The dog handler pointed out gross mistakes in the upbringing of small dogs

Modern people increasingly prefer small dogs — this is confirmed by the annual rating of the most popular breeds, which is compiled by the Russian Cynological Federation (RCF). Such breeds are quite unpretentious, they can go to the diaper at home and do not need serious loads, but there is another side to this issue. On August 10, Vladimir Golubev, President of the RCF, told Izvestia about how to properly raise small dogs.

"Often the unpretentiousness of keeping small dogs leads to the fact that the owners are completely unprepared for the appearance of a pet in the house. Alas, they are often used as a toy. Meanwhile, any dog is a living being with its own needs, which needs proper upbringing and training," warns Golubev.

One of the basic rules of keeping small dogs is that they need training, just like big dogs. Even if the pet is very small and cute in appearance, first of all it is a dog. And a dog, depending on its age and breed, is supposed to have a certain amount of physical and cognitive stress.

"If you do not teach your puppy to commands from an early age, you will miss the moment of socialization, which is fraught with the fact that an adult pet will be disobedient, timid or aggressive," the dog handler warned.

Choosing a small breed to arrange it beautifully on a sofa among pillows is the worst decision, the expert says. Yes, small dogs should walk less than large ones. It's possible that some of them won't be able to overcome the obstacle course either. But this does not mean that you should avoid walking and playing. It is necessary to strictly observe the norm of physical activity, taking into account age and health status. Failure to do this is fraught with problems with excess weight and diseases. At the same time, safety should always be monitored: fragile dogs should not jump off the couch or stairs.

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However, one of the main problems faced by small dogs is the violation of their personal boundaries. Unlike large dogs, small pets can be picked up at any time, stroked against their will. Even if the pet bites, it is unlikely that it will cause serious damage. And some people will even be amused by this behavior.

"You have to respect the needs of the animal and learn to recognize its body language. If he's asleep, you can't distract him. If the dog growls or shows displeasure, this is a signal that you need to stop: she does not like your actions. By indulging your desires and those of children or guests, you will eventually turn even the most obedient pet into a nervous and aggressive creature," Golubev said.

It is important not to forget that all dogs are very different in character, even in the same litter. Despite its size, a four-legged friend can be extremely active, inquisitive, and noisy. Or, on the contrary, shy, fearful. There are things that can be adjusted over time, but it is almost impossible to correct the character — you need to accept a pet with its characteristics.

The worst mistake, the expert pointed out, is to buy a pet, focusing only on its appearance or "cute eyes." First of all, you need to understand the characteristics of the chosen breed and the purpose for which the dog is being bred.

"Do you need a travel companion? Or a friend who can wait for you after work? A pet is a living being that you are responsible for, not a toy. You must clearly understand this and take a responsible approach to choosing a friend," the dog handler said.

Improper maintenance of small breeds often leads to stereotypes that small dogs are aggressive or have a complex personality. In fact, it is impossible to equate everyone to the same standard. If a pet shows unreasonable aggression, most likely there were mistakes in upbringing that the owner ignored. Any pet deserves high-quality care and respect, regardless of size, concluded Golubev.

On May 30, Golubev told Izvestia which plants pose a danger to dogs. In particular, bulbous flowers are dangerous for them: tulips, hyacinths, daffodils. Ingestion of an onion is fraught with poisoning.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.