training dogs??

[linnie]

Do you think it is the same to train a small dog as it is a large dog?
I used to think a dog was a dog so the same rules applied no matter what breed but since my daughter has recently bought a large dog into the equation I have change my mind.

Whenever I have trained my small breeds i have been able to be a little lenient ( ok a lot )after all how much problem can it be if a chi wants to sit on your lap or snuggle up on the sofa.
When we got Izzie the tibbie I found that some small dogs can be very ignorant and have the attention span of a flea but it still wasnt a problem taking time to train her as she couldnt cause much harm.
However Now Sarah the retreiverX is on the scene ond OMG what a handful, she jumps on you and you wear the scares forever.
she destroys anything in her way and bowls everyone over. Refuses to come when called. Even jumped through the window straight through the screen
I have come to the conclusion that training a little dog is much easier
And also realise I would be a hopeless big dog owner.

[bigdoglover]

I agree.....the difference in training between my JRT and my GS is big. Like you said, my Max can sit on my lap, but Elite? NO WAY!! LOL Max bounces around, but if Elite jumps, you are going down. So yeah, I think there has to be a difference....maybe not so much in the entire method, but in what you tolerate.

[mrsgrubby]

I agree as well in some differences. Jasmine is big, and stubborn and when she nipped it hurt alot, and when she jumped she left bruises on me.

Violet is little, and training her is different. Especially training her to walk on a leash. violet walks with her nose ALWAYS on the ground. She never looks up, she never looks at me, she is always smelling the ground.

Jasmine always had her head up, granted she pulled like crazy but I could at least get her attention. Violet I can't get her attention because she is facing the ground.

[DFrost]

As far as the principles of training. I don't think there is a difference. What we permit smaller dogs to "get away" with perhaps is significantly different. It's still reward good behavior and correct bad behavior.

DFrost

[Cassiepeia]

I agree with DFrost. Should be the same but we allow small dogs to get away with a lot more than we should because we don't see the harm in it.

By the way Linnie..when are you going to take some pictures of Sarah and post them for us to see? I'd love to see how she's grown.

Cass.

[Giny]

I don’t think a different training method should be used on whether you have a small dog or a big dog but more on the different type of personality it has. Two of my dogs are really sensitive and need a gentler hand then my other dog. Not that I’m more aggressive, just a bit more authoritative with the stronger willed dog.

[Dogsareme]

I have to say that I treat my big dogs, and little dog exactly the same.
Neither of them are allowed on the furniture, they are not allowed to jump on people, not allowed to sleep in the bed, etc.
I think the only way I ever treat them differently is I do lift up Kyrel sometimes to bring him in the car when it's muddy, and because the big guys squish him so much in the car I let him sit on my lap
But that is the most special treatment he gets.
I just dont' think it would be fair otherwise.

Training methods wise, yes I would say they differ in that. Like when I am going to pick up Kyrel to go in the car when it's muddy, I get him to jump into my arms.... I could not do that for my big dogs. lol.
Kyrel I let off leash alot more becaue he is not as intimidating as my big dogs. I find people seem to avoid me a bit if they are off leash. But he is trained to heel, so he's not wondering.

[poodlesmom]

Originally Posted by Giny

I don’t think a different training method should be used on whether you have a small dog or a big dog but more on the different type of personality it has. Two of my dogs are really sensitive and need a gentler hand then my other dog. Not that I’m more aggressive, just a bit more authoritative with the stronger willed dog.

I completely agree! Training methods (such as teaching the down) might need some minor adjustments based on the size of the dog but the basics should be the same.

[WolfRyder]

I've noticed since getting a big dog we "used to" let our cocker get away with murder (mainly not enforcing a command).

So we're actually having to train them both at the same time. The larger dog, though, seems to listen better and obey quicker, which is understandable. The smaller, older dog has gotten away with a lot for a long time **sigh**

Hindsight is so 20/20! Begin as you want to go on and then you don't have to redo.

[linnie]

lol wolfrider.
cas I must get lee to email me some pics of sarah

[labbie]

Hi, never actually tried training smaller breeds but I should imagine their easier. Just mainly because their not as big and heavy. The only problem with Bella is she's so strong, I find it hard to control her sometimes like when we're on the lead. And when she jumps up. Knocks you down nearly! Not even fully grown yet!