Dog park etiquette - small dogs on large dog side

[Anonymous]

Our dog park has separate areas for small dogs and large dogs. I'm curious about what DCUM's thinking is on small dogs in the large dog section and which owner would be most "at fault" in the event of an incident - my husband and I have differing views.

On several occasions we have seen small to very small dogs in the large dog area because the small dog "likes to play with large dogs." On a few occasions I have seen large, otherwise non-aggressive dogs, rough house with a small dog which then freaks out the small dog, making it aggressive and scares the small dog owner, who typically gets upset with the large dog owner.

I personally believe the small dog owner is at fault for being in the large dog area. Also, as a large dog owner its a bit unfair as the large dogs don't have anywhere else to go. DH believes the large dog owner shouldn't take their dog to the park if it can't handle being around small dogs, which to my point shouldn't be there in the first place! What say you?

We have a large lab who loves dogs large and small so I have no real dog in the fight (ha!).

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

The owner of the small dog should keep their dog in the small dog section. But a lot of small dog owners take some kind of misguided pride in thinking that their dog "thinks he's so big!", not realizing that their dog is barking at and charging the larger dogs not because he believes they're the same size, but because he's anxious being around a lot of larger dogs.

FWIW, if an owner took their large dog into the small dog section and a scuffle broke out there wouldn't be any debate about who is at fault, but people anthropomorphize dogs and get it in their heads that the little ones are like "babies" that can't be held accountable and need to be protected.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The owner of the small dog should keep their dog in the small dog section. But a lot of small dog owners take some kind of misguided pride in thinking that their dog "thinks he's so big!", not realizing that their dog is barking at and charging the larger dogs not because he believes they're the same size, but because he's anxious being around a lot of larger dogs.

FWIW, if an owner took their large dog into the small dog section and a scuffle broke out there wouldn't be any debate about who is at fault, but people anthropomorphize dogs and get it in their heads that the little ones are like "babies" that can't be held accountable and need to be protected.

Agree with all of this.

[Anonymous]

Are you talking about the Shirlington dog park, by chance?

[Anonymous]

Small dog owner is at fault in the situation you describe, OP. Your husband is wrong.

[Anonymous]

Dog parks are just a bad idea for everyone involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The owner of the small dog should keep their dog in the small dog section. But a lot of small dog owners take some kind of misguided pride in thinking that their dog "thinks he's so big!", not realizing that their dog is barking at and charging the larger dogs not because he believes they're the same size, but because he's anxious being around a lot of larger dogs.

FWIW, if an owner took their large dog into the small dog section and a scuffle broke out there wouldn't be any debate about who is at fault, but people anthropomorphize dogs and get it in their heads that the little ones are like "babies" that can't be held accountable and need to be protected.

Agree with all of this.

YES

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dog parks are just a bad idea for everyone involved.

+1

There are a few good ones, but most of them have entitled owners/dog walkers who don't pay attention. Once, I also saw an off kilter owner (wife?) screaming bloody murder and riling up the dogs, when two big dogs were playing: "NOOOO! they must not PLAAAAY! I saw my dog get eaten by another dog once! I am TRAAAAAAAUMATIYEZED!" What a show. Really? WTH are you doing here, of all places?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dog parks are just a bad idea for everyone involved.

+1

There are a few good ones, but most of them have entitled owners/dog walkers who don't pay attention. Once, I also saw an off kilter owner (wife?) screaming bloody murder and riling up the dogs, when two big dogs were playing: "NOOOO! they must not PLAAAAY! I saw my dog get eaten by another dog once! I am TRAAAAAAAUMATIYEZED!" What a show. Really? WTH are you doing here, of all places?

I digress. No small dogs in the big dog section. Ever.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dog parks are just a bad idea for everyone involved.

Dogs are disagreeable pooping disease-ridden machines. Spend the money on the homeless instead.

[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.

I’ve been going almost every day (yes, even in this weather) and maybe it’s a slow time of year but even with a lot of dogs around I don’t find interactions to be iffy. It seems like most (not all, but most) owners are respectful and intervene when necessary. My dog does very well there and it’s the best part of her day. Sure, she can run in my yard, but the socialization is what she enjoys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I’ve been going almost every day (yes, even in this weather) and maybe it’s a slow time of year but even with a lot of dogs around I don’t find interactions to be iffy. It seems like most (not all, but most) owners are respectful and intervene when necessary. My dog does very well there and it’s the best part of her day. Sure, she can run in my yard, but the socialization is what she enjoys.

Lol. Everything is fine amongst the dogs in park until suddenly it's not and nipping and gnashing begins. It happens in an instant, PP. You've just been lucky so far.

[Anonymous]

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.