toy dogs anyone?

[toydogmom]

I'm new to this site. I'm desperately looking for dog owners that have experience working with toy breed rescue dogs. I have a long history working with larger rescue dogs (~70 lb), but as of yesterday, I now have my first toy rescue. By toy, I mean 6.5 lbs. He was found freezing in a parking lot behind Dunkin Donuts. The manager told me that originally there had been 3 of them and my little guy was the only on still there. He looks like a a toy fox terrier.

He's a sweet little guy and doesn't seem to have a problem with my two larger dogs, but he is terrified of everything else: carpet, tile, stairs, noise...I've had him for almost 24 hours and he hasn't eaten or made any noise whatsoever. He seems to mostly want to curl up next to me or my feet. I crated him last night and he seemed fine. As far as I can tell he didn't mess in his crate. He is definitely not housebroken and he doesn't know what a leash is. When I take him outside all he does is shiver and stare.

In a larger dog, this scenario wouldn't seem nearly so daunting; been there done that. But somehow the size of this little thing seems to make a difference. I'm already finding that he's training me to pick him up whenever he's nervous. And I have to admit that leash training something so little does seem a little ludicrous. Right now, he's wearing a cat collar and that's too big for him.

So, does anybody have any experience with rehabing and/or training a dog this small?

Thanks much.

 

[Brattina88]

Yes - there are several of us who've had experience with fostering or training tiny dogs who have been abused/neglected/ you name it. Feel free to ask any questions - I'm sure many will share their experiences / thoughts soon

To me, this sounds like typical behavior of a smaller dog who may have had a bit of a trauma. It sounds like he needs more time to adjust to your household, schedule, surroundings, etc. To me it's really too soon to tell if its a lack of socialization or training because he's still adjusting. IME, size isn't that big of a difference... if anything small dogs get away with more than they should... LoL. He has legs, and can walk. In fact, little dogs need exercise just the same [my Mother got a mini daschund and she has little dog syndrome (My mom, not the dog). Sometimes I wonder my mom knows she can walk haha. Magically she walks for me when Mom's not watching] People tend to carry smaller dogs, reassure them at the wrong times... try to avoid that if possible lol
He does need to be seen by a vet to rule out anything physical
Do you have any idea how old he is?

I'd give him some time to adjust before working with the leash or any other formal training just yet. However, be consistent with the potty training and limits of the house hold. I'm glad he seems to get along with your bigger dogs... when I was actively fostering, I often found that the newer additions were picking up habits and learning from the dogs that were there first definitely a plus

 

[toydogmom]

Hi Brattina88;

Thanks for answering, I really appreciate it. It seems that as a personality, I'm going to have to really guard against little dog syndrome.

My initial chief concern is of course, housebreaking (no suprises there). I'm usually home during the days so watching Brutus (my stepson named him) isn't a problem and I've been very successful at catching him in the act. However, there is a large quantity of snow on the ground outside, which he seems to have problems with; shivering, lifting paws, generally unhappy demeanor. Is he too little to go in the snow? I'm trying to avoid the puppy pad thing because of my other dogs.

My other problem is embarrassing to admit, but I think I really suffer from size profiling. It's just really hard to think of this little guy as being as smart as my big guys. I know some little dogs compete in tracking, agility and obedience, but I don't think I've seen one this small...

 

[Herschel]

If he doesn't start eating soon, you might want to give him some Nutri-cal to give him some sort of nutrition. You could put it in his bowl to prevent him from getting accustomed to eating from your hand.

 

[toydogmom]

Thanks Herschel,


He still hasn't eaten anything. I think tonight when I crate him I'll put a little rice and nutri-cal in his crate.

I took him to the vet this afternoon. The age verdict seems to be about 6 mos. but it's really hard to tell because his teeth are unbelievable messed up. He's retained alot of puppy teeth and they're sticking out at all angles.

However, today we did make progress in basic skills. Brutus learned that the it was safe to cross from the dining room carpet to the big bad living room carpet and he went up one of the porch steps by himself. He also fell down some stairs (yikes!).

Until I can get him a little more acclimated to the great outdoors, I guess I'm going to have to let him use paper. (sigh!)

Anymore advice on do's and don'ts with toys would be really appreciated.

 

[Maxy24]

If I were you I would shovel him and nice sized potty area so you don't have to train him to pee on your floor. I had to do that for my dog (he was not little though) because he HATED snow between his toes. Give him time and don't baby him, if you cuddle him when he's scared you are teaching him it's good to be afraid. Just let him be and he'll slowly get used to it. Don't force him to go into situations that make him scared, just encourage him to do it himself and praise him when he does.

