The Ultimate Guide to Puppy Care and Training. Tracy J. Libby

the time to properly and adequately socialize him during this critical life stage. Doing so is time consuming and takes a lot of energy. However, it is a necessary and obligatory investment if you want your puppy to grow into a happy, confident dog. His future will be shaped by how much you do—or fail to do—during the critical socialization period.

      Little-Dog Syndrome

      Everything you do with your puppy—showering him with affection, taking him everywhere dogs are permitted, feeding him, taking him for walks—help facilitate a first-rate human–canine relationship. Buying him fun toys and a fancy dog bed makes his life more comfortable, and it’s fun for you, too. Some people consider it “spoiling” a dog, but it’s a fine line. If your puppy comes to you when you call him; if he doesn’t fight with other dogs, swipe food from the counter, or commit heinous acts against your personal property; and if he grows into a well-behaved dog, a little spoiling isn’t too bad, is it?

      The key is recognizing the difference between a well-behaved puppy that you indulge from time to time and a spoiled ruffian who bites and snaps because he has truly been spoiled. Some people label this “little-dog syndrome” because you tend to see it more often in small or toy dogs. For some reason, people tend to be amused by snarky behaviors in little dogs, such as a pampered Pomeranian sitting on his owner’s lap and growling passersby or a 4-pound Chihuahua sprinting to attack someone’s shin bone. You have probably caught yourself laughing at these situations, too. Some owners think this behavior is comical, so they reward it, whether intentionally or not. Sadly, these behaviors are dangerous because they become ingrained, and these puppies grow into adult dogs who think they are invincible. It is nearly impossible to turn these half-pint hooligans into nice, happy dogs. Instead, these puppies grow into dogs who can’t be trusted and really aren’t fun to be around.

      Look ahead to your puppy’s future and recognize what behaviors you want to encourage and discourage so that you instill and reward those behaviors that foster a happy, healthy puppy.