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About Small Dog Place
Small Dog Place: experience-based, research-backed guidance for small dog owners
Who This Site is For
If you’re thinking about bringing a small dog into your life, or you already share your home with one, you’ve probably noticed how much conflicting advice is out there.
Small Dog Place exists to help you make informed, practical decisions about choosing, raising, and caring for small dogs, without hype or guesswork.
I created this site for people who want clear, trustworthy guidance rooted in real experience and careful research.
Why you can trust my guidance
My name is Janice Jones, and dogs have been a central part of my life for decades. My guidance is shaped by formal education, hands-on professional experience, and long-term, day-to-day life with dogs, particularly small breeds.
My background includes:
- A BS in Psychology from the University of Maryland, with a minor in Biology (Animal Science)
- An MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of Cincinnati
- Professional experience as a veterinary technician, working in both vet hospitals and shelters, with direct exposure to canine health and care
- Hands-on experience raising, caring for, breeding, and living with small dogs
- Ongoing research into canine health, behaviour, and responsible breeding practices
Everything I share here is based on real-world experience and supported by credible sources. I focus on what is practical, ethical, and genuinely helpful for dogs and the people who care for them.
Why I Started Small Dog Place
Over the years, I have seen how often people are misled by oversimplified advice, poor breeding practices, or well-meaning but inaccurate information.
Choosing the wrong dog, or following the wrong guidance, can lead to health problems, behavioural issues, and unnecessary stress for both dogs and owners.
Small Dog Place grew out of a desire to offer something better.
This site was created to help people understand what truly matters when choosing a small dog, how to care for them properly, and how to avoid common mistakes before they happen.
How Small Dog Place Helps You and Your Dog
On this site, you’ll find guidance on:
- Choosing the right small dog for your lifestyle
- Understanding health, care, and grooming needs
- Training and behaviour fundamentals
- Responsible breeding and rescue considerations
- And just for fun, what to name your dog
The goal is to help you feel confident in your decisions, whether you are preparing for your first small dog or looking to care more thoughtfully for the one you already love.
Where To Go Next
If you are new to small dogs, start with the foundational guides that walk through what to consider before choosing a breed. If you already have a small dog, explore the care and training resources designed to support their long-term health and well-being.
You do not need to know everything. You just need reliable information you can trust.
Feeding and Nutrition Guidance
Living with Small Dogs Resources
Always feel free to email me if you have questions about starting a website. Please feel free to read about my online journey if you like.
Our Current Pack
Rosie
Breezy
Dana
Cooper
Leia
VinnyJust a few of my Certificates
I've taken many online classes, just too numerous to mention here, but here are a few of my certificates.
Early Behavior, Socialization and Puppy Temperament Evaluation from Dr.Cheryl Asmus Aguiar eLearning site
Dog Origins and Early History from Dr.Cheryl Asmus Aguiar eLearning site
Breeding and Whelping Dogs from e-Learning (Dr. Cheryl Asmus Aguiar)
Whelping and Medical Interventions from the American Kennel Club
Pet Grooming Certificate from Penn Foster
Understanding Evidence-Based Dog Training From IAABC
Canine Genetics Certificate from E-Training for Dogs
Pet Food Specialist from DNM UniversityLast Updated February 2026
More About Janice (author and voice behind this site)
Janice Jones is a small dog specialist with a background in grooming, training, and animal behavior, combining hands-on breeding experience with degrees in psychology and counseling psychology. She has spent 50 years owning and caring for small dogs and 15 years breeding, with early work in veterinary hospitals and shelters, assisting with surgery, lab work, and client care. She shares practical advice at SmallDogPlace.com and across social platforms. A lifelong Shih Tzu enthusiast, she now works alongside her dogs, who rarely leave her side. Visit my " About Me " page for more details.
She is the creator of SmallDogPlace.com, MiracleShihTzu.com, and Smart-Knit-Crocheting.com. A lifelong Shih Tzu enthusiast, she now works alongside her dogs, who rarely leave her side.
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my E-book, The Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Dog (and how to avoid them)