Small dogs can cause big trouble

The island of Malta boasts the best weather in the world and some say the best dog: the Maltese. The Maltese is a toy breed and one of the most popular companion dogs, favored for its compact size and its affectionate and playful demeanor. But that doesn't mean all Maltese pups play nice.

Just the other day, a woman called me to discuss her beloved Maltese, a wonderful dog whose teeth have found a resting place in the epidermis of her landlord, her neighbor, her best friend and a random stranger in a supermarket.

As if that weren't enough, this woman has four children, ages 7, 5, 3 and 3 months.

She called me because she wanted to know what to do. And I told her:

1) Invest in a professional trainer.

2) Once the dog is trained, find him a home without children.

The question that follows is always: Why do I have to get rid of the dog if I go to the expense and trouble of having him trained?

The answer: You can't train aggression out of a dog. You can teach the dog manners, establish boundaries and learn ways to modify his behavior, but a dog that has bitten four people can never be fully trusted around small children.

Which inevitably begs the question: Why should I bother training the dog if I'm going to have to give him up?

The answer: Who is going to knowingly adopt an aggressive dog? A dog in need of a home is at an extreme disadvantage if he has never been trained. If he's never been trained and has a history of biting, it's almost mission impossible. And if you aren't forthright about the dog's history and temperament, you aren't doing the dog any favors because the next owner — not having as deep a bond — might just drop him at the local shelter at the first snarl.

There are some dogs that are just not suited for human companionship. But the vast, vast majority of dogs would be just fine with the right person or family. In the case of the Maltese Snapper, a professionally trained version of this dog would surely work its way into the heart of an experienced adult dog owner. And then everyone would get their happily ever after.

To do nothing, though, would be the ultimate in irresponsibility. To do nothing would mean continuing to subject children to a dangerous situation. To do nothing would mean further diminishing the dog's chances of a good life. To do nothing should not be an option.

My experience with dogs and their owners tells me that the big trouble is with the littlest dogs. Owners of big dogs tend to zero in on the importance of training. The impetus is the idea that with big dogs come big messes and big trouble. But the truth is that without proper training, trouble comes a knockin' regardless of size.

Woof!

Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Send your questions to dearuncle.gazette@unclematty.com or by mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619. © Creators Syndicate Inc.