One tiny Shih-Poo puppy chose the biggest toy in the room and reminded us that confidence sometimes arrives in a very small package.
There is always one puppy who ignores every sensible option.
We had a tiny Shih-Poo puppy who looked at a room full of appropriately sized toys and chose the largest one available. It was not a logical choice. It was barely a practical choice. But emotionally, she was committed.
She grabbed the edge, pulled with heroic determination, and dragged the toy about six inches before stopping to look proud of herself.
Fair enough. Six inches is a lot when the toy is half your body size.
**Play Shows Personality**
Puppy play can reveal confidence, problem-solving, persistence, and social style. This little Shih-Poo was not the biggest puppy in the group, but she had a strong sense of purpose.
That matters. Small puppies should still be given chances to explore, try, fail, and try again safely.
**Do Not Underestimate Small Dogs**
Small breeds and small breed mixes are sometimes treated like fragile decorations. Yes, they need safe handling. But they also need enrichment, movement, training, and opportunities to build confidence.
A puppy who is always scooped up before facing a manageable challenge may miss chances to learn resilience.
**Safe Challenge Is Good**
The key is choosing challenges that are safe and age-appropriate. Toys should not be dangerous, too hard, or small enough to swallow. Supervision matters.
But a toy that is awkward, interesting, or mildly challenging can give a puppy a chance to think and engage.
**What Families Can Do**
Offer a variety of safe toys:
- Soft toys
- Puppy-safe chews
- Treat toys
- Textured toys
- Small tug toys
- Items that encourage gentle problem-solving
Rotate them so the puppy stays interested. You do not need a toy mountain. You need good options and supervision.
**At Top Notch Paws**
That tiny Shih-Poo never moved the giant toy very far, but she did not care. In her mind, she had conquered it.
Sometimes confidence is not loud. Sometimes it is a small puppy dragging a ridiculous toy across the floor with the determination of a forklift.
We had a tiny Shih-Poo puppy who looked at a room full of appropriately sized toys and chose the largest one available. It was not a logical choice. It was barely a practical choice. But emotionally, she was committed.
She grabbed the edge, pulled with heroic determination, and dragged the toy about six inches before stopping to look proud of herself.
Fair enough. Six inches is a lot when the toy is half your body size.
**Play Shows Personality**
Puppy play can reveal confidence, problem-solving, persistence, and social style. This little Shih-Poo was not the biggest puppy in the group, but she had a strong sense of purpose.
That matters. Small puppies should still be given chances to explore, try, fail, and try again safely.
**Do Not Underestimate Small Dogs**
Small breeds and small breed mixes are sometimes treated like fragile decorations. Yes, they need safe handling. But they also need enrichment, movement, training, and opportunities to build confidence.
A puppy who is always scooped up before facing a manageable challenge may miss chances to learn resilience.
**Safe Challenge Is Good**
The key is choosing challenges that are safe and age-appropriate. Toys should not be dangerous, too hard, or small enough to swallow. Supervision matters.
But a toy that is awkward, interesting, or mildly challenging can give a puppy a chance to think and engage.
**What Families Can Do**
Offer a variety of safe toys:
- Soft toys
- Puppy-safe chews
- Treat toys
- Textured toys
- Small tug toys
- Items that encourage gentle problem-solving
Rotate them so the puppy stays interested. You do not need a toy mountain. You need good options and supervision.
**At Top Notch Paws**
That tiny Shih-Poo never moved the giant toy very far, but she did not care. In her mind, she had conquered it.
Sometimes confidence is not loud. Sometimes it is a small puppy dragging a ridiculous toy across the floor with the determination of a forklift.