 

[toydogmom]

Hi There Maxy24;

I guess I should have been clearer. While we have several feet of snow on the ground, the area that I'm taking him to is shovelled. We snowblow a large area for my large dogs to use every year. But there's still some bits of ice and slush on the ground and Brutus clearly "no likey". I agree about not training him to pee on the floor, especially with my other dogs, so this evening I've put down plastic and paper on the side porch. Hopefully, this will work as an in between stage and at least it's not in the house.

Anyway, thanks for the encouraging words, they really are helpful I must say that for a dog that is 1/3 the weight of my Maine Coon Cat, Brutus is beginning to show a very LARGE personality.

Oh, I did get him to eat some rice and chicken broth. Progress

 

[lizzybeth727]

I have a 6.5 pound chihuahua, who I also rescued when she was a year old. I can tell you, my little dog is certainly just as much "dog" as any big dog. She is just as trainable as the big dogs (knows many obedience commands, including heel, which is possably more important for little dogs, because if they pull too hard on the leash they could collapse their tracheas), and certainly has just as much personality.

Did you know that the DNA of a chihuahua and a great dane is so similar that they are indistinguishable? They're more alike than people think.

And cat collars are fine, as long as they're not the "break away" collars or stretchy collars, because your dog will learn very quickly how to get out of those! I never have a problem finding a collar small enough for my dog at petstores, her size is 8-10 inch. THere's even a collar size smaller, 5-7 inch, and it's really hard to find a dog that's too small for a 5 inch collar.

 

[toydogmom]

Oh Boy a Trip to the Pet Store

Thanks for the tip on the collar size. Yup, the one he had on did stretch and yes, he could get out of it.

I'm also going to buy a bunch of sweaters for him. I can't find information anywhere on what temperatures sweaters would be appropriate for. It's freakishly warm here today, 40 degrees, and he's still shivering when I take him on to the porch, but I don't know if he's cold or nervous. I figure the sweater will at least rule out cold. When do you use one for your little chi?

Also, is your little dog able to go up and down stairs in the house? It seems to me that he should be able to learn this, but my husband thinks it's unfair to expect him to negotiate stairs when the individual steps are as tall as he is.

It's really great to hear that your chi learns quickly and well. I'm actually becoming a little excited to start working with this little guy, but first he needs to feel safe in his environment.

 

[PoodleMommy]

Oh Boy a Trip to the Pet Store

Thanks for the tip on the collar size. Yup, the one he had on did stretch and yes, he could get out of it.

I'm also going to buy a bunch of sweaters for him. I can't find information anywhere on what temperatures sweaters would be appropriate for. It's freakishly warm here today, 40 degrees, and he's still shivering when I take him on to the porch, but I don't know if he's cold or nervous. I figure the sweater will at least rule out cold. When do you use one for your little chi?

Also, is your little dog able to go up and down stairs in the house? It seems to me that he should be able to learn this, but my husband thinks it's unfair to expect him to negotiate stairs when the individual steps are as tall as he is.

It's really great to hear that your chi learns quickly and well. I'm actually becoming a little excited to start working with this little guy, but first he needs to feel safe in his environment.

All mine can use the stairs including the 3 pound yorkie... they can also get on and off the bed, couch, etc. Use treats the lure the dog up and down the stairs a few times and then you wont be able to stop him.
We have sweaters for all of them and usually use them when it is 30 degrees or so and below. If you can find any FIDO fleece they are the best ones, they stay on great and are very easy to get on and off.
Another tip would be to try a harness instead of a collar... I find this is much better for small dogs, although some people have a hard time teaching leash manner with harnesses as they allow dogs to get away with pulling more.
Good Luck
Elissa

 

[girlbuffalo1]

little dogs

First off kudos to you for rescuing this little guy. He surely wouldn't have made it out there alone much longer.

Our Brussels Griffon Honey is the same weight as your little guy and was adopted from a foster home (she was a puppy mill rescue and had all sorts of medical issues as a pup). Here are the things I have learned after having her since April '07:

Patience! This is most important. It will most likely take what seems a VERY long time for him to coming around to being more normal. Honey within the last month or so (so after we've had her for around 7 months) has finally started playing and recently has taken an interest in toys. She finally can do 2-3 commands and is becoming more trusting.

Don't baby him! This is important. Yes he should be able to go up and down stairs if he doesn't have a physical problem! Do not pick him up when he is shivering in fear. Only give love and affection when he is being a good little boy. I do baby Honey, but I have learned when to baby and when not to. I don't baby her when she is crying in her crate. I don't baby her when she is hiding in the corner because a paper shuffled in the other room. (she is very skittery as well).

