Size doesn't matter that much with canines and caring for a small dog is pretty much the same as a big one. Having said that, there are certain points they need to be made aware of when looking after a small dog.
There are a few things that will need to be carefully considered before you proceed to buy one.
What you need to feed them: You must consider the size of the food you buy them from the grocery store as they won't be able to eat the normal type of food ordinarily purchased for a regular size pooch. Buying a kibble for example must take into consideration the size of their jaw so a smaller one will be required which you may not find in just any store. Fortunately, canned food should not be a problem and will definitely be easier to obtain.
How to contain them: It is easy for them to run around and go to the toilet outside providing the area is secure isn't it? Smaller dogs are much more nimble that larger dogs and what might be a secure environment for one is not necessarily for the other. It is also important to remember that fences can not provide top protection where you might find hawks eyeing your tiny pet as they are known to come down fast and sweep away minute dogs and puppies. A simple answer to this problem is to construct an enclosed play area which should stop this from happening.
Getting your pet to obey your commands: While tiny dogs aren't any harder to train than large dogs, the consensus of many pet experts is that many of them end up spoiled. 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. It may seem like a minor matter but just because they are diminutive and the mess they leave might not be much, it doesn't mean they do not need to be house trained. Dog experts also suggest you make your dog work for you, to keep him responsive to your rules. If you can train your dog to perform small tricks and other normal things like fetching a stick for example you can then provide them with a small treat afterwards.
Grooming: Keep in mind that grooming a small dog is slightly different to larger ones and cater for this. These diminutive pets usually require more frequent nail trimming than larger dogs, because they typically spend less time on rough surfaces wearing them down. As they are eating more canned food, their teeth will need to be brushed more regularly (at least twice per week) to eliminate unwanted and harmful deposits. The above makes it clear that it does not matter whether you are taking care of a small dog or a large dog the methods are pretty much the same. These may seem like inconsequential points but they can and will make a big difference to your pets health and happiness.
There are a few things that will need to be carefully considered before you proceed to buy one.
What you need to feed them: You must consider the size of the food you buy them from the grocery store as they won't be able to eat the normal type of food ordinarily purchased for a regular size pooch. Buying a kibble for example must take into consideration the size of their jaw so a smaller one will be required which you may not find in just any store. Fortunately, canned food should not be a problem and will definitely be easier to obtain.
How to contain them: It is easy for them to run around and go to the toilet outside providing the area is secure isn't it? Smaller dogs are much more nimble that larger dogs and what might be a secure environment for one is not necessarily for the other. It is also important to remember that fences can not provide top protection where you might find hawks eyeing your tiny pet as they are known to come down fast and sweep away minute dogs and puppies. A simple answer to this problem is to construct an enclosed play area which should stop this from happening.
Getting your pet to obey your commands: While tiny dogs aren't any harder to train than large dogs, the consensus of many pet experts is that many of them end up spoiled. 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. It may seem like a minor matter but just because they are diminutive and the mess they leave might not be much, it doesn't mean they do not need to be house trained. Dog experts also suggest you make your dog work for you, to keep him responsive to your rules. If you can train your dog to perform small tricks and other normal things like fetching a stick for example you can then provide them with a small treat afterwards.
Grooming: Keep in mind that grooming a small dog is slightly different to larger ones and cater for this. These diminutive pets usually require more frequent nail trimming than larger dogs, because they typically spend less time on rough surfaces wearing them down. As they are eating more canned food, their teeth will need to be brushed more regularly (at least twice per week) to eliminate unwanted and harmful deposits. The above makes it clear that it does not matter whether you are taking care of a small dog or a large dog the methods are pretty much the same. These may seem like inconsequential points but they can and will make a big difference to your pets health and happiness.
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