Big vs. Little Dogs - trained to be different

Dogs are pretty much dogs. Regardless of size, build, or gender, all dogs are capable of learning the same things, participating in the same dog sports. But this week we realized a big difference in the way big vs. little dogs are trained.

In our classes we have all kinds of dogs, big, little, purebreds, cross-breeds, young, mature, etc. There’s no dog that can’t be trained, and there’s no limit on what they can learn.

What people teach them, however, varies by size.

Default to down

Almost every single big dog is trained to lie down as a default behavior. Until we realized what people were doing, we were puzzled. We rarely ask our dogs to “Down!” It’s something we’ve trained for the dog sports we play, but it’s not the position we ask for at home.

We’re like most small-dog people that way. When we want our dogs to get out of the way, or stop hooliganizing in the house, we tell them to “Sit!”

A matter of control

We think there may be a bit of caution that flavors the training that larger dogs get. People know their big dogs are faster and stronger than they are, so they try to exert more control over their actions. It generally works out, because almost all larger dogs were bred to take direction from people. 

We know a woman with a Rottweiler who always seems a bit intimidated by the size and strength of her dog. No surprise, her husband chose the breed. She really doesn’t need to be concerned. Not only is her dog beautifully trained. He’s also just a big, goofy softie. He’s one of the ones who lies down by default, because it’s what he’s been trained to do.

Most dogs, given a choice, won’t choose to lie down unless they’re comfortably at home, or in a very familiar place. It’s a more vulnerable position than a sit or stand. They can’t easily see what’s going on behind them, and they can’t be ready for action as quickly.

Ready for action

Almost all small dogs, regardless of breed, probably have some terrier genes in their make-up. Unlike the working breeds, terriers were designed to work independently. Their original job was to rid their environment of pests like rats and mice.

Small dogs pay close attention to what’s going on around them. They’re wary of feet, and getting kicked or stepped on. While big dogs may get a toe or tail stepped on, they pretty much take it for granted that they’re an obstacle that can be seen and avoided. 

Just an observation

We just thought it was interesting when we noticed big dogs lying down by default. When your dog can reach your shoulders when they’re on their hind legs, a lower profile is probably desirable. It’s also, most likely, a defense against counter-surfing. It also defends against getting surfaces cleared by a wagging tail.

When big dog people, for whatever reason, get to know or have a small dog, they’re always surprised by how doggy small dogs are. Dogs, when all is said and done, are dogs.