Am I being too protective??? Hi Everyone: I have a question about "doggy play dates". I have always wanted Wallee to be able to play with other dogs as it seems to be the thing that wears him out the best. I have a neighbor with a Duck Toller who is now 3.5 months old and already quite a bit bigger than Wallee. When she brought her over for a play date a couple times I noticed that when Wallee did his usual "submissive" thing and laid on his back, she would start "mouthing around his neck". She would have his whole neck in her mouth which made me nervous and I would step in. I worry that since she is still so young and she is also very dominant that she will hurt him during play. She has also been to puppy classes and is learning, however is still very much the silly puppy. My neighbor keeps asking if she can come over to play and I am not sure if I should let them or just tell her I am not comfortable. I don't want to hurt her feelings, however do not want my puppy hurt. I also have another friend with a little s**tzu/malteese mix that likes to get together. this friend's dog is a few pounds heavier however about the same size. The problem here is that when Wallee gets into the dogs face (like puppies do) I hear the dog snap at him. I kind of freak out about this and separate them when this happens as I think he will bite Wallee and hurt him. His owner says we need to let them sort it out but since I was told at puppy class that Wallee is always on the bottom of the play pile cause he is so passive I worry that other dogs will take advantage. I know this is a long winded one. I did take him to a doggy day care one day and when I went to pick him up, he was outside with about 8 other little dogs so I know he is good socially. Should I just let him play with these other dogs and learn not to worry so much?:confused: |
I think you will get varying views here and have to do what you think is best. I personally don't have play dates with other dogs besides Georgie's cousins who are 5 and 7lbs. I just know how I am and I am just too paranoid. I absolutely love dogs and Georgie had the sweetest Boxer sister but I always worry because he is so small. We never worried about Coco she was always so gentle and Georgie was the boss. Whatever you decide I am sure be in the best interest of Wallee. |
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:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: I agree with above! I know me and how I have seen many accidents that could have been easily avoided, if only owners had not thought "play dates" were such a vital necessity for their dog's development or happy existance! So I just opt to not go there, people can call me over-protective or crazy, but my dogs depend on MY best decisions to keep them healthy and ALIVE!!! If I put them in a situation that can result in illness, injury, or death, I believe I am not looking out for them, especially knowing what could happen. You have to make decisions and do what YOU can live with! |
I can't let My Male Sneakers play. He's quite aggressive/dominant, and is somewhat aloof until another Dog approaches him. That's when it hits the fan. I do, in hopes, that there will be at some point, one/others which he will get along with, but so far, nada. On the other hand, both My Female Becca and male puppy Ichabod will get along with other Dogs quite well. I try to be very conscious of my guys personalities, and think that's the key to associations/play. It's just a trial an error issue, you have to permit or not, according to the individual. |
Ha..I have the opposite problem. Wallee is so passive that it seems "every " dog dominates him. And because he is so friendly he thinks they are all friendly and gets up in their faces. That's when I see them snap at him or they climb on top of him and continue to bite at him while he does nothing but try to get away. Then he goes right back for more. |
I think it's best to go with your gut. Jackson is a bigger boy at 16lbs, but certain dogs will make me uncomfortable, so we'll just leave (at the dog park for example). I've been taking him less and less actually. I only go now when we have friends dogs that we're meeting up there. I try to make play dates with dogs we know, and dogs I know he really gets along with. I really don't have an issue with bigger dogs, I let him play with bigger dogs if he seems comfortable and wants to. But the moment he shows uncertainty or I see it, I take him out of the situation. I think it's about knowing your own dogs play style too. I can very easily tell when Jackson is actually playing/enjoying himself or getting irritated or mad. There is also certain breeds that he tends to NOT like... the play style of bully breeds and Boxers for example, so we just don't risk it. Herding breeds (like Aussies and Border Collies) he gets along well with because they tend to like chasing games and so does Jackson. So I've learned his play style and what he does and doesn't like. I've also learned my level of comfort etc. |
Your dog sounds like a sweetheart but just like with people there are a variety of dog personalities. Many people do not have the slightest idea of how to train a dog properly. Even people who take their dogs to puppy classes miss the basic objective of dog training. Gracie is not allowed to play with larger dogs. Actually if we are out walking I pick her up as soon as I see another dog and usually don't let her down until they are gone. If it is someone I know that has a well trained stable dog then they are allowed to be together under supervision. However, you just cannot predict how some dogs are going to react and usually by the time you sense something is wrong it is too late. They can appear to just be playing at one moment and then snap! There is a bite! I don't take chances just to make another pet owner feel good. I really feel that the owner of a small dog has a responsibility to protect these little furry creatures. Some larger dogs think that these little dogs are something to play with and they can get very violent with them. Even smaller dogs with an "attitude" can be a threat. I really don't think you can be too careful. |
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Things can go wrong so quickly, and size does matter ! Follow your instincts. |
I agree with everyone. Follow your instincts and don't let others make you feel guilty if you decide you don't want the play dates. You are doing what is best for Wallee. He is a cutie |
I would be cautious ..I will only let Moki play with dogs his size or no more than twice the size= 12lbs. Unless the dog is passive. Only takes one bite |
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