Dear Labby answers dog park query

Dear Labby,

There's a great dog park around the corner from my house and I take my Maltipoo there everyday. Her favorite doggy friend is a huge Labrador who doesn't know his own strength. Sometimes my baby gets knocked around when they play. Is it my place or the other owner's place to step in when this happens? I don't want to come across as an overprotective pet parent, but I also don't want my dog to get injured.

Signed:

Maybe a Little Tense, Mother of Maltipoo

Too late, M.a.L.T.M.o.M. You've just come across as overprotective. But here's the thing: If Lenny the Lab really is your dog's favorite play buddy - and you know this because your dog initiates play, returns for more, etc. - she's likely having a great time. A tail whacking her in the face is part of the fun, even if it throws her off balance now and again.

So when is it time to intervene? When one dog is clearly, but unsuccessfully, trying to end the play session by attempting to run away; when one dog yelps in pain and the other doesn't back off; or when one dog is so "aroused," he's out of control. When a goofy Lab is just being a goofy Lab, most of the time the dogs can and should figure out the play dynamics for themselves. However, if you see a Schnauzer walk in with a Scrabble set, prepare yourself for trouble.

Got a petiquette question for Dear Labby? Email dearlabby@dogtime.com

Read all Dear Labby installments.

Tags Dear Labby, Petiquette Expert

DogTime newsletter

Related Content on DogTime.com

Finding the right family-friendly dog for you
March 31st, 2011
For many kids, the family dog is their best friend--a companion who teaches them about friendship, loyalty, responsibility, and empathy as well as providing unconditional love. If you treat your dog...
Finding a puppy: Picking the right breed of dog
March 31st, 2011
There are many things to consider when choosing a puppy, including which breed or type, and the optimal age of acquisition. Obviously, you want to choose a dog that is best suited to you and your lifestyle....
Ask Jack, invited by Dear Labby, to tackle small dog issue
March 31st, 2011
Dear Labby, I have a Chihuahua. She thinks she's a T-Rex. At the dog park, she teases Malamutes and German Shepherds twelve times her size and she comes away unscathed because she can outrun them....

In my area we have 2 new great dog parks. Each of them have 2 separately fenced off areas - one for dogs over 25 lbs. and one for those under. I have seen seen play with large dogs inadvertently harm small dogs during play (torn ligaments, for example). It as nothing to do with the other dog, rather with the size difference. I don't think the owner is being overprotective, when she is concerned. I also don't think she should be so overpolite to the detriment of her dog. The other owner may prefer she step in rather than any dog come to harm.

over 2 years ago by Anonymous

As a general rule of thumb, I never let a dog under 40 pounds play with a bigger dog unsupervised. As long as you are supervising their play and the little dog keeps considering the big dog as its favorite doggie friend, then there's nothing for you to step in and do. But if the table turns and your little one decides it's not 'friendly' any more, then please step in and remove your little dog from the situation. Nothing needs to be said about the big dog or to the big dog owner.

over 2 years ago by Anonymous

Recent conversations on these topics

mastiff bone deterioration
I have a 8yo 128lb female bull mastiff with bone deterioration in her left rear ankle. She has been able to get around on it with minor limping and holding it up until last night, she ran a short distance and collapsed and yelp over and over again in severe pain. she has been tested for cancer (negative) she is not eating and can barely move around now. She has a small fracture in that area now we believe from last nights episode. He says if she is unable to eat, move around on it then My vet recomends putting her down. Vet says that there would be to many complications if we were to remove the leg. What do you think?
Tension between roommates due to dogs
My roommates and I have recently moved into our apartment. I have a dog that is 55 pounds, 6 months old while my roommate has a 6 month old dog that is 3 pounds and the size of my dogs head. My puppy is playful yet gentle with her puppy and never shows agression towards it. However, she thinks their "nippiness" is too violent and is always worried her dog is going to get hurt. A few times her puppy yelped but thats because when they were running around mine accidently stepped on her dogs foot and my roommate freaked out over this. The two puppies always go to each other they're not enemies at all but she keeps hers on a tight leash and makes sure it's always within two feet of her, as if its a little infant next to a ferocious beast! If my dog actually wanted to hurt hers, wouldn't he have done so already? She is constantly complaining about my dog trying to play with hers and that its way too rough, it causes a lot of stress in our house. Can you give me any advice on how to deal with this situation or something to tell her that would reassure her they are just playing?
Tension between roommates due to dogs
My roommates and I have recently moved into our apartment. I have a dog that is 55 pounds, 6 months old while my roommate has a 6 month old dog that is 3 pounds and the size of my dogs head. My puppy is playful yet gentle with her puppy and never shows agression towards it. However, she thinks their "nippiness" is too violent and is always worried her dog is going to get hurt. A few times her puppy yelped but thats because when they were running around mine accidently stepped on her dogs foot and my roommate freaked out over this. The two puppies always go to each other they're not enemies at all but she keeps hers on a tight leash and makes sure it's always within two feet of her, as if its a little infant next to a ferocious beast! If my dog actually wanted to hurt hers, wouldn't he have done so already? She is constantly complaining about my dog trying to play with hers and that its way too rough, it causes a lot of stress in our house. Can you give me any advice on how to deal with this situation or something to tell her that would reassure her they are just playing?
Animal Control Called on me after only two weeks in house
So my boyfriend and I bought a house together about two months ago but just moved in about three weeks ago now. I had someone call animal control on me because m dogs were barking at someone walking by the house. Mind you I lived in an apartment with my dogs for a year and never had any complaints. I know my dogs only bark when someone is close and they do not bark all the time. My frustration is - if my dogs are bohtering you why cant you be civil and come talk to me about it. Animal control guy was a total jerk and said that I do not have the right to know who complained but said I could get fined for this. Shouldnt I have the right to face my accuser if this is going to be a criminal offence?