Are you a Morkie Mom? If you’ve got an adorable little Morkie, how can
you not be the “mom” who babies her dog?
Just watch that you’re not creating a little monster – a dog suffering from Small Dog Syndrome. That’s the dog who’s always yapping, biting at ankles, peeing on carpets and generally being really annoying.
What causes Small Dog Syndrome?
YOU… in a word.
It’s learned behavior that is brought about by the way we owners treat our toy dogs.
It seems that as humans, we’re programmed to coddle and take special care of creatures we perceive as ‘babies.’ No surprise, it’s a biological response and how our race has survived. The problem is, toy dogs, with their big eyes and tiny size, bring out that same “babying” tendency in us, even when they are adult dogs.
So we keep over-compensating for their small size (carrying them everywhere!) and overlooking bad behavior that we would never tolerate in a medium or large size dog.
The good news is, with some understanding of the roots of the problem and active steps to counteract it, you’ll have a happier, healthier and more centered small dog soon!
What are the symptoms of small dog syndrome?
Basically this syndrome defines the little dog who is spoiled and obnoxious. It is the caricature of some breeds, in fact, such as Chihuahuas.
Yet there’s no breed or biological reason for this set of actions by the dog (remember ALL dogs are canines); instead, they’re behaviors we’ve trained.
They include:
- being territorial over areas of the house, toys, food or people
- biting and yapping
- growling
- peeing or marking all over the house
- ignoring house training or potty training already achieved
- obsessions with certain toys, food bowl or people
What small dog syndrome is NOT
- it’s not a high-spirited, outgoing dog
- it’s not happy, sociable dog
- it’s not a high-personality dog
How to conquer small dog syndrome?
Remember, your Morkie is:
- first an animal
- then a dog
- then the breed – a Morkie
- then, and only then your pet named “X”
In other words, keep in mind all the needs a canine has, the particularities that come with each breed, and then, that he’s your unique pet.
Once you understand your contributing role in treating your dog like a little person, not a dog, then you’re ready to start taking some active steps to combat the problem. These steps include:
- let your dog know with a sharp verbal correction, incessant barking and yapping is not acceptable
- don’t let your small dog sit on you to “claim you” – as the owner, you set the time for snuggles
- ensure you little dog has his own bed and designated quiet area; a corner or an open door crate works well
- don’t encourage hysterical behavior by comforting your dog; ignore it instead
Once you banish small dog syndrome, you’ll build a deep and lifelong bond between you and your happy, well balanced dog.
For more about Morkies, read about the ebook download, The Morkie Mega Guide – Everything You Need to Know to Raise a Happy Healthy Morkie.