Small Dog Training
Can be TRICKY

Is your Coton de Tulear well behaved?

Small dog training has some unique challenges, but it is well worth the effort. All good dog owners know that training is critical to ensure your dog is safe and happy, but traditional methods don’t necessarily work best when training small dogs like the Coton.

Basic dog obedience training is relatively easy for the Coton de Tulear because of this breed’s desire to please and their high intelligence, but there are also some unique challenges.

Training small dogs is very important. Common sense tells us that you can’t treat a 10 pound dog the same way you treat an 80 pound dog. For instance, pulling on a small dog’s leash can seriously hurt him when trying to get him to heel and pushing down his butt to get him to sit can cause back injury.

SMALL DOG TRAINING TIPS:

Make training sessions short, positive, and fun.
Practice every day.
Use small, healthy, dime-sized treats for rewards.
Get down on their level so you are not intimidating.
Your dog WANTS you to lead him and good leaders never scream or hit.
Find a good collar that fits your small puppy well and make sure to adjust as he grows.
ALWAYS FINISH ON A HIGH NOTE.

Click Here to Find Solutions for

Common Coton Behavior Problems

Because you are so much bigger than your small pup, it’s important that he feels safe. Gentle, loving, and happy training methods are important for all pets, but it’s especially important for your small dog to help him feel safe and confident.

Often people let their little dogs get away with things they’d never let a big dog get away with thinking “what harm can a small pup do?” But just because your dog is cute and small you’re not doing him any favors by letting him get away with bad behavior.

Training small dogs is well worth the effort when the end result is a happy and safe dog you can be proud of.

Basic Dog Obedience Training: What ALL dogs need to learn (small or large; no exceptions)

Before learning the basic small dog training commands that make for a well behaved pet, it’s essential that your puppy understand two important things:

YOU ARE THE PACK LEADER; NOT HIM. Your furry friend cannot feel safe and happy unless he knows that he doesn’t have to worry because you are in charge and know how to take care of him. Without good leadership from us, bossy dogs become uncontrollable and shy dogs become anxious and frightened.
YOUR DOG NEEDS TO BE SOCIALIZED AT AN EARLY AGE. This should be your number one priority when you bring a puppy home. Expose him to all kinds of situations – children, adults, other animals, riding in the car, going to public places, different noises, etc. Carry treats with you and reward him when he’s in a new situation so he sees it as a happy experience. Learn more socialization tips here.

Tips for Training Small Dogs:

There are many different ways of training a small dog to do a trick so if you try one way without success, don't struggle or get frustrated, just try a different method.

The obedience commands below are important for all dogs (big or small) and can be taught once the puppy is at least 3 or 4 months old.

Sit and Sit-Stay Commands

Come Command

Walking on a loose leash

Down Command

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If you're ready to go beyond basic dog obedience training - check out these links:

Beyond Basic Dog Training (Off, Wait, Leave It)

Agility Training for Dogs

Easy Dog Tricks