Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion

by Deborah Wood

Award-winning author Deborah Wood details how to safely and gently train your little dog, communicate effectively, deal with problem behaviors, and participate in size-appropriate games and activities. Colorful sidebars and numerous photographs highlight key information and provide extra training tips that every owner will appreciate.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2004

Reviews

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I adore this book, and it is revolutionizing the way that I train my chihuahua. In the month that I've been reading it I've figured out what his issue is with regard to barking at other dogs, and I have gotten that problem well resolved. I understand more about why my chihuahua barks his head off at every sound he hears outside the home, and thanks to this book, I've figured out how to stop the racket he makes if I choose to do so (it does not involve a muzzle and duct tape). I'm better able to groom him, including trimming his nails, and we are well on our way to getting him to heel on walks. His "stay" has improved dramatically, and we have also added some new commands and "tricks" into his already considerable repertoire, all of which were inspired by what I read in this book.

Look, training small dogs is necessary, and it does present some challenges that just aren't there when training a big dog (we had a big dog prior to our chihuahua, and there are some similarities, but there are some big differences, too). This book deals with those unique issues that come up in training a little dog, and it shows the frustrated owner of a little dog how to relate to the more diminutive wolf in your home. Before reading this book I was ready to fork out big money to hire a "dog whisperer" type of trainer to come in and train my dog. Since reading this book I feel like I can do it on my own, and I'm already achieving very encouraging success. I don't think my chihuahua will ever be a therapy dog for sick children or elderly folks, but I do think he can become a civilized little dog, and that he will be a pleasant little guy to walk with and live with, and that's all I really ask.

[Julie Ruble · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't finished the book, but have read about 6-7 chapters and am a little frustrated so far. I feel like Wood spends a LOT of time justifying her book ("this is another way little dogs are different than big dogs!") and a lot of time promising her techniques are fantastic. Sometimes she'll say "teach your dog not to bark, because ..." but then won't really say valuable things about HOW to do so.

Every now and then you'll get a page of actual training steps, but so far they've been a lot like the training techniques I've read about for big dogs. For instance, SIT and housetraining are taught much the same way.

I also dislike that the "watch me" command is presented first -- it's an almost imperceptible concept for the dog, in my opinion, and hard to really succeed at. A command like "sit" where the dog has a physical motion to perform is more conducive to helping the dog understand obedience training.

Maybe I'm disappointed because I expected there to be some sort of magic difference between small and large dogs and to be amazed by new training techniques. But it seems like training is training is training. And who knows, maybe my opinion will change as I continue reading (though honestly I'm not very motivated to do so).

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most helpful dog training book for me and my papihuahua (papillon-chihuahua) so far. The author covers lots of interesting and challenging activities (barking, dog following me to the bathroom EVERY time) but doesn't come close to addressing my problem. My puppy LOVES people. She ADORES children. Every person that she sees on a walk, or out the window at home or visiting the people next door is her new best friend. Taffy's excitement and energy is boundless. She's happy and jumps and licks and tries so hard to reach them that if she's on a leash, she scrambles so fast her feet lose traction and she looks like she's swimming. Not all children appreciate her antics. Shelly certainly wants a calmer, obedient dog.

[j.elaine]

Great book about what to expect and how to live with little dogs. This book doesn't just give training information, it explores every aspect of integrating a small dog into your household whether it is a new puppy or a rescue dog. Topics it touches on: differences between small and large breed behaviors, different training techniques specifically for small dogs(the basics and a number of fun tricks), choosing trainers & classes for a small dog, grooming, traveling, socialization, and much more. Excellent information and fun reading. Every small dog owner should read this book.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on how to train your pint sized puppy to NOT be yappy and aggressive!! I got some great training ideas for tricks. There was a little too much data on formal training and certifications toward the end. But, Interesting and opened my eyes to possibilities I was not aware of previously! Overall GREAT READ!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good starter book for those just getting their first Toy dog, especially those who want to have a well behaved one. It did not give me the insight/instruction I was hoping for for competition obedience, but definitely helped with adjusting my mindset for training a tiny dog who loves to please, as opposed to a full sized dog who could really care less, LOL.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book to help with my "mental transition" from typical, and full-sized, arctic dogs to the Toy dog world. However, did not go as far into obedience training as I was hoping for. Still, an excellent start!

[Ángela Graña Varela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite simple in case you want something advanced, but if you did not have any experience in training a dog, or want tips on how to train a very small dog with great success, then this si your book for sure. You can buy it second hand on Amazon for soo little!

[Pam]

My dog, Daisy, is a mini-Schnauzer, 9 months old. Other dog-training books I've seen are too general; this title focuses on the unique personality and needs of little ones.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is actually pretty helpful. Howdy is my new pint sized companion and he needs to be trained. That is for sure.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need help!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good training info and info about little dogs in general.

[Tracy Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info!

[Isis]

Love it

[Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tips for training little dogs as well as information on understanding your pooch.