Nowadays countless people have one or more pets, and especially dogs have been man’s close companions for millennia, coming in all shapes and sizes, and some small breeds make excellent pets, from mini poodles to Chihihuahs. Each breed has its own quirks and characteristics, but they also have a lot in common with each other, as they are all dogs after all. If you own one or plan on owning one in the future, there are a few tips you might want to know. 

Avoid overfeeding

Little dogs eat less than bigger dogs, naturally, which means it is very easy to overfeed them, which is why you see so many grossly overweight dogs on social media, sadly also because their owners sometimes do it on purpose, for the clicks and the like. Overfeeding leads to obesity, which leads to not only looking bad, but also a whole array of health complications like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. This counts for people too, by the way. Don’t feed them too much, and look for dog food that is made for small breeds, and make sure you read the instructions on the package. 

Train, Train, Train

Small dogs are more likely to be under-trained than their bigger cousins, for a variety of possible reasons, perhaps because they are easier to pick up so often get carried around, or because bad behavior is not seen as so dangerous in them. Lack of training can result in an annoying little dog that has no manners, is aggressive towards people, and barks the whole time. Training is a priority then, as is exercise; dogs need plenty of movement to stay in shape. You do not want them running off, however, so getting a harness like those you can find at https://www.goobypet.com/ may be a great idea too, so you can both run free while making sure your pet doesn’t go too far. Exercise and sending your dog to a professional trainer are vital then, and you should do so as soon as possible. 

Socialize

Socialization is important, for people as for dogs too, as with training. In the case of your little pet, socializing refers to exposing them to all sorts of stimuli, whether it be the sounds of traffic on the road, places that are crowded with a lot of people, or parks or trails with a lot of other dogs. A badly socialized dog will behave worse in public, be harder to control, and may even antagonize other dogs, which is not only a nuisance but also embarrassing. 

Understand Their Limits

This is an important note for people who are used to larger dogs, who tend to have higher endurance and stamina for physical activities. A hike of twenty kilometers is no problem for a fit, healthy huskie or a German shepherd, but a tiny Dachshund will almost definitely struggle. Know their limits and how much they can take, as their health is a priority after all. 

Smaller dogs can make for great pets, but there are also details and things you should know if you plan on getting one. They need more attention and care when it comes to some things.