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January 19, 2012

We don't expect my small dog to live long. I want to spoil him but I also want him to be a good dog. How should we train him?

Full Question:

Hello,

I found your website while searching for a holistic vet. I adopted a Chihuahua Yorkie mix, but he is a biter. We started crate training him, but inconsistently. He had trouble getting house broken, and we discovered he had a bladder stone. Next came surgery, then the diagnosis of liver shunt. We searched for nutrition answers and found your site. We spoil the dog now, because we expect him to have a short life span, but he does have aggressive tendencies. My concern- after reading through your website, how should I train this little one? There are arguments between my heart and my head: in my heart I want to spoil him, knowing he will have a short life, but in my head I want him to be a good dog.

Thank you for replying,
Jamie in TX

Cindy's Answer:

You train little dogs just like big ones. The only thing different is the size of the dog.

You aren't doing him any favors by allowing him to be aggressive or dominant. What if he defies the odds and lives a good long life. He's not worrying about his health issues, he's behaving like a dog that needs some stricter rules.

Start with our groundwork program and Pack Structure for the Family Pet.

You may also need the video Dealing with Dominant & Aggressive Dogs. We also have a number of eBooks, which include topics that may help you.

Dogs are happier when given clear rules and leadership, no matter what their size.

Good luck with him!
Cindy Rhodes

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