Choosing a trainer
Does Northline K9 train small dogs?
Small dogs get excused for a lot. A jumping Chihuahua is called cute, and a barking terrier gets scooped up and carried past the trouble. We train small dogs of every breed and age with the same one-on-one attention as a shepherd or a doodle, and with tools matched to the individual dog. Here is what that looks like and what to ask at the consultation.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026
Same standard, smaller dog
Little dogs deserve real manners, not exemptions.
A small dog who jumps on guests, pulls on the leash or barks at every passer-by is practising the same habits as a large dog. The difference is that people often tolerate it, so the habit gets more rehearsal. Our programs work on the same skills for a ten-pound dog as for a big one: loose-leash walking, place, sit, down and stay, and calm behaviour around everyday distractions.
Carrying is the other small-dog pattern worth naming. A dog who is lifted away from every unfamiliar dog or doorway rarely gets to practise walking past it calmly. Structured socialization is part of our board and train programs and Day Training, so a small dog works on new sights and sounds with its feet on the ground. You can still pick your dog up whenever safety calls for it.
- Jumping on guests and visitors
- Leash pulling and lunging
- Barking at passers-by
- Calm walking instead of carrying
Tools and handling
Equipment is chosen and introduced for the individual dog.
Our method starts with markers and rewards, and tools are matched to the dog in front of us. Slip leads, training collars and modern Educator e-collars are always introduced properly and taught to the owner. The Functional Off-Leash program includes an Educator remote collar, and which tool suits your small dog, if any, is a conversation for the consultation, along with how you will use it at home.
Some things are not published, and we would rather say so than guess. There is no published weight or size limit and no separate small-dog program, and the published prices do not list a different rate by size. Bring your dog's age, size and any history of fear or snapping to the consultation, and we will recommend a program, including a smaller one when that is enough.
Asked and answered
The questions people ask us.
Do you train toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies?
Yes. We train dogs of all breeds and ages, and toy breeds get the same one-on-one programs, with tools and handling matched to the individual dog.
Will you use an e-collar on a small dog?
Tools are matched to each dog and always introduced properly, starting from markers and rewards. The Functional Off-Leash program includes an Educator remote collar, and we teach you how to use it.
My small dog is reactive. Can you help?
Behaviour Rehab is the program built for anxiety, reactivity and aggression, planned and priced after a full assessment, whatever the dog's size. The consultation recommends the program, and if the behaviour is new or sudden, ask your vet first.
Is training cheaper for small dogs?
No size-based pricing is published. Program prices are listed on the site, and Behaviour Rehab is customized after an assessment, so the consultation is where cost is confirmed for your dog.
Keep reading
Small dog, real manners
Book a consultation and tell us about your small dog's habits. We will recommend the format that fits, smaller options included.
From real owners
Rated 5.0 on Google.
Real Northline dogs