Activities For First Time Small Dog Owners
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
A common misconception that the first time small dog owner may believe is that small dogs don’t require as much activity. Maybe you’re thinking that they prefer to lie around the house or yard, keeping things as small and simple as they are. However, don’t be so sure. You’ll need to get to know your tiny friend just like you would a larger breed. Stick around. We’ll suggest some activities that’ll get you and your new teeny fur baby off on the right foot (and paw)!
Meet the Neighborhood
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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Collar or Harness
Leash
Doggie Waste Bags
Activity description
No matter where you live, more than likely you have neighbors, even if they’re a mile down the road. Whether you live in a city apartment, suburban house, or out on country land, there’s plenty to do and see. Your neighborhood may even be more nature-centered, your neighbors the trees and birds. Don’t be mistaken. Though your small dog may become tired a little sooner than a large dog with long legs and great strength, they may only need to act in intervals, making time for breaks. Make no mistake, though. They want to get out and about. They’ll love the attention from locals, and they’ll love the chance to get acquainted with their new home and streets’ smells.
Step
1
Get set
Be sure they’re watered, harnessed up, and ready to go! Don’t forget to pack some doggie waste bags. Inevitably, your small dog will have to leave their small mark on another’s property, and you will want to have those bags just in case. If at all possible, walk them in your own space and try to take care of that at home. After all, you’re trying to make new friends here.
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2
Establish a routine
After a few days, your small doggo will know exactly where to turn and walk if you take the same path. They’ll enjoy leading you around. It’ll be an exciting part of their day. It’s awesome for your small dog to feel in control, to have a little leadership. They love exploring.
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3
Make stops
Monitor what your dog can do at first. With their little legs, they maybe can’t go as far as you predict. So just watch for signs of fatigue: excessive panting, sitting or lying down, or standing still. They’ll let you know what’s up. If your neighbors are outside and seem interested in your adorable baby, go meet them. A small dog is a baby dog for most people, and babies are kind of irresistible.
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Pint-Size Parade
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Cute Doggie Wear
Collar or Harness
Leash
Doggie Waste Bags
Activity description
We’re kind of playing off of the first activity we listed. Once again, take your small breed for plenty of walks, but sometimes, you can add a bit of flair to their prance. One of the best things about your pint-sized boy or girl is that they’re under twenty pounds and lots of adorable little outfits slip on perfectly. They almost look like little humans strutting about in their basketball jersey or ballerina tutu. Some owners don’t like this idea because they feel its cruel to add an extra layer of what they deem to be “uncomfortable clothing.” Keep in mind that your small dog doesn’t have the same large coat or layer of fat that bigger dogs do. During certain times of the day or year, they may actually appreciate a little extra cushion and warmth.
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1
Shop around
Get to know your small boy or girl first. Their personality will certainly match up with particular doggie wear. For instance, a small dog that enjoys being outdoors, barking at every moving wild animal, and rolling in the grass might be appropriate in a camouflage pattern. Your dainty little miss may like all the frills and lace. Don’t forget a hat or bow.
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Try this at home
Before parading them around the block in their doggie garb, try everything on at home. Get them used to how the outfit feels before taking them on their stylish walk. Soon, though, the neighborhood streets will be their runway. And you’ll bring a lot of joy to many friends and family.
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3
Let the parades begin...
Let your small dog kick around in their birthday suits, too. They don’t always have to be dressed to impress. But choose a few days to surprise your neighbors with your pup’s special wardrobe. More than likely, your little fur child will receive even more attention than normal, and they’ll adore that. As tiny as they can be, small dogs often are spotted quickly. Just about everyone wants to pet them!
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Charitable Champ
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Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 5 hrs
Items needed
Internet Access
Social Media Platforms
Activity description
There’s a big world wide web out there, and folks are certainly interested in small dogs. They’re cute, make great memes, and inspire us to be better people. Isn’t it high time you and your doggo worked together to make a difference in the world? Here you are with this adorable creature that passersby can’t resist. Help your small dog do big things and use their mighty, persuasive powers for good. You’ll be amazed at the kind of attention a little ten-pounder can attract. Ironically, even though your pup is little, the sky's the limit when it comes to causes, donations, and supporting great change.
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1
Research
Small dog breeds don’t have it easy. They come with their fair share of problems. Just like dogs of all sizes, they too need to be adopted or rescued. They also tend to have many bone and joint issues. Your doggo might even possess some disease or come from a certain background that’s worth discussing. You might choose to raise awareness for a certain cause or organization.
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Take pics
Remember the Pint-Size Parade activity? Pull out those little costumes again. They make for great photos. Pics, or it didn’t happen, they say. Photographs mean a lot to our visual society, so take pics and attach important messages to them. You can get the word out about certain aspects of your small dog’s chosen charity.
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3
Make public appearances
Every once in a while, it’s good to get this on-screen face out and about. As much as we love our Internet today, we also like meeting people and animals in person. It just makes everything seem real. So don’t forget to schedule some public appearances for your pup. People respond to actual presence and will be even more generous.
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More Fun Ideas...
Movie Night
It depends a lot on personality, but most often, your small dog is going to enjoy cuddling. My dog even likes to watch movies, so we snuggle up some evenings and take in a film.
Hallway Fetch
Small dogs may tire out quickly if they’re running in wide-open parks or even in the yard. But a little hallway fetch is good for their soul. They can get the toy faster and feel that sense of accomplishment. Just like larger dogs, they enjoy that moment of capturing their prey.
Conclusion
Don’t let their itty-bitty size fool you. They love just as boldy, loudly, and fervently as the big ole babies do. We hope you’ll enjoy owning a small dog and that you’ve got some great ideas for activities and entertainment. You’ll find that your small dog is awfully smart and even a little cunning. They love interacting with you, so let them tag (and Wag!) along with you every chance you get.