Thank you for explaining all of this Lisa and how dogs brains work! I was really confused about why she was behaving this way. I've learnt alot over these sessions, thank you.
Why do smaller dogs have a reputation for being reactive?
5 March 2024
Smaller dogs are often described as having ‘little man syndrome’. If they snap or growl some people will often state that they are ‘sassy’ and laugh it off. I have some adorable smaller dogs that have attended puppy class and the first time I met them my instant desire was to pick them up and cuddle them. However, they don’t know me and I know it’s not sensible so I resist the desire to do so!
Quite often because of their miniature appearance smaller dogs have to put up with strangers picking them up, grabbing them or stroking them without permission. This is not ideal for a number of reasons – a dog may be scared of people, they may be in pain, and having a stranger pick you up is very different to someone you know lifting you in their arms. Without a strong reinforcement history of good experiences with that person (such as treats, praise, or touch that is enjoyable), it is not surprising why many dogs do not enjoy it. If attempts at space are routinely ignored, such as moving away looking away, showing the whites of the eyes or other body language on the ladder of communication it is likely that a dog will resort to higher levels of behaviour such as growling, snapping or even biting.
It’s important that smaller dogs are able to assess and make a choice in regards to interacting with people in the park. There are things that can be done to build confidence around people but picking up a dog and stroking it when they’re scared will not magically cure them of their fear – it is likely to reinforce it.
What can be done to build confidence instead?
· Remembering that dogs have an incredible sense of smell is important and that sniffing is information gathering – it does not mean they instantly want to be petted. Allow a dog to sniff and explore and retreat if they want to.
· See if the dog wants to interact by allowing a person to pat their knees to see if the dog wants to come over.
· Use consent petting with new people so that the dog is not feeling overwhelmed and can move away if they want to. With consent petting you stroke a dog for three strokes then take the hand away to see if they want the interaction to continue – if they don’t then you stop the stroking. It’s important that the dog is not on a short lead and can easily move away.
· Watch out for body language signs that they are feeling uncomfortable and assess it.
If you'd like to find out how I can help you, you can book a consultation.
Are puppy pads for toilet training the answer? When you’re toilet training your puppy it can be confusing to know what to do. You may have heard that puppy pad’s are the answer. Let’s discuss this. Remember that physically a pup’s bladder is very small.. they can’t hold it for too long! They don’t go to the bathroom indoors to spite you. Also remember that some dogs may not be going to the bathroom – they may be marking scent by doing very small pee’s.
I read a paper recently called An Investigation into the Impact of Pre-Adolescent Training on Canine Behavior by Dinwoodie and colleagues. The aim of the study was conducted to see whether training done prior to 3 months of age was more effective than doing training later. Here is what they found.
Christmas can be a difficult time for many reasons: lack of routine, new visitors coming into the home, lack of sleep, more noise.
Many people have dogs because they enjoy the social side of having a dog.. chatting to people in the park and watching their dogs bound around and play with each other. However, for many people I work with this isn’t their reality. Their dog may have had a bad experience with a dog and is now scared, or they could be recovering from an operation, for example. This can make walks – especially in narrow locations very difficult. If you, your self have had a dog who shows signs of reactivity then you’ll appreciate how hard it is and you may be doing the below already.. but if not please read on. · If you see a dog who is reactive walking down the street (perhaps they have a jacket that is yellow), or perhaps their handler just looks uneasy.. then walk across the road.. this will give a dog some breathing space. · Feed your dog to distract them rather than letting them get fixated on the other dog. · Change direction or if you can, wait behind a parked car so that the dogs do not notice each other. The above steps can really help a dog and their handler. Walking a reactive dog can feel stressful and anxiety inducing and people’s behaviour can really help the dog and the person.
Some things to teach/get started with, with your new puppy
Devastatingly, thousands of dogs end up in rescue centres each year, sometimes because people have financial problems or divorces and sometimes because of behavioural and health problems (behaviour and health are interlinked – pain can make a dog more grumpy and less tolerant). The pandemic and cost of living crisis means that rescue centres have seen the perfect storm of dogs arriving into their care.
If it’s going to be your puppy’s first Christmas this year here are some things to consider to make the day as safe for your pup and enjoyable for you and your family as possible. 
Considerations when hiring professional to work with your dog
If you’ve joined a puppy training class or are thinking about joining one you may be thinking about what training tasks are the biggest priority.. you want to focus on those that will benefit yours and your dogs life the most (of course tricks are ace, but life skills are the most important!). There are some classes that are purely socialisation where training tasks are not taught but I will cover that in a different blog.
My dog is doing a runner when I get their walking equipment out – why?
