Understanding Small Dogs for Australians

Australia has become a nation of small breed dog owners, with over 1.3 million households now housing pint-size pooches. Over the last five years, according to the Australian Companion Animal Council (ACAC), there has been a staggering almost 40 per cent rise in the number of people who own small dogs.

This  growth has been put down to the increasing numbers of us who are living in high and medium density urban areas, which smaller dogs tolerate well.

However, it seems that Aussies don’t understand the special requirements that small dogs have – and it can result in unhealthy and unmanageable pets.

“Small dogs are still dogs, but some owners treat them like toys,” says renowned animal behaviourist and Purina Ambassador, Dr Jo Righetti. “They accept behaviour from a small dog that they would never tolerate in a big dog, such as jumping up on people or growling.

“Over-indulging your small dog can lead to a well-recognised animal psychological disorder called Small Dog Syndrome, where a dog can fail to obey commands, yap incessantly and behave in an overly possessive way, which can make living with them quite a handful.”

Surprisingly, small dogs have different nutritional needs than large dogs, according to Dr Righetti.

“Small dogs have a much higher metabolic rate to that of their large canine friends, meaning they need to consume more calories per kilo during meal time. Their mouths are smaller, so they need smaller sized dog biscuits or kibble which is easier for them to eat and still keeps their teeth clean. This is especially important for small dogs which live longer than larger dogs and can develop severe dental problems if they are not looked after.

“Petcare companies such as Purina are taking this into account and making pet food specially formulated for small dogs, such as Purina ONE for Small Breeds,” Dr Righetti says.

Some hints and tips for owning a small dog

• Just because your dog is little and cute doesn’t mean it should get away with bad behaviour. Set rules and boundaries and ensure all family members stick to them
• Don’t allow your dog on the counter or table for meals
• Don’t over-treat – be sure to schedule meals so they come to understand that food is not something they receive whenever they like
• Play with your dog regularly and allow your dog to play with others in an appropriate manner
• Small dogs can benefit from obedience classes. Ask for commands to be obeyed, such as a “Sit” before feeding them
• If they dislike larger dogs, introduce them to ones that you know are friendly and gentle in a neutral location like the local dog park

“It’s important when you choose a small breed dog to understand their different needs and the care that goes with it, especially when it comes to their diet and behaviour.”

The new Purina ONE Small Breed range retails at $8.99. To sign up for a free trial of Purina One Small Breed, visit www.purina.com.au/smallbreed