Small Dog Training in SE Wisconsin
Dog: Stella
"Steve has been working with our little Stella (7lb maltese yorkie) who has been QUITE a handful despite spending thousands of dollars on in-home training, group training, and even a behavioralist. Stella is a sweet girl to those she knows and feels safe inside but is an absolute terror outside (barking, growling, lunging, snapping). She was embarrassed to even attempt to take for a walk...which was so sad because she loves the outdoors. Thanks to Steve, I was almost brought to tears yesterday as I walked Stella down the street and encountered a person, a dog, and even small children making lots of noise. Stella even SAT while we had a conversation and let kids throw treats to her! After 3 years of horrible behavior outside, multiple attempts at training, we are FINALLY making progress thanks to Steve. We almost gave up on training due to the huge amount of money we previously invested and came to the reality that, this is just Stella.....DO NOT GIVE UP! CALL STEVE! We are immeasurably thankful that we did. We feel like we have known Steve forever and has been a pleasure to work with. He truly saved our little girl and you can't put a price on that." - Teryn H.
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Small Dog Training That Actually Works for Milwaukee & Waukesha
Stella's story is a powerful reminder that a dog's size has no bearing on the seriousness of their behavior. Too often, significant issues in small dogs are dismissed as yappy or feisty until they, like Stella, become an absolute terror on walks. After owners have spent thousands on training that doesn't work, they feel hopeless. We've seen it time and time again.
The Truth About "Small Dog Syndrome"
This isn't a real diagnosis, but a collection of very real behaviors that are often ignored in small dogs simply because they aren't as physically intimidating.
Does this sound like your dog?
- Constant, frantic barking at people, dogs or noises.
- Lunging, growling or snapping while on leash.
- Refusing to listen to basic commands.
- Jumping all over guests without being corrected.
- Acting like the boss of the house.
These actions almost always stem from fear, insecurity and a lack of clear boundaries. This would be immediately addressed in a larger breed.
A Better Approach for Your Little Dog
As Teryn experienced before calling us, many training methods fail small dogs because they don't address the root cause. A one-size-fits-all plan designed for a Labrador won't work for a 7lb Morkie. Our private, in-home training is different. We focus on:
- Building Confidence, Not Fear: A small dog sees the world from a vulnerable perspective. Our first goal is to build their confidence through positive reinforcement, making them feel safe so they don't need to lash out.
- Setting Clear, Consistent Boundaries: Small dogs thrive on structure. We teach you how to establish clear, fair rules that your dog can understand, creating a respectful and calm relationship.
- Empowering the Owner: We show you how to read your dog's body language and handle stressful situations calmly. Your confidence will travel right down the leash to your dog, preventing panic before it starts.
- Creating a Personalized Plan: Just like with Stella, we develop a custom plan that works for your dog's specific personality and your family's lifestyle, creating results that last for life.
You don't have to be embarrassed to walk your dog. A calm, happy companion is possible, no matter how many other training methods have failed you.