take the first step toward having the well-mannered mutt you’ve always dreamed of. First of all, what exactly do people mean when they talk about small dog syndrome? It’s not an official diagnosis, you won’t find it in a veterinary manual. Instead, it’s a nickname for a collection of behaviors that small dogs sometimes show things like barking, excessively, growling, or snapping at people or other dogs pulling a leash, lunging, or acting overly bold for their size.
[00:02:01] Staci Lemke: To the outside world, it can look like these little dogs are compensating for being small. But in reality, what’s happening is usually a mix of under training overprotection and natural instincts that haven’t been guided in the right way. In other words, small dog syndrome isn’t who your dog is. It’s just a set of behaviors they’ve learned or haven’t been taught to handle effectively.
[00:02:26] Staci Lemke: What does small dog syndrome look like on a day-to-day basis? You’ve probably seen some of these behaviors before. A little dog barking nonstop at strangers who walk past the house. A tiny chihuahua growling when someone tries to sit on the couch next to them. A Yorkie snapping at other dogs on leash or a Pomeranian who insists on being carried everywhere and melts down when set on the ground.
[00:02:49] Staci Lemke: Individually, these behaviors can seem minor. After all, a five pound dog barking doesn’t feel as threatening as a 90 pound shepherd doing the same thing, but for the dog, it creates a stressful way to live. They’re constantly on alert, unsure how to handle new situations and rely on defensiveness instead of confidence.
[00:03:08] Staci Lemke: And for their humans, it can become frustrating, embarrassing, and even unsafe if the dog escalates their behavior. So while small dog syndrome might sound like a funny label, it’s really about a mismatch between how a small dog is being raised and what they truly need to thrive. In reality, these same behaviors can happen to any size dog.
[00:03:30] Staci Lemke: It just seems to be more prevalent with small breeds. Now, you may be thinking if these behaviors can happen to any dog. Why do small dogs seem to have this reputation more often? Well, there are a few reasons, and when you put them together, they paint a very clear picture. Reason number one, training expectations.
[00:03:49] Staci Lemke: People tend to train big dogs because well, they have to A 75 pound Labrador retriever. Pulling on leash or jumping on guests is a serious problem. A seven pound chihuahua doing the same thing is physically easier to manage. You can just pick them up. Or push them aside because of that training sometimes gets overlooked with small breeds.
[00:04:08] Staci Lemke: Owners may tolerate behaviors in a tiny dog that they would never accept from a large dog. Over time, those unaddressed behaviors can snowball into what looks like small dog syndrome. Number two, being treated like accessories. Small dogs are carried around more like handbags than companions. They ride in purses, strollers on arms instead of walking on their own four paws.
[00:04:31] Staci Lemke: And while carrying can be practical in certain situations like crowded sidewalks or unsafe terrain, when it becomes the default, the dog misses out. They don’t get the same chance to sniff, explore. Problem solve and build confidence. A dog who isn’t allowed to engage with their environment can become more easily startled or reactive.
[00:04:52] Staci Lemke: Reason number three, overprotection small dogs are more fragile, and it’s only natural for owners to want to keep them safe. Nobody wants their eight pound Yorkie bowled over by a clumsy Labrador puppy. But here’s the problem. If every time a big dog approaches, the little one gets scooped up or whisked away, they never learn how to handle those situations calmly.
[00:05:15] Staci Lemke: What they learn instead is that big dogs show up and suddenly they’re clutched, lifted or rushed away. The dog feels that something must be wrong. This is scary. Instead of building confidence, they start anticipating danger whenever another dog appears. The key here is balance. Of course, we can’t toss our five pound chihuahua into a rough and tumble playgroup and hope for the best.
[00:05:37] Staci Lemke: Safety has to come first, but at the same time, small dogs deserve the same opportunities as big dogs to socialize, practice greetings, and learn resilience. That means setting up safe interactions. Pairing them with calm, gentle dogs, keeping sessions short and positive, and using distance as a tool to help them build confidence gradually.
[00:06:01] Staci Lemke: Think of it this way, big dogs learn about the world by being in the world. Small dogs need that too. Our job is to create safe but real opportunities so they don’t grow up thinking the world is overwhelming or unpredictable. And finally. Breed traits. We can’t ignore genetics. Many small breeds were originally bred as routers, watchdogs, or alert dogs.
[00:06:27] Staci Lemke: Jobs that require them to be quick to bark, notice movement, and react fast. Those natural instincts are still alive and well in many toy breeds. Without proper training and outlets, those instincts can show up as constant barking reactivity or defensiveness. It’s not that they’re. Bad dogs. It’s just that they’re doing what they were bred to do.
[00:06:49] Staci Lemke: But without the guidance, they need to channel it productively. So when you put all of these together, fewer training expectations being carried instead of walked being overprotected by their owners and some natural breed tendencies, it’s easy to see why small dogs often get this reputation. But. What do we do about it?
