18/11/2025 - Training
We all know the scene: a tiny Chihuahua yapping furiously at passers-by whilst their owner laughs it off as "cute", whilst a Labrador making the same noise would have people crossing the street in alarm. It's a double standard we've all witnessed, but have you ever stopped to consider just how unfair this size bias really is?
The truth is, small dogs get away with behaviours that would be utterly unacceptable in their larger counterparts. Jumping up, barking, running up to strangers, begging at tables, pulling on the lead - the list goes on. When a Jack Russell does it, it's dismissed as harmless. When a German Shepherd exhibits the same behaviour, suddenly it's a serious problem that needs addressing immediately.
But here's the thing: the emotion driving that behaviour is exactly the same, regardless of whether your dog weighs 5kg or 50kg. A bark is a bark, whether it's high-pitched or deep. The motivation behind jumping up doesn't change based on how far off the ground your dog can reach. Yet we've created an entirely different set of rules based purely on size.
The Respect Issue
One of the most significant problems facing small dogs is a fundamental lack of respect. Because we can physically pick them up and remove them from situations, we often do exactly that, robbing them of the opportunity to learn proper communication skills. Think about it: when was the last time you saw someone scoop up a nervous Rottweiler to avoid an awkward encounter?
This constant intervention means small dogs don't learn how to say "no, thank you" effectively, or how to read when another dog or person is setting boundaries. They have their choices taken away repeatedly, which can actually lead to increased reactivity. It's no coincidence that statistically, smaller dogs bite more frequently - they're simply not being heard or respected.
The Big Dog Burden
On the flip side, owners of large breeds face enormous pressure. There's no option to pick up your dog when things get tricky. You cannot physically manage a fully grown Labrador the way you might a Dachshund. This means big dog owners must train harder and more consistently from day one, because the consequences of not doing so are far more visible and socially unacceptable.
Add to this the challenge of adolescence: large breeds mature much more slowly than small ones. Your Labrador might look like a fully grown adult at 18 months, but emotionally, they won't mature until around four years old. You've got a puppy in an adult's body, yet strangers expect them to behave impeccably simply because of their size.
The Solution
So what's the answer? Simple: treat every dog as if they're a Great Dane. Regardless of your dog's actual size, avoid picking them up to escape situations. Give them autonomy, respect their emotions, and help them work through challenges rather than simply removing them. Hold small dogs to the same behavioural standards as large ones.
Every dog deserves respect, regardless of whether they come up to your ankle or your hip. It's time we recognised that size shouldn't dictate standards.
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