About the stairs--honey was afraid too go up or down--but once I didn't pay attention to her at all and ran up and down a few times with my other dog--she followed all alone and did just fine. You may have to work with treats too--if that helps.

He absolutely should be leash trained. I never get people who don't take their little dogs out for walks. Often times the experience of a walk can really make a difference in their confidence levels. Honey had never been on a leash before either--and the first time fought it and jumped around like I was killing her. I soon found that a harness was the answer--she would walk on a harness and would do extra well if we were walking both of our dogs together. Often times in dogs that are people and noise shy they are not dog shy--your other dogs can help her a great deal in overcoming fears. Honey still will stop sometimes if Wrigley isn't next to her in front--but next to her or in front she will happily walk along. Now she does fine on just collar and leash and the harness is not needed.

There is a brand at Petsmart called Lil Paw (here's a link on their site http://www.petsmart.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2767069&cp=2767032&f=PAD%2FBrand%2FLil+Paw&fbc=1&fbn=Brand%7CLil+Paw&fbx=0 )

This has worked really well for Honey and seems to be the right size--I would take him with you to try it out though--to me they feel a bit more substantial than the cat collar she came with (and you are using now). They also make harnesses.

As far as coats and clothing go Honey (who is 6.5 lbs) wears a size Small generally and sometimes an XS. As far as temperatures go I do let her out potty in what ever weather without a coat--but she generally knows to go out and come right back. On walks or play outside generally if it is below 50 degrees she gets her fleece pull over and if it is 30 or below she gets her coat (it is a suede with that lamb like lining). This seems to keep her from shivering.

I think the shivering probably is a lot from fear as well--however your new addition has less hair than a Griffon--so maybe it is partially from cold. I would try to keep his potty area as clean from snow and ice as possible.
I know when it was snowy out Honey started pooping on our patio--luckily that didn't last for long. If you have shoveled it--you should expect him to go there--even if he doesn't "like" it.

Wow--that was probably my longest post ever on this forum--anyways if you have any other questions feel free to ask and I will try to help with my own experience.

 

[Giny]

Hey, another Mainer, nice to see you here. Congrats on your new dog and thank you so much for rescuing him. I have 3 small dogs, 3 lbs, 6 lbs and 12 lbs.

I'm in the southern part of Maine, where are you? I'd love to have another little play buddy for my dogs.

I also had my 6 lbs dog in flyball training a few years ago. I had to quite due to some of his health issues but little dogs dog great in that sport.

 

[toydogmom]

Wow, thanks for all of the great advice :hail: We, meaning everyone my house big and small, appreciates it greatly.

Poodlemommy: Thanks for the words of encouragement. If your little yorkie can get up the stairs, then Brutus should be able to. He's actually been trying to jump up on the couch, he just hasn't quite figured it out yet. I just got back from the pet store where we got 2 fido fleeces and an itty-bitty little harness. Thanks so much.

GirlBuffalo1: You are awesome. I learned so much from reading your post and I feel so much more optimistic. Brutus actually peed outside today!! Of course, it wasn't on my property--it was at my friends house, but still it was huge progress. What a Gooooood Boy!!!

When we got back from the pet store we tried taking a little walk on the leash up and down the driveway. All things considered, I think it went pretty well. However, I can tell you that with Brutus' new fleece outfit and the pretty purple leash, it's pretty much a given that dad is not going to be one of his dog walkers.

I couldn't find anything warmer than a fleece, but I'll keep looking. I think he's definitely going to need a coat.

Giny: We're up in Western Maine, but I come to Portland fairly often and my hubby is presently contracting at Wright Express, so he's down there a few times a week. Brutus seems to be fine with dogs and would probably love one his own size to play with. The larger dogs tolerate him, but they don't seem to have much use for him, even though my golden has played a little with him. It's pretty funny to watch.

Again, thanks for all of the help. I'll try and post a picture soon.

 

[adojrts]

I have several jrts and have had many pups that weigh 6 lbs or so at 6 months of age.
To go outside, I never put a coat on them, unless its for a long walk during these cold Canadian winters. The pups do just fine. I agree don't baby him, he has feet and he can learn in the winter to go outside.
It sounds like he is more nervous and worried than cold, he could be cold if he isn't moving around much either although.

