Short answer: yes. A small dog is as much a dog as a big one. They often get less training, and that can lead to behavior problems.
What the AKC says
The AKC says small dogs tend to get less training time than bigger dogs because people assume they need less, and that dogs who do not get training are more likely to have behavior problems. Training gives dogs of all sizes a shared language with their owners.
Carrying your dog
The AKC also has advice on when to pick up a small dog. It is natural to want to protect a small dog from an approaching large dog, but it suggests thinking about when carrying helps and when it does not. See another dog on a walk.
Where to start
Start with the basics: sit, stay and down, loose leash walking and calm greetings. Use small treats, short sessions and rewards.
Get the right help
If your small dog snaps, growls or lunges, treat it like any other dog and ask for professional help.
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Sources
Sources & care notes
Frequently asked questions
Do small dogs really need training?
Yes. Small dogs often get less training, and untrained dogs are more likely to develop behavior problems.
When should I pick my dog up?
Think about when carrying helps and when it does not, such as during greetings with other dogs. Practice calm handling instead.
Where do I start?
The basics every dog needs: sit, stay and down, loose-leash walking and calm greetings, in short rewarding sessions.
My small dog snaps or growls. Excusable?
Treat it like any other dog. Ask a qualified, reward-based professional for help rather than writing it off as small-dog behavior.
