Bringing a dog into your life requires planning. You’ll need food, toys, a collar and leash, bedding, bowls, water, and a dog bed. If you already have dogs, keep them separated for the first 24 hours; meeting them in their territory adds stress and could lead to a dog fight. Be patient and offer plenty of affection.

Size

You have many options if you’re in the market for a pet. There are big dogs, small dogs, and everything in between. Small dogs at Pawrade, also called toy breeds, can range from minuscule teacups to 20-25 pound pups. These breeds are adorable and often have huge personalities. They’re playful and affectionate but may need firmer training. They’re also less likely to have health issues like tracheal collapse, displaced kneecaps, or periodontal disease due to their smaller mouths. They typically require less food than larger breeds and can be easier to travel with. Dogs in this category are active and adapt well to apartments or homes with yards. Some, such as the Papillon, are obedient and responsive, making them great companions for children. Others, like the Dachshund, are adventurous and love to chase squirrels and rabbits. They’re an excellent choice for families with older children. Small dogs are incredibly diverse and vary widely in personality, activity level, and maintenance needs. Many are devoted companions for their people, while others are courageous guard dogs. Finding a breed that fits your lifestyle and is a good fit for you is essential. While size may be a factor, don’t let it sway your decision. You’ll be rewarded with a tiny package of joy that will brighten your life for years.

Health

Although many small dogs live long, they are prone to several health conditions, including respiratory problems like asthma and congenital heart defects. They can also suffer from achy joints and bones. Chihuahuas, for example, are prone to hereditary issues such as patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, and syringomyelia. It would be best to choose a reputable breeder committed to hereditary testing to avoid these issues. Small dogs may also be prone to aggression toward strangers, particularly those that approach them aggressively and tend to be very people-centric. Socializing them well as puppies can help them tolerate the attention they receive from everyone they meet. Fortunately, they generally have the most extended lifespans of all dog breeds. If you have an existing pet, you must ensure your new puppy gets lots of attention first while keeping the old pet on their regular schedule. This will prevent jealousy from developing between your two pets. Providing your new pup with an enclosed area to hide in sprayed with dog-calming pheromones can encourage a sense of safety and security. You can gradually introduce them to more of your home as they acclimate. Remember that it can take days, weeks, or even months for your new pet to feel at home in your home. This is normal, but patience will go a long way.

Training

Small dogs need to learn basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” They must also be taught how to walk calmly on a leash and settle in their designated spot, whether in a dog bed or crate. If left untrained, small dogs are prone to becoming yappy and hyperactive. Puppies should be trained in a quiet environment with low distractions until they confidently perform the requested behavior repeatedly in a controlled setting. Then, when they are ready to move to a busier or more distracting area, slowly and carefully increase distractions. It is important to remember that the little ones can’t tolerate a lot of noise and may become overwhelmed very quickly. This is when it is best to return to a calm training session in a quiet place like your home. Ensure you have plenty of high-value treats, and use a clicker during training sessions. A clicker signals to the pup that she did the right thing and rewards her immediately for her excellent behavior. You can also draw out a desired behavior by luring with a toy such as a Kong, which is an excellent option for small dogs since it can be used as a chew toy! Once your dog understands her commands and begins to do them on command, you can start integrating her into household activities and allowing her to be off-leash in safe areas.

Exercise

Whether your new dog is a puppy or an adult, it will require some exercise to release excess energy. Regular exercise helps keep dogs mentally stimulated, promotes heart, bone, and muscle health, and is pleasurable for most dogs. When you bring your pet home, setting up a place they will use for sleep, meals, and time-outs (like a crate) is essential. This can be a corner of the living room, a bed, or a kennel. This is the area they will know as theirs and will help with boundaries. A safe, secure outdoor space where you can let the dog off-leash for bathroom breaks is also a good idea. You will also want to go through your home and remove any unsafe items for your pet, such as pet-level cabinets, counters with chemicals, dangling curtain cords, and even sugar-free gum containing the toxic ingredient xylitol. It is also essential to check your yard for poisonous plants and other potential pet hazards. Once you have established a comfortable routine with your new pet, you can introduce them to other family members and friends. Begin with brief interactions and gradually increase the length of time spent together. You must also take your pet to the veterinarian within a week for a general health check, vaccinations, and preventative flea/tick treatment.