Dogs come in so many different shapes and sizes, and some small dog breeds make excellent pets, from miniature poodles to Chihuahuas. Each breed has its own characteristics and predispositions, but small breeds have a lot in common with each other. If you own one of these little dogs or plan on owning one in the future, here are some small dog care tips to keep in mind.

1. Avoid Overfeeding

Little dogs eat less than small dogs, which means it is easier to overfeed them. If you have had larger dogs your whole life, you may tend to scoop more food into your dog's bowl than they really need. Additionally, treats fed throughout the day also add up faster when your dog weighs 20 pounds or less.

Over time, overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can lead to an array of health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. If you avoid overfeeding and keep your little dog at a healthy weight, he or she should enjoy longer, healthier life.

Look for a dog food that is designed for small breeds, and follow the instructions on the package. Weigh your dog to ensure you're feeding the proper amount of food based on his or her weight. Use treats judiciously, and feed small, nugget-size treats rather than larger bones. This way, your dog gets to enjoy the experience of getting treats, but he or she does not consume so many calories with each treat.

2. Make Training a Priority

Small dogs are more likely to be under-trained than large dogs. This may be because they are easier to pick up or because bad behavior is not perceived as so dangerous in smaller dogs. However, a lack of training can result in a little dog that has few manners, is aggressive towards strangers, or barks incessantly. If you want a pet you can enjoy being around, you need to make training a priority - even for small breeds.

Send your dog to a professional trainer when he or she is between eight and 12 weeks old to get started with basic skills and manners. With small dogs especially, the trainer will focus on positively reinforcing good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior, since harsher methods like leash correction can be scary or even dangerous for tiny dogs.

3. Don't Allow Jumping Onto Furniture

The distance from the floor to the couch is a lot greater for a small dog than for a big golden retriever. Small dogs are likely to suffer injuries like torn toenails and bulged intervertebral discs when allowed to jump on furniture. Repeated jumps may also increase their risk of developing arthritis later on.

If you do not want your dog on the furniture, start training for this behavior early on when he or she is still a puppy. If you do wish to allow your dog on the furniture, provide him or her with a way to easily climb up onto that furniture. Place a doggy staircase or even a low stool next to the couch, and use treats to encourage your dog to use that route rather than jumping.

4. Use a Harness, Not a Collar When Leading

Small dogs have a tendency to get tangled in their leashes, which can put strain on their neck and back when wearing a collar. Plus, what feels like a slight pull to you can actually be quite a strong pull to a small dog. A harness distributes any pressure put on the leash a lot better than a collar, so your dog is less likely to experience injury or strain if he or she pulls or gets tangled in the leash.

Small dogs can make excellent companions, and with the tips above, you can provide your little friend with the best care. Are you looking for training opportunities for your small dog? Contact Eli's Friends to learn about our training services offered by experienced staff members.