Preventing Behavioral Problems in Small Dogs at Home
The first thing you need to understand is that a walk will not stimulate your dog. In most cases, walking a dog in an urban environment increases stress.
Small breeds have big personalities and the same needs as larger dogs. Too often owners assume tiny dogs need less training or exercise, treating them like “ornaments” instead of active pets in reality, under-stimulated small dogs can become bored, anxious, or frustrated.
I’ve seen many cases where a frustrated dog exhibits aggression, barking at windows, nipping. As soon as the dog has a ‘job’ they relax and the behavior goes away. Behavior problems rarely need training. Instead, they need
A lack of outlets for their natural instincts (playing, chewing, sniffing, etc.) quickly leads to unwanted behaviors.
For example, dogs left without mental or physical activity often resort to chewing furniture, barking incessantly, digging, or pacing just to entertain themselves. In short, “dogs who don’t receive stimulation tend to find ways to enrich themselves, resulting in unwanted behaviors”. Preventing these problems starts with understanding that your small dog needs regular play, socialization, and training – just like any other dog.
Signs of Boredom and Under-Stimulation
A bored or under-exercised dog will tell you in its behavior. Look for persistent signs such as chewing up toys or furniture, overturning trash cans, or digging in the yard. Excessive barking at nothing, tail-chasing, or frantic greeting behaviors can also signal pent-up energy or anxiety.
Even if your small dog seems to have plenty of space, without structure and activity it will find its own fun – often in ways that frustrate you. (Separating true separation anxiety from boredom can be hard, but most of the time destructive or attention-seeking acts simply mean “I need something to do!”.)
Importantly, small dogs aren’t naturally snippy or reactive; these behaviors often come from fear or boredom due to insufficient socialization and exercise. In fact, when dogs of any size are given appropriate outlets for their energy, “many nuisance behaviors rooted in boredom naturally stop occurring” akc.org.
Meeting Your Small Dog’s Physical and Mental Needs
The good news is that most behavior problems from boredom are preventable. By building more activity and enrichment into your dog’s day, you can satisfy its instincts and avoid mischief.
The key is consistent routines and positive outlets. Dogs “thrive on consistency and benefit from knowing what to expect, so a regular schedule of walks, playtime, mealtimes, and training sessions is crucial. Here are some easy, practical strategies you can use at home:
Puzzle feeders & slow feeders:
Turn meals into a game by using an interactive feeding toy or puzzle instead of a plain bowl. Puzzle feeders (like Kongs, snuffle mats, or treat-dispensing bowls) make your dog work for its food, slowing down gulping and giving mental exercise.
Food puzzles “slow down your dog’s eating and provide mental stimulation,” engaging their natural foraging drive. Scattering kibble in a muffin tin under tennis balls or stuffing it in a rolled-up towel are simple DIY versions.
Slower, brainy meals not only tire your pup out mentally but also reduce the chance of scavenging behavior or chow-time anxiety.
Interactive games and scent activities:
Regular play and sniffing games tap into your dog’s curious nature. For example, play hide-and-seek or a “find it” game: while your dog waits or stays in another room, hide treats or a favorite toy around the house, then let them hunt it out petmd.com. This challenges your dog to use problem-solving and smell-tracking skills.
Likewise, take “sniff walks” where your dog is allowed to nose around at its own pace can help. Sniffing has been shown to lower a dog’s heart rate (reducing stress) and even release feel-good chemicals like dopamine. But, sniffing at home, in a sensory box, or a sniffer space at our daycare will do more than a sniffer walk because it is ‘safe.’
Simple games of fetch or tug with chew-safe toys also burn energy in short sessions. Rotating a few different chew toys or safe puzzle toys keeps things interesting and prevents boredom.
Consistent routines and exercise:
Stick to regular daily schedules for exercise, play, and rest. A brief play period or active mental stimulation session each day – even just 10–15 minutes several times a day – helps small dogs expend energy.
Because “dogs thrive on consistency,” giving daily exercise (tailored to your dog’s size and age) will make them more content. Mix indoor play (like gentle tug-of-war or chasing a toy) with short outdoor strolls or yard time.
Keep feeding and potty times on a routine too. Over time, this predictability reduces anxiety: your dog knows when to expect fun and food, so they’re less likely to become restless or reactive between activities.
Trick dog training and socialization:
Why trick dog? Because we train ‘trick dog’ different than obedience. It is for fun. There are no preconceived expectations when training. DoMoreWithYourDog.com has over 200 behaviors you can teach a dog. All are easy to train, are suitable for small dogs, and can be taught in your livingroom.
Building in training sessions gives mental stimulation and structure. Use positive reinforcement techniques: reward desirable behaviors with treats, praise, or play. Trainers note that “positive reinforcement and consistency are key factors in successful training for all breeds”.
Short, fun training workouts (even 5 minutes a few times a day) teach your dog basic manners and boost confidence. Teach simple cues (sit, stay, lie down, leave-it) as games – this gives them purpose and can reduce attention-seeking.
Early and ongoing socialization is also vital. Socialization is not a one time thing that you teach puppies. It is a lifetime exercise. Socialization doesn’t mean forcing your small dog into scary situations. Instead, it means pairing fun with strange and different things.
Introduce your small dog, at its own pace, to new people, pets, and environments – from a distance. It is not socializing if your pup is scared or forced – it is truamatizing.
Gentle exposure with rewards will prevent fear-based behaviors. As one trainer advises, pairing new experiences with treats helps small dogs form positive associations. Always use patience and praise – harsh corrections can make tiny dogs fearful. Over time, a well-socialized, trained dog will be more relaxed and less likely to develop the exaggerated “little dog” behaviors of anxiety or defensiveness.
By giving your small dog a mix of physical exercise, play, and mental challenges each day, you meet its natural needs and greatly reduce problem behaviors.
A busy, happy dog is far less likely to bark out of boredom or get destructive. Remember that even tiny dogs need structure and enrichment – as one expert puts it, they require “the same level of care and attention as larger dogs”.
With a consistent routine, puzzle toys, fun games, and gentle training, you’ll keep your little companion engaged and content. In the end, a well-exercised, mentally stimulated small dog will be a well-behaved dog you love to live with.
Sources: Expert advice and studies emphasize the importance of training, exercise, and enrichment for small dogs. These strategies help prevent boredom-related behaviors and keep your pup healthy and happy at home. If you are interested in reading some books on cognitive behavior, send me an email. I love to share some of my favourite books and resources with pet owners.