[00:07:11] Staci Lemke: How do we prevent small dog syndrome in the first place? The good news is that with some intentional choices early on, you can raise a small dog who is confident, well-mannered, and just as capable as any larger breed. Do you dream of off-leash trips to the park or the beach with your dog? But you don’t dare let your dog off leash because you never know if they’ll come back.
[00:07:35] Staci Lemke: You’d love to go hiking and exploring with your dog off leash. But whenever you’ve tried this in the past, your dog runs off after wildlife. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed or frustrated when your dog joyfully runs away from you, instead of coming when called, then you’re gonna wanna check out our new online course.
[00:07:52] Staci Lemke: Wait. Come back. Rapid Fire. Recall teaching your dog to come when called is one of the most important lessons in dog training. A reliable recall allows your dog off leash freedom and you peace of mind that they’ll come back when you call. A reliable recall can even save your dog’s life. If you are looking to improve your dog’s recall, then you need this course.
[00:08:15] Staci Lemke: Discover the tips, tricks, and games used by professionals to ensure your dog comes racing back to you. Every time you call. Simply go to manners for mutts.com. Back slash recall and sign up today. First, set training expectations early. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your puppy is too small to cause trouble.
[00:08:39] Staci Lemke: Even if you can physically manage their behavior, you still need to teach polite manners, leash skills, and boundaries. What may seem cute in a five pound puppy can become stressful or even unsafe later on. Think of training as giving your pup life skills no matter their size. Next, give them some independence.
[00:09:00] Staci Lemke: Encourage your small puppy to walk on their own paw. Whenever it’s safe, let them sniff, explore, and interact with the world. This builds resilience and confidence. Carrying them everywhere may feel protective, but it deprives them of important experiences. Safe caring for situations where safety truly requires it, like a crowded festival or crossing a busy street.
[00:09:23] Staci Lemke: Balance, safety and exposure. Remember that small dogs are more fragile, so you’ll need to supervise their interactions carefully. But instead of avoiding other dogs entirely, create safe setups. Pair them with calm, gentle dogs. Use distance so they can observe larger dogs without feeling overwhelmed. End interactions on a positive note so you can build trust and confidence.
[00:09:48] Staci Lemke: Socialize your small dog smartly by going to a puppy class. One of the best ways to safely prevent small dog syndrome is to enroll your puppy in a well run puppy class. In a good class, your small dog gets to practice around other puppies. In a controlled, supervised setting, trainers can help make sure play stays appropriate and that little dogs aren’t bowled over or scared.
[00:10:11] Staci Lemke: Beyond. Play Puppy class provides structured exposure to new sites sounds. People and handling exercises. All of this adds up to a huge confident boost. Keep the following things in mind when you’re looking for a puppy class. Make sure the trainer uses positive reinforcement training. No punishment or harsh corrections.
[00:10:33] Staci Lemke: Look for sized appropriate playgroups or closely supervised play so that little dogs feel safe. The class should include exposure to new people, sounds and handling, not just playtime. And smaller sized classes are best so that each puppy gets plenty of attention. Think of puppy class as a practice world where your puppy learns how to navigate life’s challenges with guidance and support, it’s far safer and more effective than throwing them into unpredictable real world situations and hoping for the best.
[00:11:07] Staci Lemke: Respect their instincts, but guide them. If your small puppy was bred to be alert or reactive, those instincts won’t just disappear, but you can teach them what’s appropriate. Reward, calm behavior, redirect, barking into something more constructive. Give them outlets like sniffing games or puzzle feeders to channel their energy when you combine training.
[00:11:29] Staci Lemke: Independence, safe socialization and opportunities to build confidence. You end up with a small dog who doesn’t feel the need to act big in order to handle the world. Instead, they move through life calmly, capably, and with the same opportunities as their larger peers. And if you are listening to this podcast locally here in Orange County, California, I’d love to invite you to my Saturday morning puppy classes in Irvine.
[00:11:55] Staci Lemke: These classes are open enrollment so that you can start at any time, and they’re desire to give your puppy safe socialization, a solid training foundation. And the confidence they need to grow into a well-mannered adult dog. You can find all the details on my website@mannersformutts.com or check the link in the show notes.
[00:12:17] Staci Lemke: So here’s the bottom line. Small dog syndrome isn’t a personality flaw. It’s simply a result of how small dogs are often raised and treated with training safe, socialization, and the right opportunities. Small dogs can be every bit as calm. Confident and well-mannered as their larger counterparts. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe or share it with a fellow puppy parent and leave a review.
[00:12:44] Staci Lemke: It really helps others to find the show. Thanks for listening, and I will see you next time on the Well-Mannered Mutt podcast. Thank you for joining me today and taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mut. If you’ve got questions about today’s episode or an idea for a topic you’d love to hear about, let’s connect.
[00:13:03] Staci Lemke: You can find me on Facebook and Instagram at Manners for Muts. Also, be sure to visit manners for muts.com for links, resources, and more. If this episode helped you and your pup, I’d be thrilled if you left a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps me create even more content to support you and your furry friend.
[00:13:25] Staci Lemke: Talk to you next time.
