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  • Writer's pictureCaryl Wolff
    • Apr 14, 2017
    • 2 min read

Little Dog Training

Updated: Feb 15, 2022


papillon dog
Little dogs are different - and special.

Small or Little Dog Training


Living with a little or small dog is different than living with a larger dog, so we designed our Little Dog Training geared to little dogs and toy dogs!


First, let's ask the question: What is a little dog? Generally speaking, it's a dog who weighs 15 pounds or less. Why did I choose 15 pounds? Because that's generally the size dog that most people can pick up easily.

What are some of the topics that are covered?

  • Little Dog Safety

  • Barking

  • Potty Training or Housetraining

  • Obedience Training Tips geared specially for little dogs

  • Socialization

  • Grooming and Handling

  • Training your little dog to deal with the Real World

  • An Overview of Preventing and Dealing with Problem Behaviors

Dogs of all sizes dogs are dogs first, and there are basic traits that run across all breeds. Also, within a litter of puppies of *any* breed, there can be differences in temperament -- some puppies are leaders, some followers, and others independent. When we train, we take into account all the reasons behind their behaviors and work with each dog as an individual.


With small dogs, training may be different because it needs to be adapted to their size and temperament. Small dogs were bred for different things, and they have different temperaments -- Jack Russell terriers were bred to kill rodents and are generally independent. Cavalier King Charles spaniels were bred as companion dogs to warm the laps of their people and generally crave human attention. They both may seek your attention but for different reasons -- the Cavalier wants to cuddle next to you and the Jack Russell is demanding that you pay attention NOW!


What are the breeds that are considered small or little dogs? These are some (but not all) popular breeds and breed mixes that would generally be in the little or small dog class:

  • Affenpinscher

  • Australian Terrier

  • Bichon Frise'

  • Border Terrier

  • Boston Terrier

  • Brussels Griffon

  • Cairn Terrier

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  • Chihuahua

  • Chinese Crested

  • French Bulldog

  • Havanese

  • Italian Greyhound

  • Jack Russell Terrier

  • Japanese Chin

  • Maltese

  • Mini Dachshund

  • Miniature Pinscher

  • Miniature Schnauzer

  • Norfolk Terrier

  • Norwich Terrier

  • Papillon

  • Pekinese

  • Pomeranian

  • Pug

  • Shih Tzu

  • Silky Terrier

  • Tibetan Spaniel

  • Toy Poodle

  • West Highland White Terrier

  • Yorkshire Terrier


Please visit my recommended Products and Books for Small or Little Dogs.


Thanks for visiting Little Dog Training. I make a small commission on any products or books I recommend.



Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It does not replace a consultation with a dog trainer, dog behavior consultant, or veterinarian and may not be used to diagnose or treat any conditions in your dog.


If you need help with puppy or dog training, we do both private in-person and virtual lessons via Zoom. Please contact us by calling or texting (310) 804-2392 or sending an email to caryl@DoggieManners.com . We look forward to working with you.

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