PERSONAL LIFE—Your toy dog’s personal life is like a romantic comedy with you and he cast as the stars. It’s one part sappy sentimental and one part ridiculous. It’s a love story no matter how you slice it—at least in his mind.

You should have no trouble forming a bond with your toy companion. He is a natural romantic, and is far more likely to hang on your every word than to ignore your biddings. He is not scared of commitment, and is born to follow you to the ends of the earth in his devotion. Any relationship problems that arise are likely to be the result of his overprotectiveness of you, and his efforts to maintain your attention at all times.

Of course, this can create a host of other relationship problems in your home and disturb members of your family. For instance, given that you are the most important person (if not the only important person) in your toy dog’s mind, he is prone to take offense to other pets and people invading his precious space with you. He can become bossy, reactionary, and emotional about the actions of others if he finds them disruptive to his interests. Other pets, interestingly enough, often seem to understand the insecurity behind any such outbursts (or at least find his size far from threatening) and so usually let such behavior slide. This is why many toy dog owners seem to feel that their small dog rules the roost. You are actually more likely to get complaints from your human household companions than you are from the dogs and cats.

Don’t underestimate his ability to make waves in paradise. He may be small but he has a strong mind of his own and the determination to go with it—especially when it comes to you. Make sure you don’t accidentally encourage his tyranny, entertaining as it can be. You may create a monster you will regret later! Your leverage for keeping things in the personal life running smoothly? Just be clear about what you approve of and what you don’t by taking your attention and presence away from him when he acts out. Likewise, pour it on thick when he’s keeping his wits about him. After all, he is codependent and looking for your approval.

KEY CONCEPT: Oxytocin’s Hook