Owning a Small Dog

By Geraldine Dimarco

You should find that owning a small dog, similar to owning a larger breed. Nevertheless, there are some adjustments that will need to be made to ensure their small dogs needs are met. Illustrated below are some points you will need to consider for the daily requirements for a tiny breed of dog.

What are you going to feed your dog?

Of course eating is the most obvious daily activity but the average kibble available from the grocery may be over-sized for your dog. You have to ensure that the kibble is convenient to be used by his minute mouth and these are easily procurable among some of the premium brands of dog food. It is also recommended to offer the Lilliputian canines some canned soft foods.

Where they will stay - safely:

All dogs need exercise and a safe place to potty outdoors, and a fenced-in yard provides all the security they need, right? You need to be careful here as the large fencing used to protect a larger dog may just be too big for a small dog, since there are convenient gaps below and in between making it easy for the smaller dog to kneel down and escape through it. An important safety concern is that no fence would protect your tiny pet from the prying eyes of hawks flying overhead as they are famous for stooping down to snatch away the Lilliputians and smaller puppies. An answer to this might be to have a fully enclosed run or area for them to run around in.

Dog training:

While the training methodologies may be the same for large as well as tiny and are not any harder, but canine experts confirm that more often than not, the smaller counterparts are usually over-mothered. Although your pet might indeed fit into your pocket (and some breeds can), they still see the world in relation to pack mentality and someone has to be the leader so if you are weak, they will govern you. Getting them house trained is just as important too even though their mess might not be as great, this is still an important issue that must be dealt with. To make the dog obey your commands, dog experts recommend that the dog must be made to work for you. for a small reward or treat.

Grooming:

A small dog needs special sprucing and you have to bear this in mind. One such need is frequent manicuring since these tiny animals spend less time on rough surfaces than larger dogs, which usually wears the nails naturally. If the pet is on soft canned diet, make sure that he brushes his teeth at least twice a week. Small dog care is not that different for a large one except you have to be aware of certain needs that will affect a smaller animal. The differences between each dog, may look minor and insignificant, but when you pay extra attention to each one aspect, it can provide the correct answer to a dog's specific requirements. - 29895

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