Ep 43. Hayley Miles on Chihuahua Training: What Your Small Dog’s Behaviour Is Really Telling You

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In this episode, host Nathan Dunleavy talks to Hayley Miles, founder of Halo Pups and host of the Chihuahua Podcast, to talk all things Chihuahuas and small breed dogs. Hayley shares her personal journey rehabilitating a reactive rescue Chihuahua and explains why so-called “small dog syndrome” isn’t real at all.

This conversation is essential listening for any dog guardian who’s ever felt judged for having a “spicy” small dog. Grab a cup of tea and settle in for this one.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why “small dog syndrome” is a myth, and what’s really going on when small dogs growl, snap, or bark

✅ How pain and dental issues can be mistaken for behavioural problems in Chihuahuas

✅ Why over-handling and picking dogs up too often can cause fear and reactivity

✅ How to spot subtle stress signals like the “kiss to dismiss” and whale eye

✅ Simple training swaps that make a big difference for tiny dogs (treat size, lead weight, tags)

✅ Why scent work and hand targeting are two of the best tools for small dog guardians

✅ How to advocate for your small dog when well-meaning strangers want to touch them

Key Takeaways:

• Growling and snapping are communication, not defiance they deserve the same respect as a larger dog’s warning signs
• A vet check should always be the first step with a reactive small dog, as pain is often the root cause
• Teaching a nose-to-hand target gives you a hands-off way to move your dog and can double as an emergency recall
• You are your dog’s advocate and it’s okay to say no when strangers want to pet or pick up your dog

Thanks for tuning in! Let’s celebrate the joy and challenges of dog parenting together, because we’re all here for the dogs.

Connect with Hayley Miles

Halo Pups website

Halo Pups Facebook page

The Chihuahua Podcast

Connect with Nathan and Yappily

Connect with Nathan

Nathan Dunleavy website

Yappily Facebook

Yappily Instagram

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