Little dogs can do anything (and if they can't they often think that they can lol), the smallest dog I knew doing agility was Bubba Zoom, she was a 4.6 lb Chi. She made it to the Canadian World Agility Team (amazing little agility dog, scare the crap out of anyone watching her do the teeter lol), sadly she died when she took a reaction to the vacc's that had to be given pior to leaving for Europe to compete.
Kudo's to you for taking him in, sounds like he just needs some time and some TLC, I would expect you ll have a different dog in a couple of weeks.

Lynn

 

[lizzybeth727]

As far as sweaters, for my dog, my rule of thumb is that if I'm comfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt, she's probably comfortable too. Of course, she loves it much warmer than that, too. That way, if we're just sitting outside, it needs to be a little warmer (probably about 70-73), but if we're walking or jogging, it can be colder (about 60-65). If we're not out for long, like a quick potty break, I don't put a sweater on her unless the temperature is less than about 40.

Also, if she's sleeping in the house, she basically can't get too hot. She loves snuggling under blankets, and will lay in the sun until she's panting pretty heavily before she moves.

Oh yeah, and little dogs can usually jump 3-4 times their height. My dog is in agility, and her jumps are only supposed to be 8 inches high. Every once in a while, she'll be just running around and jump a jump set for another dog, 20 or 22 inches tall, without even really trying. She can easily jump onto my bed (although she's not supposed to), it's about 3 1/2 feet high.

So yeah, a 6 inch stair should not be a problem.

 

[bubbatd]

I really admire those of you who take in the little ones !!! I'm a big dog lover and if I ever did bring a little one in , I would treat it as big dog . No pampering because of size etc . That's where mini's get their bad rep .

 

[toydogmom]

Wow, you guys are great...

Adojrts: It really helped hearing that you are in Canada with 6 lb pups. As cold and snowy as our winters are, they're still tougher in Ontario. So, last night when we went out for our bedtime pee, I just waited and waited and waited...Brutus had his little dog coat on and he shivered, looked miserable, picked up his paws, tried to climb my legs and finally sighed and peed!!! YAY!!! So yesterday only one attempt at peeing in the house which I caught and the rest outside. No puppy pads, no nothing. And the kicker is that I had been standing on one of the few snow free patches and he chose to go on the ice!!

Lizzybeth: Thanks for the jumping info. I think Brutus's muscles need a little more conditioning. He's beginning to make it up stairs by himself (just a couple) but he's definitely working for it. He does this weird standing on his hind legs thing--almost like ferret, but he doesn't seem to have the idea of jumping yet. Now, thanks to you guys, I have an idea of what is reasonable to expect and I'm hoping that with a healthy diet and some conditioning he'll be bouncing around soon.

bubbatd: I've always been a large dog person myself. Goldens, labs, chows... and I have a fairly extensive background in obedience, tracking, and therapy dog stuff. However, I have to say that I can only think of one of my dogs current or previous that might have been able to survive the circumstance that this little guy was living in. He's super tough and proving to be unbelievably smart. I'll probably take a good ribbing from my dog buddy's about him, but he's worth it...

Thanks again everybody:hail:

 

[Brattina88]

... I was wondering how it was going.... Hopefully well!

 

[toydogmom]

Hi Brattina88,

Thanks for asking. Things are going pretty well. I had some questions about feeding/food intake that I posted under health, but I don't think any small dog people saw the post. I think his food issues are straightening out--at least he's beginning to eat twice a day. Because I'm home all day house breaking isn't much of a problem--except that he's stubborn in bad weather and would prefer to hold it rather than go in the snow.

My main worry at the moment is that my good friends springer spaniel just tried to maul him. Brutus is fine, but yikes! It scared the heck out of me. I don't want him to be scared of other dogs, but I don't think I'm going to be introducing him to any dogs over 20 lbs from now on. So socializing is going to be difficult. Any hints on safe places to meet little dogs?

Also, he's showing signs that he might have luxating patellas, so I'm a little worried about that.

Other than that, I now own two things I thought I never would: a toy and a terrier. I must say that I'm growing intensely enamored of both. I'm also thanking my stars that he's only 6 lbs. I was planning on giving him a full 3 weeks to settle in to a routine before I started any formal training, but I'm dusting off my clicker sooner than I expected. Each day he gets stronger and more energetic. This morning his zoomies reminded me of the cartoon tasmanian devil.

As always, any toy dog advice is appreciated

 

[~Jessie~]

I just wanted to applaud you on rescuing your little one

I have 3 chihuahuas, and as you can see I've fallen in love with these tiny dogs. They really are smart little dogs, and are just like big dogs (only in smaller bodies!).

Good luck!