My dog Monty and I had a great experience working with Lisa at St Paws. I'd been struggling with him being quite nervous around other dogs, and reacting and growling as a result. We worked on association with other dogs and Lisa shared alot of things to train in to help us in different situations. It's a long process but we've definitely seen positive progress and continue to work on what Lisa has taught us. Lisa was very patient, gave lots of good insights and clearly has alot of experience and knowledge around dogs, their triggers and reactions.
Sarah, Brixton (but travelled to St Albans for the in person sessions)
I've seen a definite improvement over the course of the sessions.
Karen
We can leave him longer than in the first week now. It feels we are heading in the right direction.
Tracey
Lisa is a calm well organised teacher - Tyson has really enjoyed and was relaxed in the classes. Lisa made it fun.
Kam
Lisa is great! Very passionate and knowledgable.
Matt
We like that you are proactive in getting to know the puppies and checking on their progress. Being able to ask questions to get answers tailored to our issues. We also really liked tips on recall, like, "touch" command or "spin" to divert dog's attention from jumping.
Michael
The sessions were fun!
Kirsty
Lisa is very clear and understanding in helping us through the training and very patient. I felt listened to and Lisa answered all my questions with background explanations to clarify, which was very helpful
Sarah, St Albans
The children found Lisa very helpful, friendly and informative. She was very inclusive with them, and did not make any of us feel that we asked a silly/pointless question.
Naomi
Lisa was amazing and the training techniques were so useful. She understood our dogs needs, listened to our concerns and it was great working with her!
Jane
Lisa was great at formulating and communicating the plan. She provided amazing support not only during sessions but over messages and calls in between. Lisa was particularly kind. I am finding the experience difficult and she has showed amazing compassion which I really appreciate. I was surprised by the level of support and advice Lisa provided. She goes above and beyond her responsibilities and shows clear understanding and knowledge, as well as a love and passion for what she’s doing. She also displays good humour which I always appreciate! The literature, links and videos she sent me has been extremely useful. Lisa does not advocate for punitive techniques which had been advised to me by countless people. She explained to me why these are not effective.
I am very glad I chose her to help me with my puppy and I feel confident that with her help I’ll have a happy, well trained canine companion.
I am very glad I chose her to help me with my puppy and I feel confident that with her help I’ll have a happy, well trained canine companion.
Josie
We wished we had met you when we first got our Boxers. In puppy class there was too much focus on theory and not enough action. The techniques are working really well.
David, St Albans
The techniques you showed us in the first session have been a fantastic. My friend noticed the difference straight away.
Ruth, St Albans
We enjoyed Lisa's expertise and teaching style. It made us feel comfortable. We wouldn't change a thing about the classes, we found them so so helpful. We are so sad the classes have ended.
Jo
I'd really recommend the reactivity course
Karen
I've just had such a positive walk paying attention to his body language - he played nicely on the open space with a little white dog (they were doing mirrored play bows) until she rolled over and I called him back to me. He came back straight away :)
Kate
She aw a dog and didn't bark.. I was astounded!
Rosalind
Seeing Poppy make clear progress each week and explanations from Lisa (based on her knowledge of dog behaviour) of why and how to use different approaches was a highlight of puppy class.
Elisabeth
Nora is doing well, she's much better behaved!
Ella
Arlo is doing brilliantly! We have implemented your suggestions and are doing the decompression walks.
Jack
Just a quick note to say thank you for today and it was so lovely to meet you - you have such a lovely kind, calm nature which is just what she needs.
Emma
You can reach out to me here
+44 (0) 1727537289
hello@stpawstrainingacademy.co.uk
The Terms and Conditions related to booking
are here.
All Rights Reserved St Paws Training Academy 2025
Privacy Policy - yum cookies!
Sign up to hear from me. I'd love to invite you to the newsletter club! Receive content, news, tips events and cute dog photos straight in your inbox
Newsletter Subscription
Lisa Sinnott BA (Hons) PGDip. Dog and Cat Behaviourist and Trainer
- Specialising in preventing and modifying reactivity and aggression.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
- Professional Development Programme in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
- Canine Coaching Diploma
- Enhanced DBS Certificate
- Candidate Member of Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians
- Provisional Member of the The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - APBC - Provisional members have demonstrated that they have the appropriate level of Knowledge and Understanding for the professional role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB). They are now gaining the practical experience necessary to be assessed as a CAB and therefore become a Full member of the APBC. The APBC supports its Provisional members undertaking behaviour consultations.
- Insured
- Educational speaker for the Blue Cross UK
- Dog Trainer and Behaviourist
- Finalist in the national everywoman Entrepreneur 2023 Awards founded by Karen Gill MBE and Maxine Benson - out of nearly 1000 nominations 30 women made the final - woop 🎉
- Silver Winner Best Business Women Awards 2022
- Check out our sister
site that is exclusively for cats.
My awards, memberships and places you may have seen or heard me on..
