How different is raising a small (toy) breed from raising an regular average size dog?

Thinking of taking in a rescued yorkie (we think she's "teacup" but we haven't met her yet, we just got a call from the rescue...) but have no experience with toy breeds. We have a 30 lb (rescued, of course) fairly well trained, lab mix - is raising/training such a small dog going to be very different? Any links or resource suggestions?|||It is important that you train the little dog the same as a larger breed. The problem with most small dogs is the owners. They let them get away with things because what is unacceptable in a larger breed is "cute" when a little dog does it. Do not fall into this thinking. Here are some tips


** smaller bladders. have to go more often""


** harder to housebreak - can have a quick accident very quickly before you notice


** May have been pre spoiled


** make them walk on their own 4 paws. Carrying them everywhere makes them either timid or defensive/aggressive


** They have been bred for generations to be companions. most demand your attention


** bones are fragile don't let them jump off furniture. Not recommended with small children


** They think they are bigger than they are. be cautious when playing with larger dogs. May get injured unintentionally


Also, another note: they have fragile necks and tracheas. Be careful of what you use on their necks. I like a well fitting martingale. this is like a cross between a chain training collar and a flat collar. When training it does not close completely around the neck but you still get the snapping sound of a training collar for the correction. Do not jerk them. If you use a flat collar only they will learn to pull on it creating pressure on their necks.


** Most important socialize


|||Small dogs are often spoiled and you'll need to work on boundaries and manners from the time you bring the dog home. Also depending on exactly how small the dog is, you may need to feed it more than the 2-3 times a day average dogs require because they have a tendency to have low blood sugar if they don't eat several small meals a day. Other than that, not much difference.|||Just that their bladders will be smaller. I notice my Toy Poodle has to potty more than my other dogs did.





Training and so on is about the same...varies from dog to dog.|||Well with a regular sized dog you can usualy see them, with a toy you might sit on them or constantly trip over it. |||It is not extremely different from a normal sized dog, though you may be dealing with some very poor socialization in an adult toy breed. They do require sometimes slightly different training approaches and really an emphasis on positive methods only. Owners tend to treat them differently than big dogs, not socialize them coddle them, and treat them like kids. This can result in a snappish, frightened, clingy, just all-around insecure and difficult dog. But, take heart, it can be undone with some time and patience. I took in a 3 year old mill dog this spring, and she's well on her way to being normal, obedient, and happy now! I would strongly recommend buying or checking out at your local library the book "Little Dogs, Training Your Pint Sized Companion" by Deborah Wood. Good luck!