The perennial question for many dog owners: why do small dogs act like they’re the big boss? The answer often lies in their unique power over us.
The Power Dynamics in Our Household
In our home, we have two dogs with distinctly different perspectives. Toby, our 80-pound Great Pyrenees, is the epitome of calm and aloofness. He patrols our property, barking at anything from coyotes to sitcom theme music. Toby is the laid-back giant, more interested in lounging on the couch than engaging with other dogs. However, his demeanor changes dramatically under the influence of Maisie.
Maisie, our 12-pound Chihuahua-terrier mix, perceives herself as a fearless guardian. Her self-assigned territory stretches from our neighborhood in Santa Fe to anywhere she’s been—even our road trip destination in Minnesota. Her vigilance is fierce; any sight of a delivery person or another dog sends her into a frenzy.
The Influence of Maisie
Maisie’s influence over Toby is remarkable. Despite Toby’s imposing size, he has become Maisie’s loyal enforcer. Their synchronized barking and running to the front door whenever Maisie senses a threat highlight her commanding presence. It’s almost as if Maisie wields some ancient Chihuahua magic to bend Toby to her will.
Walks with Maisie
Our walks have turned into strategic exercises due to Maisie’s behavior. For instance, she transforms into a whirlwind of barking and leash-biting upon seeing Bella, our neighbor’s peaceful Lab. Maisie’s intense reaction is almost theatrical, as if she’s trying to chew through her leash to confront Bella. Ironically, when she was once loose and faced Bella, she promptly retreated after realizing the size difference.
Our walks now involve complex maneuvers to avoid encounters with other dogs. My neighbors and I have developed a system of hand signals and alternate routes to prevent Maisie from initiating a confrontation. If Maisie spots another dog, she strains at her leash, causing chaos.
Managing Maisie’s Behavior
To manage Maisie’s behavior, I rely on treats and distraction. If a human is approaching, treats can divert her attention. However, when another dog is present, both Maisie and Toby often tangle their leashes around me, leading to a chaotic situation.
Despite her antics, Maisie’s small size and commanding presence make her a unique and beloved member of our family. Her intense stare and ability to command attention make it easy to see why she considers herself in charge. We accommodate her quirks, apologizing profusely during walks, because, ultimately, Maisie’s magic and our love for her make it all worthwhile.
