Limit Size Of Other Dogs?

[Rascalmyshadow]

I do not agree that tiny dogs need to socialise with much larger dogs. My little pomxchi is extremely social with all other dogs even though we have mostly kept him away from larger dogs. Even meeting on a lead is risky, we had an over friendly GSD push down on his back with its paw which caused a luxating patella in one knee, he had perfect patellas before the incident and both dogs were on lead.

[Mavis]

Wow rascalmyshadow... That sounds awful and is exactly what I am trying to avoid.

Helen yes I have considered both the German and Japanese Spitz breeds for our next dog :-). I love the Spitz personality. That might be a year or so away however so socialisation remains a priority.

Mystiqview I am pleased to say that our dog although timid by nature has been very well socialised with strange kids adults and dogs. Luckily the hard work we did in the early months seems to have paid off and he reacts quite well to bigger dogs... I have had to keep it to sniffs only as I am yet to meet a big gentle dog although this may be because big dogs in my area rarely meet littlies.

My question was more concerned with how I can make a judgement about "how big is too big" as I am aware of experiences such as the one rascalmyshadow had. However the consensus seems to be that it is hard to make this call.

[Mavis]

Edit to delete double post. Oops!

Edited January 12, 2015 by Mavis

[Alibi]

I do not agree that tiny dogs need to socialise with much larger dogs. My little pomxchi is extremely social with all other dogs even though we have mostly kept him away from larger dogs. Even meeting on a lead is risky, we had an over friendly GSD push down on his back with its paw which caused a luxating patella in one knee, he had perfect patellas before the incident and both dogs were on lead.

Totally agree with this! I find big dogs always want to smack their paw on my girl.

[denali]

My dogs arent as small- around 8kg.

So i dont worry AS much. However i think it is all largely dpependent on the dogs nature in the first place- i know so many large dogs who will lie down to play with my littlies.

I also know a few on the other end of the scale who have no clue they are little and try the rough play thing.

You just have to supervise.

Also not usually as much of a problem if the larger dog has grown up with small dogs around.

[Mavis]

I think his extremely small size (even for a Pom - he is under breed standard) does make me extra cautious.

[denali]

I think his extremely small size (even for a Pom - he is under breed standard) does make me extra cautious.

I dont blame you.

But i think some interactions would be good. Even just quick nose sniffings and moving on.

[Staffyluv]

I think his extremely small size (even for a Pom - he is under breed standard) does make me extra cautious.

I dont blame you.

But i think some interactions would be good. Even just quick nose sniffings and moving on.

I agree that interactions with bigger dogs, for small dogs, can be really good - however if I owned a small dog, I would like to be confident that the little one wouldn't be hurt (even in play or meeting)..

If the OP is keen for the little one to meet bigger dogs, then I would be sure to choose dogs that I have met and know are gentle and have great temperaments.

I personally limit the interaction that Zig has with other dogs. Even going to the leash free park, if more boisterous dogs show up and are too full on (out of control dogs), we leave, if it becomes really rough play.

[Mystiqview]

I do not agree that tiny dogs need to socialise with much larger dogs. My little pomxchi is extremely social with all other dogs even though we have mostly kept him away from larger dogs. Even meeting on a lead is risky, we had an over friendly GSD push down on his back with its paw which caused a luxating patella in one knee, he had perfect patellas before the incident and both dogs were on lead.

Agree to disagree.

As to the injury - who is to say the incident CAUSED the luxating patellas. As it is a general breed issue in both breeds, who is to say it may not have happened anyway? The incident MAY have caused it to present early. It may not have happened if there was not already a pre-disposition to it in the first place.

personally limit the interaction that Zig has with other dogs. Even going to the leash free park, if more boisterous dogs show up and are too full on (out of control dogs), we leave, if it becomes really rough play.

If I was socialising any dog, an off lead park is the last place I would go. Too many variables and too many unknowns. Bad/irresponsible owners, bad/unmannered dogs. Off lead parks are just an accident waiting to happen. Not the first place I would start. Even bigger dogs running with other bigger dogs or little dogs running together in the small dog enclosure.

You just have to supervise.

Also not usually as much of a problem if the larger dog has grown up with small dogs around.

Exactly!!!! I said you had to control the play. Not let it be a free for all with any dog.

It is no real difference between introducing a puppy to an existing dog at home. Supervision and care needs to be taken. We successfully introduced a 8 week old dachshund puppy to a ridgeback x mastiff puppy around 4 months without injury to the small dog. Care was taken and we were all on the floor to make sure no injury was caused to the small dog. Mastiff pup was full on, but it learnt to be gentle and not want to flop on it and try to squash it. Even now that both are adults, mastiff still a big goofy all paws and muscle, knows how to behave around the small dogs and is not rough. The small dogs have gotten used to the large dog.

Makes it a lot easier when family get together happens. 4 border collies, 2 dachshunds and one large mastiff - all getting on well without injury or snappyness etc for weekend visits. Lot of dogs in one small house.

I like other groomers here would have groomed their fair share of ill tempered small dogs. When dropped off at a grooming salon, not uncommon to have large and small dogs in there at the same time. They need to be able to be handled (and clipped) and also be reasonably comfortable (not freaking out) with a large dog on the next grooming table.

Just sayin.

Edited January 12, 2015 by Mystiqview

[Rascalmyshadow]

The incident did cause the issue I am well aware of how common it is in the breeds, he has had his patellas checked at least twice a year since a puppy and there was nothing wrong with them. I worked in a vet for almost 13 years so I'm no novice.

The dog pushed him down so hard he screamed, I took him to the vet and they found the luxating patella as well as inflammation all caused by excess force.

This all happened within seconds of a passing hello and sniff.

Edited to add: I see no reason for my dogs to play with large dogs, they have each other and plenty of othet small dogs to socialise with.

Edited January 12, 2015 by Rascalmyshadow

[Mavis]

Thanks for your advice everyone :-). Some excellent food for thought.

[Aleksandra 157]

I have a Japanese Spitz and a German Spitz ,if you decide in future to get another ,it is worth knowing that they are quite different in nature ,even though they look similar .Lulu is very aloof ,as was my last JS and definitely a one person dog,adores my husband.Ollie has a more outgoing nature and is every bodies friend .They are almost identical at present as Ollie is only 8 months,,but will grow a few inches taller than Lulu . :)

[Mavis]

Thank you Aleksandra that is great to know!!