THE PET CONNECTION By Gina Spadafori Pet Columnist

Toy dogs have more than a few special things about them, most good, some not so good. The upside: They're adorable. They're portable. They're usually long-lived. On the downside, they seem to be exceptionally hard to house-train.

The problem, says small-dog expert Darlene Arden, is mostly human.

"People don't have the same expectations of a toy dog that they would of a golden retriever or Great Dane," says Arden, author of "The Irrepressible Toy Dog" (Howell Book House, $17.95). "Everyone looks at a toy dog as a perpetual infant.

"And because of that and the difference in the amount left behind, people just don't seem to care until they step in it at 2 in the morning, or until company's coming and the house smells bad."

This lack of consistency on the part of doting humans isn't the only problem, she says, pointing out that many small dogs are in trouble from the moment they're brought home as puppies. Many small dogs in the most popular breeds -- such as Yorkies, Maltese or toy poodles -- come from puppy mills or other large-scale breeders who simply don't take the time to lay the groundwork that makes house-training easier.

"These puppies grow up on a paper, eat on the paper, sleep on the paper, go on the paper," says Arden, who notes that puppies raised under such conditions learn to live in their own filth. Buying from a reputable breeder is essential, she says, not just for proper early training, but also for health screening and socialization.

Even poorly raised dogs can usually be trained, says Arden. You have to start by looking at things from a small dog's point of view -- and that can be very hard for people who think their dogs are little people.

For example, you have to make sure your dog can feel safe in the outdoor spot you've chosen for him. The act of elimination is one when a dog's guard is down, and when you weigh 10 pounds or less, it's important to feel you're not going to be attacked. "They feel vulnerable," says Arden. "You need to find that one very safe spot for them." And keep the grass short so the dog doesn't feel as if he's hacking through a jungle, she adds.

Cold weather can also make house-training more difficult. Little dogs lose heat rapidly and would rather use a nice corner of a warm house than venture outside. Sweaters, says Arden, are not silly for the little dog and can help with house-training.

Despite the special challenges the small dog presents, Arden says house-training is possible. Once your dog has that safe spot outside, you can teach him to use it with the aid of a schedule, praise, and a dedication to consistency.

"Feed on a schedule," says Arden, "and be aware of when the puppy has to go. You must take your dog out after he eats, after play, after any kind of stimulation.

"Take a very special treat and your happiest voice to the special spot. The moment the puppy's feet hit the ground, get excited." When the deed is done, says Arden, praise to the heavens and deliver the treat.

Limiting a dog's range in the house helps, too. "I'm a firm believer in crate-training -- as a tool, not a punishment," says Arden. "A crate keeps a dog out of trouble when you can't watch him."

Mistakes are part of the learning process and should never be punished. "If you see the dog starting to go in the house, pick him up and run him to that special spot," says Arden, and praise when the dog finishes up outside.

Your biggest ally in the struggle to get your dog house-trained is the typical toy dog temperament. They want to please you, says Arden. "Because they bond so tightly with their owners, toy dogs want to do what you want." You just have to help gently steer them in the right direction.

Date Published: 8/8/1999

    

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of Dogs for Dummies, Cats for Dummies and Birds for Dummies. She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her at petconnection@gmail.com.