Ignorant dog owners vs smart dogs

It is easy to get the idea that small dogs have a minority complex, but the answer is unfortunately not that simple, or amusing for that matter. It is rather depressing to think of all those small dogs, whose owners have completely neglected giving them at least a basic education in social manners and obedience. Just because a dog is handy enough to be held on a leash with less effort, or even carried on the arm when the shit hits the fan, does not mean that he is happier since he is released from attending the canine elementary school. Instead you will end up with a dog that is insecure, unhappy and restless. He does not know who is the leader in the family, which means that he feels obliged to take that responsibility himself and this is what causes the severe barking and possessive behaviour in many dogs. The fact that he is rarely allowed to socialise with other dogs also makes him insecure, sceptic, and because of that either very reserved and frightened, or outspoken aggressive.

What made me think of this was my longer walk with Goshen yesterday afternoon. We pass so many small dogs on every walk, free ones moping around their houses, as well as leashed ones, on walks with their owners, and most of them are barking and charging, pulling on the leash and making drama. The owners sometimes cross over to the other side of the street when they see that they meet us, not because of Goshen, but to avoid too much hustle from their own dog. Goshen couldn't care less and just quietly walks by my side. I cannot see the logic in being so lazy that you avoid educating your dog, but instead you end up with a furry piraña that causes trouble all the time.

Today I cut up some of the dog food in smaller pieces to see if I could enhance the training a little bit, and Goshen was so enthusiastic that she did all things at once, dropped the treats and couldn't care less... When I get a clicker for her, I will be able to teach her to make a seven-course dinner!