It’s easy to think of small dogs as harmless companions, but their behavior often tells a different story. In the YouTube video “Cesar Reacts - Pomeranian Chases a Bear Out of The House” by Cesar Millan, we see how even the tiniest dogs can exhibit outsized dominance within the family unit. The story of a 5-pound Pomeranian scaring off a bear may sound amusing at first, but it reveals deeper truths about dog psychology, leadership, and the importance of human control.
This blog breaks down Cesar Millan’s insights and shows how owners can better understand and manage small dogs who act like the “big boss” in the house.
Small Dogs, Big Leadership
One of the core lessons from the video is that small dogs often assume pack leadership roles because humans unconsciously allow it. Owners might laugh at their tiny companion’s boldness or indulge their demanding behaviors, but what feels cute can quickly turn into a leadership imbalance.
When dogs decide when to eat, walk, or play, they aren’t just being assertive—they are running the household. This creates confusion and elevates them to a position of dominance that can lead to problem behaviors.
Territory and Protection as Leadership Roles
Dogs naturally see their homes and families as territory worth protecting. When the Pomeranian chased away a bear, it wasn’t just showing courage—it was acting as the leader and protector of its pack.
While that protective instinct may seem admirable, it carries risks. Small dogs, driven purely by instinct, don’t rationalize danger. What happens when a 5-pound dog confronts a 500-pound bear? Without human intervention, these situations can escalate into disaster.
Instinct Versus Logic
The story underscores a critical truth: dogs act on instinct, not logic. Protection is hardwired into them, but without clear human leadership, they may take matters into their own paws.
That’s why training commands like recall are essential. With a reliable recall, owners can override instinctual behaviors and call their dog back before danger arises. Training not only protects the dog but also ensures safety for the entire family and environment.
The Importance of Human Leadership
Cesar emphasizes that when dogs assume leadership—no matter their size—it disrupts balance in the household. Owners must consciously establish themselves as calm, confident leaders.
This doesn’t mean dominating or punishing the dog. Instead, it’s about providing structure, rules, and boundaries so that the dog feels secure in a follower role. When humans lead, dogs can relax and enjoy their lives without the burden of making risky decisions for the “pack.”
Protection Equals Power in a Dog’s Mind
In canine psychology, protection is leadership. When a dog defends food, family, or home, it is exercising authority. For owners, understanding this mindset is key. Instead of misinterpreting protective behavior as loyalty or bravery, we must recognize it as a leadership act—and respond with appropriate training and guidance.
This shift in perspective helps owners approach their dog’s behavior with clarity, preventing potential dangers while fostering a calmer, more harmonious household.
Training to Override Instincts
The takeaway from Cesar’s analysis is simple: training saves lives. By teaching consistent commands like recall, sit, and stay, owners can interrupt impulsive, instinct-driven behavior before it escalates.
Small dogs may look adorable, but their energy can be larger than life. Redirecting that energy through structured activities, calm leadership, and clear rules ensures they thrive in a safe and balanced way.
Creating Balance at Home
Just as training creates structure for dogs, maintaining a clean, peaceful home environment creates balance for both pets and people. From muddy paw prints to unexpected messes, having the right tools makes pet ownership smoother.
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Keep living areas fresh with our Carpet Deodorizers.
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Wash dog bedding and blankets regularly with Laundry Powders to reduce odors.
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Use All-Purpose Cleaners to tackle everyday accidents and spills safely.
A structured environment paired with effective cleaning ensures your home stays calm and welcoming, no matter how big—or small—your dog’s personality is.
Leading Small Dogs with Big Energy
The YouTube video “Cesar Reacts - Pomeranian Chases a Bear Out of The House” by Cesar Millan shows us that small dogs can often act like giants when it comes to leadership roles. While their courage may impress us, it also highlights the dangers of letting instinct guide behavior without human intervention.
By establishing clear leadership, using recall and training to override instincts, and recognizing that protection equals power in a dog’s mind, owners can prevent risky situations and create harmony in their homes.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether your dog weighs five pounds or fifty—what matters is that you, as the human, lead with calm confidence. That’s how balance, safety, and trust are built.
For more insights into pet parenting and home care, explore the Good Natured Brand Blog, and keep your household fresh and pet-friendly with our Carpet Deodorizers, Laundry Powders, and All-Purpose Cleaners.
