Small dogs can be tiny terrors if they're not trained

Car rental companies today are reportedly charging for compact cars what they used to charge for their roomier, rugged counterparts. But it's not just the smaller version of cars Americans are developing a fondness for.

According to the American Kennel Club's rankings, last year's Top 15 most popular dog breeds included Yorkshire terriers, dachshunds, Shih-Tzus, bulldogs, miniature schnauzers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and pugs. And this year feels no different, with mini-pooches popping up in shoulder bags and grocery carts from coast to coast.

Why the sudden surge in appreciation for the compact canine? Actually, it's been more of a slow rise since the mid-'90s. Modern Americans live fast-paced lifestyles that often mandate more hours in the car and at the office than at home. In this case, a portable pooch may be a better match than, say, a 75-pound boxer with more energy than a 10-year-old boy after a Red Bull float.

But don't be fooled: A pint-size pooch — untrained — is tantamount to a two-ton tank of trouble. Take for example the following excerpts from letters I received this week:

"My Dixie! She is an extremely dominant, possessive, territorial 5-pound dog that my vet said is the most dominant Yorkie she has ever worked with. Most people giggle when they hear of this situation because she is so adorable and teeny. But last summer I was bitten so badly by her because Buddy, my Yorkie rescue, came near me, I required a trip to the emergency room and a healthy dose of antibiotics. Now Henry, the 1-year-old Shih-Tzu rescue, is on board, and frankly, I am completely beside myself with fear that she is going to seriously hurt one of them if they dare to even sit near me. These poor guys are terrified, and it breaks my heart to see them hiding when they should be sitting on the couch with me. I have to be so careful with Dixie that my heart is in my mouth almost all of the time when I am home."

From another reader:

"I have had Ginger, a 6-month-old female toy poodle, for four months. I already had a male toy poodle who is 3 years old. I am leaning toward possessive aggression and dog aggression. I think she has a split personality. She will jump in my lap and loves to be petted, but she gets into fights with my other dog several times a day. Today she growled and snapped at me when I tried to get her off the kitchen table. And later, when I broke up the fight with her brother, she bit pretty deep into my hand. I have a 2-year-old son I am concerned about. I bought Ginger to give my older dog company, but she is stressing me out."