Article: If your dog has small dog syndrome, you will want to take steps to correct the problem. You want to avoid long term health and behavioral problems associated with small dog syndrome. To start, avoid picking your dog up too often. A dog needs to walk for exercise. Do not pick your dog up on walks, even when he becomes aggressive or difficult. You should only pick your dog up when it's necessary for your dog's safety. For example, if an aggressive dog is running at your dog, it's appropriate to pick your dog up. Small dogs will also get spoiled when being carried all the time. Your dog may decide he or she is too good to walk, and start refusing to do so when taken out. Regular walking is necessary to a dog's well-being, so make sure your dog walks frequently. Small dogs should be held to the same standards of behavior as larger breeds. While your small dog's jumping or aggression may not be that much of a nuisance, ignoring the problem leads to many behavioral issues associated with small dog syndrome. Do not let small dogs get on the couch or on someone's lap without an invitation first. Correct behaviors like barking, growling, or aggression. Never hand feed a small dog. While the occasional table scrap is okay for a treat, put the food in a dog's bowl. It's important your small dog can separate your food and eating area from his food and eating area. In addition to correcting negative behaviors, reward positive ones. Give your dog a treat if he stays off the couch when told. Give your dog verbal praise if he stops jumping on a guest when instructed. Eventually, your dog should begin to understand appropriate versus inappropriate behavior. Larger dogs who are socialized properly rarely pose a risk for small dogs. When a small dog becomes nervous around a larger breed, you want to correct that problem rather than inadvertently encouraging it by panicking yourself. When walking your small dog, start taking a bag of treats on walks. When you pass a larger dog, feed your dog treats. Talk to him in a soothing voice. Repeat this behavior every time you're passing a larger dog. Your dog will learn to associate larger dogs with good, happy things rather than danger. This can ease some of the anxiety and aggression associated with small dog syndrome. You want to make sure a visit from a friend or family member does not undo your dog's progress. Let other people know the rules for your dog. Explain basic rules. Inform guests not to let the dog jump on them, and not to let the dog up on the couch uninvited. Let visitors know that table scraps are not okay for your dog unless they're placed in his bowl. A dog trainer can do wonders for a dog suffering from small dog syndrome. Seek out the aid of trainer in your area if your dog's issues are not improving. Go for a trainer that values positive reinforcement over punishing a dog. Punishment-based techniques have proven to be ineffective. Most trainers have a website that overviews their training process. You can also read reviews of trainers online, or contact past clients. This can help you make sure a trainer's techniques are effective. When meeting with potential trainers, make sure the trainer is friendly and listens to you. You do not want to hire a trainer who disregards client's concerns.

What is a summary?
Avoid picking up your dog too frequently. Hold your small dog to the same standards as a larger dog. Reward positive behavior. Encourage your dog to relax around larger dogs. Inform others how to interact with your dog. Get help from a licensed trainer.