Small Dogs in Big Dog Area

yep, a lot of people do it here. Kaiser grew up with 2 jrts and i guess because of that, has an affinity for smaller dogs. It kills me when people fuss because my 90 lb shep is following their min pin around. I can't think of a solution, because even if you say, "He's friendly, but overly rambunctious and i'm afraid he's gonna hurt your dog..." i think most people would still get offended.

 In parks that have marked sections I do believe that people should follow the rules.  There is an expectation of the people using the section that the dogs are going to be of a certain size.  I  know sometimes someone will have two dogs of varying sizes, but they need to understand the risks when bringing their dog in a section where people aren't expecting to see a dog of that size.  Someone might have their larger dog who views small dogs as prey items in the large dog area and a serious problem could erupt.  This isn't to say that little dogs and big dogs can't play together great, but when there is a sign and seperate areas, people on both ends should respect the rules.  I think people with little dogs tend to bring their dogs into larger dog areas thinking it isn't going to bother anyone, not realizing that they could be opening up their dog for a bad situation.

 I think that you should follow the separation guidelines when referring to small dogs vs big dogs, but I also believe that discretion is warranted.  For instance, the dog park that Honor and I go to is divided, but doesn't get a lot of small dogs.  So Honor and I have been getting to know the big dogs.  Honor plays beautifully with most of the big dog "regulars" at the park.  But the situation completely changes if there is a number of dogs whom she hasn't associated with before.  Usually, I'll observe the new dogs' behavior, and will try to strike up a conversation with different owners about their dogs' play habits.  Most people are pretty open and friendly about having Honor come join the big dogs, especially when there aren't any small ones to play with. 

But like I said, I don't let her in the big dog section when there are dogs that we don't know.  I really like to observe and chat before incorporating her in.  I can't imagine just chucking a small dog into a big dog section without observing the play dynamics first. 

That would bother me too.  It's not fair for anyone - it can put the big dog people on edge and the puts the small dogs in a position of possibly getting hurt or feeling overwhelmed.  People should use facilities as they are intended.

I have to say that I don't go to the dog parks much, but I have never seen a big dog person bring their dog into the small dog section.  But I have seen small dog people do it and that doesn't seem fair to the big dog people or too smart either.

I really don't have that problem at the park I go to. We have 4 yards, one for small, one for medium, one for large, and one for all dogs.

We usually float between the all and medium yards because, even though he's small, Casey tends to 'herd' the small dogs by nipping at their feet.... In the yards we go to, there are always a variety of dogs of different sizes, which gives everyone someone to play with.

I would mention to the owners of the small dogs that your dog does play rough with small dogs, and that you don't want any unneccesary injuries. Tell them that in order for everyone to enjoy the park, it may be better that they stay in the yards appropriate for their size. They made two seperate yards for a reason! If that doesn't work - tell her your big dog eats little dogs. That may get her moving.... (just kidding of course...)

I guess every park is different.  Our main section is unmarked, a smaller enclosure is for "small and timid only".  Very few go to the small side because it's just not as much fun. 

Otherwise, I'm not sure I'd worry strictly over the size of the dog so much, I don't think dogs notice as much as we do.  Barney plays with labs, he plays with dachshunds.  I think a small dog that tells a big dog "get outa my face" is in better standing than if he ran for cover.  I've never seen a fight over it, the big dog usually just moves on (we have some cranky JRTs that are given wide berth).

As far as being run into, it's practically a given.  Dogs run and roll and collide all the time, and as long as your dog isn't being aggressive I don't think you have to try to protect the other dogs.  The owner should determine when the games are too rough for their own dog.

 I have no problems with small dogs in the big dog area. In fact I think that small dogs should be well socialized with big dogs and vice versa. I watch my dogs closely around small dogs though. If the small dog seems to be able to take it, I don't worry. If Neiko or Lily start to get a little over rough then I call them off and give them a time out.

Don't take this the wrong way but I think that it is your responsibility as an owner to have your dog under your control all of the time at the dog park regardless of who it is playing with. You should be able to call your dogs off if they are getting too rough. If you can't then you should work on it. 

Jewlieee

You should be able to call your dogs off if they are getting too rough. If you can't then you should work on it

I definitely agree with this. The problem that i have though is my dogs DO play rough. Rough, wrestling play is okay if it's with a boxer, or lab, etc...but not such a hot idea when it's with a min pin or chi. Even if the smaller dog is cool with it, i am very uncomfortable. When Wyatt was a puppy Kaiser injured him in play, so i'm weary.

I don't mind it if the owner understands the risk they are taking with their dog and if they supervise appropriately.  But, of course, that's a pretty big IF.  We have a regular who is a brave little norwich terrier.  He's not afraid of any dog, plays great, knows when to get out of the way of rambunctious big dogs, etc.  Plus, his owner watches him like a hawk and keeps him out of harms way.  But then we get the people who bring their expensive new pet store purchases and EEK! everytime a big dog looks sideways at their precious pup and I just want to throttle them!  When you suggest they move to the small dog area, the response is inevitably "But there's no one to play with over there." 

Initially, my thought is that the owner took the risk... and it is equally my responsibility to call my dogs off of big or small dogs.  But if my dog did the damage, I'd be on the hook for vet bills.  Ugh.

Our pit plays rough with dogs her size and bigger, so training her recall is super important.  But she would LOVE to crack a little dog's skull, so that totally ups the ante.  Dog parks are just such a risk in so many ways. 

RidgebackGermansShep

Jewlieee

You should be able to call your dogs off if they are getting too rough. If you can't then you should work on it

I definitely agree with this. The problem that i have though is my dogs DO play rough. Rough, wrestling play is okay if it's with a boxer, or lab, etc...but not such a hot idea when it's with a min pin or chi. Even if the smaller dog is cool with it, i am very uncomfortable. When Wyatt was a puppy Kaiser injured him in play, so i'm weary.