Dog park etiquette - small dogs on large dog side

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, you're dog is stressed in the company of dogs she's not familiar with. How do you know she's happy? Tail wagging and dog "smiles"are often misinterpreted by people who claim to love dogs but are clueless about dog behavior.

Sorry, I’m not going to take dog-rearing advice from someone who doesn’t know the difference between “you’re” and “your” - but thanks for your concern.

I'm pp. I made a typo. But carry on with your ignorance.

+1. That the PP had to jump all over your for a simple spelling error says more about him/her than you. Keep posting!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, you're dog is stressed in the company of dogs she's not familiar with. How do you know she's happy? Tail wagging and dog "smiles"are often misinterpreted by people who claim to love dogs but are clueless about dog behavior.

Sorry, I’m not going to take dog-rearing advice from someone who doesn’t know the difference between “you’re” and “your” - but thanks for your concern.

I'm pp. I made a typo. But carry on with your ignorance.

+1. That the PP had to jump all over your for a simple spelling error says more about him/her than you. Keep posting!

Agree. They saw a typo and thought they could look smart lol.

And to answer op. Small dogs should NOT be in a dog park that is for large dogs. If something happens it’s on the owner of the small dog. I have a small dog and I’ve never taken her to any dog parks. She’d be so nervous, she might be the one to start a fight. Not worth the risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If this is Shirlington, then I disagree. The big dog section is a half mile pathway with access to the water. The small dog section is smaller than my backyard. If the sides were more equal I would agree.

Really though, the more I learn about dogs the less I like dog parks. They are a fantastic resource for apartment living dogs to run off leash, but the dog/dog interactions are pretty iffy if you know how to read behavior. When I go, I try to go during down times when there aren't other dogs, and if anyone gets too rowdy we leave.

It is true that Shirlington doesn't have a great small dog park. But the big one is for big dogs. And it is great.

The small dog in question here may not be a candidate for any dog park. I thought the rule was "if your dog can't handle it, come at sunrise, or never."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with you. There's a reason there are two separate spaces and it's because most small dogs can't play safely with large dogs and vice versa. Also, as far as I'm concerned, most dog parks are "play at your own risk" so no sense in taking extra chances by putting your small dog in the space reserved for large dogs. That's just asking for trouble.

Unfortunately, it's a dog eat dog world out there.

[Anonymous]

What determines a small dog or large dog in these parks?

I have a "medium dog." She is about 25 pounds and tall but very skinny (probably part whippet or greyhound). She would be killed by a 120 pound dog if she weren't so fast, but is much taller than the dogs in the small dog area.

Should I take her to the small dog or large dog area?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What determines a small dog or large dog in these parks?

I have a "medium dog." She is about 25 pounds and tall but very skinny (probably part whippet or greyhound). She would be killed by a 120 pound dog if she weren't so fast, but is much taller than the dogs in the small dog area.

Should I take her to the small dog or large dog area?

I believe size should be determined by weight, as that is what counts when dogs collide or jump on each other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What determines a small dog or large dog in these parks?

I have a "medium dog." She is about 25 pounds and tall but very skinny (probably part whippet or greyhound). She would be killed by a 120 pound dog if she weren't so fast, but is much taller than the dogs in the small dog area.

Should I take her to the small dog or large dog area?

I believe size should be determined by weight, as that is what counts when dogs collide or jump on each other.

But what weight qualifies as a large or small dog? I have never seen a sign indicating that at a dog park.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What determines a small dog or large dog in these parks?

I have a "medium dog." She is about 25 pounds and tall but very skinny (probably part whippet or greyhound). She would be killed by a 120 pound dog if she weren't so fast, but is much taller than the dogs in the small dog area.

Should I take her to the small dog or large dog area?

I believe size should be determined by weight, as that is what counts when dogs collide or jump on each other.

But what weight qualifies as a large or small dog? I have never seen a sign indicating that at a dog park.

At the Cabin John dog park the sign says 20 pounds or less equals small dog

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What determines a small dog or large dog in these parks?

I have a "medium dog." She is about 25 pounds and tall but very skinny (probably part whippet or greyhound). She would be killed by a 120 pound dog if she weren't so fast, but is much taller than the dogs in the small dog area.

Should I take her to the small dog or large dog area?

I believe size should be determined by weight, as that is what counts when dogs collide or jump on each other.

But what weight qualifies as a large or small dog? I have never seen a sign indicating that at a dog park.

At the Cabin John dog park the sign says 20 pounds or less equals small dog

Honestly it seems unfair that someone with a smallish dog - say 21 pounds - has to go in the same area as a Great Dane. Many of the dogs in the dog park on Saturdays are 100+ pounds.