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Children’s best friends and 4 more harmful myths about small dogs
They say that small doggies are cowardly, they constantly bark, but on the other hand, you can not walk with them on the street and they get along well with the kids. Let’s figure out where the truth is, together with the experts.
When it comes to getting a dog in a city apartment, the choice usually falls on small breed dogs. They are compact, do not take up much space, it is easier to care for them, and you need less money for feed. Some even think that a small dog should not be walked – a tray and a special diaper are enough. Experts commented on this approach to choosing a pet.
President of the Russian Cynological Federation
“Small companion dogs are often kept as pets. For some, they cause affection, for others – an indulgent attitude, which is associated with common myths about them. Many believe that such dogs bark endlessly, can walk on a diaper and do not need training at all. But these myths have nothing to do with reality and mislead many novice dog breeders. “
Myth 1: you don’t need to walk them.
Experts say this is the most common myth you hear. Say, a small dog can be trained to a litter box – and no problem, you can stay in the house for days. But the dog needs walks not only to relieve themselves. They are vital to her in order to get acquainted with the world around her and develop normally.
“The pet should walk every day, at least twice a day. Walking is a time for your dog’s physical activity, it has a beneficial effect on endurance, reaction speed and the whole body of your pet in general, ”experts urge you not to give up walking with your pet, even if it is a tiny toy terrier.
Myth 2: no training needed
Training is not only and not so much the knowledge of the commands “Sit!”, “Lie down!” and “Fas!” It is also a general education that influences the behavior of the dog. And it does not depend on the size of the pet.
“A dog is always a dog, whatever size it is. In any case, she needs attention and training, they cannot be neglected, ”they say in the cynological federation.
Experts explain that from this myth grows another – that all small dogs are evil and aggressive creatures. And the point here is just in training – an ill-bred dog behaves like an ill-bred child.
Myth 3: small dogs get along well with children.
Not really. Friendly dogs get along with children, they have a cheerful disposition, calm character, they should be moderately active and do not require special care. Size doesn’t matter here.
“The pet should be suitable for the child in temperament. You should not take a dog that is too small and fragile, so that the child does not accidentally harm it, ”the dog handlers explain.
In addition, small dogs can be very willful and difficult to handle even for a reputable adult, let alone a toddler.
Myth 4: they bark a lot.
If in an ordinary apartment in a high-rise building there will be barking around the clock, you can forget about a peaceful life with neighbors. Even a child’s roar is much less annoying. But how much a dog barks does not depend on its size either. The only thing that matters is the excitability of the pet, which loudly and diligently expresses its emotions for any reason.
“Loud and frequent barking is usually the result of improper upbringing. The dog is used to the fact that attention or delicacies can only be achieved in this way. It’s all about the lack of training, ”experts say.
Myth 5: they don’t require much maintenance.
In fact, fiddle with small dogs as much as with large ones, if not more. Yes, it is easier to take it with you in the car, you can even carry it into the cabin of the plane, but that’s all. A small dog needs regular check-ups at the veterinarian, and visits to the groomer, and walks, and training. And even the food she will have to select taking into account the special requirements associated with size and breed.
And for those who still want to have a tiny dog, we have collected representatives of the smallest breeds – leaf through the gallery!