Small dogs

[simba_N_keko]

What exactly are the rules concerning small dogs coming into the big dog park? I read that the small dog park is for dogs under 12 lbs. So if the dog is under 12 lbs and the owner decides to bring them into the big dog park, who is at fault when their little dog gets trampled while the "big boys" are playing?

[DavidW]

Small dogs are allowed in either park area. We had a small dog area set aside for the more timid small dogs not used to leash free parks. We realize at the moment that it is the least interesting section and the Klub is going to focus on improvements to that area first. We are thinking of some plantings and agility equipment. We'd love any ideas.

As for fault or liability, the Canadian Dog Owners' Liability Act comes into play. Item 2 in the act states that the owner of a dog is responsible it hurts another. Thanks to you, I added the link to our links section of the website. It's pretty dry reading, but it's not too long and it's pretty clear.

[simba_N_keko]

I agree that the small dog area needs some shrubs or trees. I can understand that it can get pretty boring for the dogs in that area. My main concern is I don't want them to get hurt when they come into the bigger area. Like you said in the previous post its about the OWNERS attitude and control over their pet. Sometimes owners get upset because some dogs like to pin others down by their neck and when a big dog does it to a small dog it looks like they are being eaten. I guess we all have to be a little understanding and do our part as Alpha's.

[Jade]

I just read the thread that started about a dog attack, which quickly turned into some harsh feelings about small dogs being in the main area. This has quickly lowered my enthusiasm about bringing Sammie and Joey (our two poodle puppies) to the park, as we often bring them into the large area because Sammie has shown an interest in bigger dogs.

Perhaps it's true that it's easier for bigger dogs to trample on and be a bit too rough with smaller dogs, but the point shouldn't be excluding smaller dogs; the point should be that if small dog owner's are willing to take that chance, then it should be fully welcomed. Both my dogs have had bad experiences with dogs bigger than them, but I don't hold that against big dogs. The same could easily happen with two small dogs. If I see a group of large dogs rough-housing, I am most likely to direct Sammie to another section of the park or towards other dogs that seem to be just wandering or playing more gently.

So now I question myself ... should I no longer bring my boys in the large area? Are people silently giving me the eye and wondering why my smaller dogs are not in the empty, separate area?

So, on that note (question?), I think that improvements to the small dog area would bring alot more dogs to that area. It seems that larger dogs generally seem happy enough just having each other around, and happy with the different areas in the large area of the park, and it seems that smaller dogs need a bit more help to stay entertained. I love the idea of having an agility area, or things that they can do - a tunnel to run through, things to hide behind or to climb, etc. Perhaps a small storage bin with a few toys - I brought a rubber ball the other week and it was a hit with all the dogs.

I'd be more than happy to help with improving the small dog area, if it would mean more dogs for my two boys to play with... since it seems that they are unwanted in the larger area.

Jade
jadels@hotmail.com

[Loupgarou]

Jade: In response to the concerns you expressed in your post about whether large-dog owners are "silently giving me the eye and wondering why my smaller dogs are not in the empty, separate area? "...I can only speak from our own experiences. We welcome the opportunity for our large Weimaraner and medium-sized mixed breed to socialize with ALL size dogs. They are generally balanced, well-adjusted dogs who don't really care about a dog's size, but DO care about a dog's manners. At the park, we haven't had a problem with smaller dogs except when the park is exceptionally busy and you get "stampedes" of large dogs chasing each other over the hills with a substantial risk of injury to smaller dogs from getting trampled. We have seen this happen and it is only preventable by the owner of the smaller dogs making responsible choices about when to come into the larger area. As for personality conflicts, they exist regardless of a dog's size, and ultimately the onus rests on the owners to know their dogs and not be in denial about it. You should never allow your small dog to do anything you wouldn't allow a 100 pound dog to do...including jumping up, growling, mounting, 'hugging' or any other signs of dominant behaviour. Neither should you be in denial about your large dog "just wanting to play" when they find one dog, usually a submissive one, to pick on the whole time at the park, big or small. I enjoy seeing a well-balanced small dog socializing with larger dogs. Unfortunately, I think we tend to dismiss small dog aggression because it doesn't usually end in major injuries. If your dogs are balanced and social, and if you bring them into the large-dog area with balanced and social large breeds, there should never be a problem. Dogs don't know that they are large or small. I don't think you should worry if people think you shouldn't be there, just make an informed decision for the safety of your dogs. Heck, nearby residents think none of us should be there even though the priveledge has been granted to us and the park built for us all to use. Incidentally, I agree that they should make some additions to the small dog area to stimulate and exercise the little guys. I think some agility equipment would be a welcomed source of entertainment.