pomchi Posted June 24, 2012 Share Posted June 24, 2012 Hi Guys, Just a quick question. I have a two year old pomeranian, who I love to take to the dog park, I have noticed that lately when a dog approaches she will turn away from them and if they come closer she then sits down, showing no interest in play. If they continue e.g putting paw on her back or standing over her, she will often let out a small growl, being that she weighs less than 2kg this often doesnt deter the other dog. So I was wondering at what point do I step in. I want her to play with other dogs but not force her when she is not interested. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted June 24, 2012 Share Posted June 24, 2012 How big are these dogs? She might be scared. She's at an age when many dogs don't want to play with other, random dogs. Personally I wouldn't put such a small dog in this situation. She is feeling threatened and it is your job to protect her- otherwise shell try TP do it herself and, given her size, she could come off second best. If she were mine I'd find a few small, well behaved dogs and have private play dates with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted June 24, 2012 Share Posted June 24, 2012 When I take my Pom to the dog park she has no interest at all in the big dogs, if they come near her she walks away, gives them no attention at all. She only plays with small dogs which is fine by me. If she's showing behaviour of not wanting another dog to play as you state above, and the other dog still attempts then I'd be stepping in. They're just too fragile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomchi Posted June 24, 2012 Author Share Posted June 24, 2012 I agree, I don't want to make her play with dogs that she is not interested in, she is quite happy playing chasey around the park with us, I find it difficult sometimes with the parents of other dogs where they see it as play time so will not call their dog away. I find our lil pom is quite happy to play with dogs that are usually more docile/older even if they are a rottweiler or doberman :). I just wasnt sure at what point I should step in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted June 24, 2012 Share Posted June 24, 2012 It sounds like she is showing some lovely communication - that being she is not all that interested in playing with unknown dogs. I second everything that megan said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted June 24, 2012 Share Posted June 24, 2012 I agree, I don't want to make her play with dogs that she is not interested in, she is quite happy playing chasey around the park with us, I find it difficult sometimes with the parents of other dogs where they see it as play time so will not call their dog away. I find our lil pom is quite happy to play with dogs that are usually more docile/older even if they are a rottweiler or doberman :). I just wasnt sure at what point I should step in. They know their size and ad crazy rough they can be with an evenly matched dog there're not stupid enough to play with the really big guys. Mine likes to have a sniff but she doesn't roam far from my feet and never starts a game with a bigger dog and a bigger dog has never tried to play with her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedazzledx2 Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 You dog is showing in perfect dog language she does not want to play and she probably knows that due to her size, she is vunerable. I avoid dog parks like the plague! Just recently a small dog was attacked at the local 'free for all' by two big dogs and the owner of the small dog was powerless to do anything about it. Fortunately the small dog survived after veterinary treatment which did not come cheap. Psychological damage would most probably be permanent for the owner and dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Crazy Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 (edited) My 2 have no interest in other dogs really & that doesn't bother me at all. In fact I try my hardest to stay away from others. Usually more peaceful & safer that way. Agree with bedazzledx2 here. Your dog is showing perfect manners. Sitting down & turning away. "No thanks, I don't want to play today" :laugh: Wish my girl was that polite to other dogs :laugh: Edited June 25, 2012 by BC Crazy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lavendergirl Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Taking a toy size breed into a dog park with larger dogs is a disaster waiting to happen IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Councils need to incorporate more smaller dog parks into dog parks. There are some around but they are few and far between. It's not fair the little guys get to miss out on all the fun because of their size, and I agree it can be a very dangerous place for a toy breed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Crazy Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Yes, must admit I have to agree with LG, I wouldn't be taking a toy breed to a leash-free. I have seen a big dog have a brain snap with a small dog. Won't go into graffic detail. Something I will NEVER forget, to put it mildly. I would be finding a place where there wasn't any big dogs around even if you have to leave him on lead. Better to be on the safe side with one so small. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weasels Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Pomchi - if you are SOR there is a small-dog-only park in Kwinana, it's called Parmelia Peace Park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pomchi Posted June 25, 2012 Author Share Posted June 25, 2012 Pomchi - if you are SOR there is a small-dog-only park in Kwinana, it's called Parmelia Peace Park. Oh okay, thanks weasels we might check it out. Thanks for the advice guys,I think once she decides she doesnt want to play we will just head to a quite spot in the park for a game of chasey. If she is happy just hanging out with us, its fine with me :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skye GSD Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Pomchi - if you are SOR there is a small-dog-only park in Kwinana, it's called Parmelia Peace Park. Oh okay, thanks weasels we might check it out. Thanks for the advice guys,I think once she decides she doesnt want to play we will just head to a quite spot in the park for a game of chasey. If she is happy just hanging out with us, its fine with me :) I would "second" this park also - awesome set up with two fenced enclosures - one for small dogs and a larger one for the big dogs. I would not be putting my small dog in a situation with larger unknown dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckandsteve Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 I actually had the reverse problem in that a little toy dog wanted to play with my big goofy foster. It kept barking getting my dog to chase him, and the owner had left its lead attached. Well mine chased and played fine but kept stepping on the lead and the poor dog was being flipped and rolled etc It was a minpin and i was sure it would break its leg if mine stood on him, we left as i was terrified something would happen, other owner couldnt care. We go to the dog park once a week and if im not happy with a dog there we just leave. Maybe take that approach, if there is a dog you dont want yours playing with just leave. You cant control the other owners, and as much as people like to complain about them on here there is no point. Just leave and try another day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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