Small Dog Syndrome: Myth, Truth, or Just Attitude?

Why does your pint-sized pup sound like they’re auditioning for a security job? Let’s break it down:

🔹 Napoleon Complex is Real (Sort of)

When you’re knee-high to a grasshopper, barking becomes your go-to way of saying: “Respect my authority!” It’s self-defence meets drama school.

🔹 Genetics & Breed Traits

Many small breeds were born to bark. Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds? Oh yes, they’re not just cute - they’re professional alarm systems.

🔸 Dachshunds, in particular, were initially bred to hunt badgers underground (yep, badgers). Loud, persistent barking helped their humans locate them. So when your sausage dog starts a barking rant at a leaf... remember, they think they’re saving the day.Reference: American Kennel Club (AKC) - Dachshund Breed History

🔹 Big Feelings, Small Package

Small dogs often react strongly to sounds, sights, and squirrels. Their bark? It’s basically their version of ALL CAPS TEXT.

🔹 Anxiety Amplifies Barking

When small dogs feel unsure, overstimulated, or anxious, barking becomes their coping strategy - a way to say, “I’m overwhelmed!” Separation anxiety, loud noises, or changes in routine can all trigger the bark switch to maximum volume.

🔹 Accidental Training (Thanks, Hoomans!)

We often reward barking without realising it — attention, food, even yelling “stop!” becomes reinforcement. Whoops.

🔹 Boredom = Bark-o-rama

Without enough mental stimulation, small dogs will find… creative outlets. Like a one-dog London musical.

Natural Tips to Help Calm the Barking Boss

🔸 1. Herbal Helpers for Big Feelings

Ingredients such as Chamomile, Ashwagandha, and Passionflower have calming properties that may reduce anxiety-related barking.

🔸 2. Sniffy Walks for Mental Stimulation

Let them follow their nose! Scent-driven enrichment helps satisfy curiosity and reduces boredom (a top trigger for barking sprees).

🔸 3. LickiMats, Puzzles and Snuffle Mats

Enrichment tools = tired brain = less barking. Mental workouts can be just as effective as physical ones for keeping sass to a minimum.

🔸 4. Calming Teas (yep, even for dogs!)

A cooled tea infusion made with chamomile or lemon balm can be added to their water or food in small amounts (always check safety for your pup).

🔸 5. Routine = Reassurance

Small dogs thrive on consistency. Keep feeding, walking, and rest times regular to reduce stress-based barking.

🔸 6. Pawsitive Reinforcement Training

Reward quiet, calm behaviour with treats, praise, or a belly rub. Ignore the drama (as hard as that is). They’ll learn that calm = rewards.

🔸 7. Natural Comforts

A cozy burrow bed, a calming weighted blanket for dogs, or a soft shirt with your scent can work wonders for anxious barkers.

Because we've been lucky enough to have had a few small rescue dogs, we are in the process of creating a calming blend of herbs, botanicals, and a specific calming probiotic, SerenePaws, to help soften the bark and soothe anxious minds (yours included).

Because when you’re a tiny dog in a big world, barking is just ... public speaking.

References

• American Kennel Club. Why Do Dogs Bark?
• PetMD. Why Small Dogs Bark So Much
• Dachshund Club of America – Breed Purpose