Small Dog, Big World: Why you shouldn't carry your small dog

Small dogs often have a reputation for being "bossy," "yappy," or overconfident—but what’s commonly referred to as “small dog syndrome” is usually anything but confidence. In fact, many of the behaviours we associate with this label—barking, lunging, or constant neediness—are rooted in fear, insecurity, or a lack of coping skills.

And one of the most common contributors? Being carried everywhere.

Living in a World of Giants

From a small dog’s perspective, the world can be a scary place. Picture it: towering humans, large dogs, loud traffic, and unpredictable environments—all looming from above. If your dog has only ever experienced the world from your arms, it's no wonder they might feel overwhelmed when they’re finally placed on the ground.

Many well-meaning owners instinctively scoop up their small dog at the first sign of stress. While this feels protective (and sometimes is necessary), it can inadvertently teach the dog that the world is dangerous, reinforcing their anxiety and limiting their opportunity to learn how to cope.

The Problem with Over-Carrying

Of course, there are moments when picking your dog up is the right choice—if they’re in danger, if a larger off-lead dog is rushing toward them, or if you're navigating a very crowded or unsafe space. But carrying shouldn’t be your go-to solution in everyday situations.

Here’s why:

🚫 It prevents your dog from developing independence

🚫 It reinforces the idea that the ground is scary

🚫 It stops your dog from practicing and learning how to cope

🚫 It can increase reactivity and anxiety

When dogs are always in your arms, they never get the chance to develop the life skills they need to feel confident and secure on their own four paws.

Give Your Small Dog a Ground-Level Advantage

So, how do we help our little dogs become confident, calm, and well-adjusted?

✅ Start Socialising from the Ground Up

Introduce your dog to the world from the ground—early, and often. Safe, positive experiences with people, dogs, and environments are key to building neutrality (not excitement or fear) around everyday sights and sounds.

✅ Build Coping Skills and Confidence

Rather than shielding your dog from every trigger, teach them how to cope.

This means:

• Practising calm behaviours around distractions

• Working on engage-disengage games to change their emotional response

• Teaching cues like “Let’s Go” to move away from triggers

• Reinforcing alternative behaviours like “Look at me” or “Middle” to redirect focus

✅ Reserve Carrying for Exceptional Situations

Pick your dog up only when it’s truly necessary—for safety, medical reasons, or in overwhelming environments where you know they can’t cope yet. Otherwise, give them the space to explore and learn.

✅ Focus on Consent and Choice

One of the most empowering things we can offer our small dogs is the freedom to choose. Instead of placing them in situations they may not be ready for—like being passed around for cuddles, rushed up to by other dogs, or taken into crowded environments—we should prioritise consent-based interactions.

This means allowing your dog to decide if and when they want to approach a person, dog, or unfamiliar object. If they hesitate or seem unsure, give them space and time to observe from a safe distance, without pressure. Simply being allowed to watch and process at their own pace can be incredibly powerful for building confidence.

Rewarding your dog for calm, curious behaviour—like sniffing, checking in with you, or choosing to disengage—helps teach them that they’re safe, and that good things happen when they remain relaxed. It shifts the emotional response from fear to trust.

Consent and choice also extend to handling: asking your dog if they’re comfortable being picked up, touched, or moved. When dogs feel heard and respected, they’re less likely to become reactive or defensive. Over time, this approach builds a stronger relationship, founded on trust and mutual respect, where your small dog sees you as a safe guide through the world—not just someone who scoops them up when things get tough.

Rethinking “Small Dog Syndrome”

The term "small dog syndrome" not only mischaracterises what’s actually happening but can also lead to misunderstandings in how to address these behaviours.

Here’s why:

1. Dismisses Emotional Needs: Labelling behaviours as “small dog syndrome” ignores the dog’s emotional experience, potentially overlooking their stress or fear. It’s important to understand that these behaviours often stem from insecurity or discomfort, not from an attitude problem.

2. Leads to Ineffective Training Approaches: When behaviours are chalked up to “small dog syndrome,” owners might attempt to train the behaviours out of their dog rather than addressing the root cause. This approach can make small dogs feel even more stressed and misunderstood.

3. Encourages Stereotypes: The label encourages harmful stereotypes, which can lead to small dogs being treated differently than their larger counterparts. Small dogs are just as capable of learning, adjusting, and thriving with training that respects their individual needs.

Read our blog on 'small dog syndrome' for working through reactive behaviours with your small dog here: www.adolescentdogs.com/post/small-dog-big-world-why-you-shouldn-t-carry-your-small-dog

Support Your Small Dog With Real-Life Skills

At the end of the day, carrying your dog should be the exception, not the rule. To thrive, small dogs need the same opportunities as large dogs: to sniff, explore, problem-solve, and feel in control of their environment.

With the right support, your little dog can walk through the world with confidence—not because you’re holding them up, but because you’ve taught them how to stand on their own.

Need help building your small dog’s confidence?

We offer step-by-step video tutorials and expert guidance in our online academy, plus residential training and in-person support tailored to your dog’s needs.

📩 Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you raise a calm, confident small dog who’s ready to take on the world—on their own paws.