Dog trainer says protective habit could actually 'harm' your pet

Dogs are considered part of the family, with many owners treating their four-legged friends like children. However, a dog trainer has issued a warning against over-pampering your pets as it can lead to confusion and contradict their natural instincts.

Speaking on the Branni Podcast, dog behaviourist Alan Peiro stated: "Dogs are not children." According to the expert, lifting them into your arms in public could signal to them "they should be afraid of other dogs".

He also expressed concern that this action hinders socialisation. Alan highlighted that dogs "speak a different language to us" and need to learn how to interact with their own species.

While most owners mean well, the trainer suggests that overindulging your pet could potentially cause "harm" and "psychological problems". This is due to it undermining their decision-making process and affecting emotional wellbeing.

Speaking to owners with small dogs, Alan said: "Those people with tiny dogs, such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Maltese, Italian Greyhounds, Miniature Pinschers... When you pick your dog up, you're sending the wrong message.

"What you're really telling the dog is that it should be afraid of other dogs; you're not letting it socialise.

"Dogs need to learn how to socialise; they speak a different language from us. Obviously, if I see a dog coming towards me with bloodshot eyes, I'm not going to go near it.

"Of course, you have to use your judgement. But if I see someone coming towards me with their dog, the first thing I'll do is ask: 'Does your dog get on well with other dogs?'".

"If the answer is yes, I'll let them meet because dogs need to socialise."

When these interactions are taking place, step back and watch the dogs' body language carefully. Allow your four-legged companion to handle the situation and it will teach them valuable lessons about socialising.

Alan said: "Maybe my dog will do something the other one doesn't like because this does happen sometimes.

"There are dogs who, strange as it may seem, don't like having their bottoms sniffed when they meet (even though they'll sniff others). They just don't want theirs sniffed and might react.

"Sometimes they'll snap at the air or give a warning nip; that's just their way of saying 'No.' It's nothing to worry about, it's their language. That's how they say: 'I didn't like that.' There's no problem.

"So when we overprotect our dogs and treat them as if they were children, that's when psychological problems start."

Alan added: "Carrying them around in handbags or pushing them in prams... All of that actually harms the dog."

To help your pooch feel confident and independent, Alan recommends "setting boundaries from when they're puppies".

Throughout history, the animals have followed hierarchies within their packs.

With that being said, the expert insists "your dog needs to know what the social order is at home". This can mean setting boundaries within your household - such as not feeding your dog from the dinner table.

Alan added: "Teach good behaviour and set limits for the dog inside the house."