Should Small And Big Dogs Behave The Same?

[MalteseLuna]

Yes small dogs should behave the same - compared to big dogs. The problem is not personality it's the way they are brought up. If you coddle a small dog, carry it around everywhere and don't socialize it then it's going to be a little terror!

My little 3 kg Maltese is lovely - she gets on well with dogs of all shapes and sizes. What she doesn't like (i.e. is scared of not aggressive towards) is highly exuberant 30 kg + dogs bounding across the park towards her. She has now had several bad experiences with big dogs trying to herd her, play with her like she is a toy, chase her, dominate her etc etc. The problem is that once a small dog has a bad experience with a big dog as with any dog having a bad experience it's hard to show them that not all big dog's are scary. We have met just as many lovely well behaved big dogs in the park - it's just the badly behaved ones that stay in your mind. I would imagine it's the same with nasty little dogs.

The main issue is that small dogs can be seriously and fatally injured by big dogs - even if the big dog doesn't mean to, one ill-placed foot and squish. Yes small dogs can still do as much damage if they are aggressive but for me the problem hasn't always been a question of bad behavior so much as clumsy big dog trying to play with 3 kg fluff - then poor Luna get's stepped on and it seriously hurts her.

There really shouldn't be a distinction between small and large dogs - the same standards of obedience and behavior should equally apply. However, big dog owners need to step into the shoes of small dog owners (and vice versa), small dog owners get told horrific stories of small dogs getting mauled/stepped on/injured by other small dog owners, vets, puppy schools etc etc that often leads to trepidation when the question of small dogs interacting with big dogs is raised. I know when I got Luna I was warned several times to not let Luna near big dogs as there had been several mauling in the area recently, this was by my vet.

No dog of any size should show aggression to humans.

[StKildaMal]

No dog of any size should show aggression to humans.

...or other dogs.

[Staranais]

No dog of any size should show aggression to humans.

...or other dogs.

Ideally, no, but some dogs do have dog aggression (or predatory aggression to other animals), and they can still be great pets if the owners are conscientious about training & controlling them.

[Snowball]

Small dogs should be just as well behaved and socialised as big dogs, it annyoys me no end to have a little terror run around and snarl and snap, and the owners just laugh and say she is being cute... sigh.... as you can see I find it frustrating.

[Rebanne]

actually I don't understand the need for so many dogs to be "friends". I walk my dogs (on lead) for exercise not to have a garden party socialising. I expect my dogs to basically ignore other dogs, to be indifferent to them. When harrassed by other dogs, I still expect them to ignore them as much as possible, polite hello but then we move on. But if push comes to shove, then yes I also expect my dog to defend it's self. And as they are large and the offending dog is often small then yes you can expect damage to be inflicted.

[W Sibs]

It should go without saying. A dog is a dog.. regardless what size they are. Why discriminate for?

Charlie is my first little dog and I wanted to make sure that he won't be a small terror and he is not. When we use to go to obedience, he was always the littlest in the class... so he played well with big dogs A lot of people thought I was crazy taking a little dog to obedience though.

He has the same rules as all the other dogs I've ever had. No jumping. Stay out of kitchen. Only on furniture if invited etc

[mita]

A lot of good points in your post, Mystiqview. It'd make a good base for an article.

[Simply Grand]

All dogs have a sharp end :D ...all owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dog's don't use it.

As with everything there's a small minority of people on both sides that ruin it for everyone else, both small and large dog owners. Most are great though.

I've owned Cavs, a Malamute and now a beautiful medium sized mutt. The Cavs were bullied by some big dogs, the Mal was constantly attacked by small dogs (there was a certain terrier back when I lived in Melbourne who I couldn't go to Albert Park if he was there, even when I had the Mal on a leash this dog would come running over and bite her back legs and the owner would tell me my dog was a killer and should be muzzled :D )

My biggest complaint is owners that don't think. My local dog park is very big. Generally the big dogs are at one end and the little ones at the other. There is two gates. Most people work out which end their dog "belongs" in and goes there. Yet some small dog owners bring their yappy fear aggresive small dog into the big dog end, then complain when they get rumbled by the big guys.

Common sense is required. Again, they all have a sharp end, if owners aren't confident they won't use it, keep it on a leash.

Well said StKildaMal, I agree

[Simply Grand]

whoops

[Adnil444]

Yes small dogs should behave the same - compared to big dogs. The problem is not personality it's the way they are brought up. If you coddle a small dog, carry it around everywhere and don't socialize it then it's going to be a little terror!

My little 3 kg Maltese is lovely - she gets on well with dogs of all shapes and sizes. What she doesn't like (i.e. is scared of not aggressive towards) is highly exuberant 30 kg + dogs bounding across the park towards her. She has now had several bad experiences with big dogs trying to herd her, play with her like she is a toy, chase her, dominate her etc etc. The problem is that once a small dog has a bad experience with a big dog as with any dog having a bad experience it's hard to show them that not all big dog's are scary. We have met just as many lovely well behaved big dogs in the park - it's just the badly behaved ones that stay in your mind. I would imagine it's the same with nasty little dogs.

The main issue is that small dogs can be seriously and fatally injured by big dogs - even if the big dog doesn't mean to, one ill-placed foot and squish. Yes small dogs can still do as much damage if they are aggressive but for me the problem hasn't always been a question of bad behavior so much as clumsy big dog trying to play with 3 kg fluff - then poor Luna get's stepped on and it seriously hurts her.

There really shouldn't be a distinction between small and large dogs - the same standards of obedience and behavior should equally apply. However, big dog owners need to step into the shoes of small dog owners (and vice versa), small dog owners get told horrific stories of small dogs getting mauled/stepped on/injured by other small dog owners, vets, puppy schools etc etc that often leads to trepidation when the question of small dogs interacting with big dogs is raised. I know when I got Luna I was warned several times to not let Luna near big dogs as there had been several mauling in the area recently, this was by my vet.

No dog of any size should show aggression to humans.

I agree that no dog of any size should show aggression to humans and I would add to other dogs as well. However, from my experience, I personally believe it would be better if the dog parks had two sections - a larger section for the large dogs and a smaller section for the small dogs. My dogs are approx 30kgs each, however if they have another large dog come bounding up to them from the other side of the park, they don't run and squeal, (which automatically provokes nearly all other dogs in the park - small, medium and large, to chase it and rumble it). They stand their ground with these other dogs and once they have sniffed each other are off playing and having a great time.

I see far too often small dogs that are terrified being in a dog park (and I might add other sizes as well) that should not be in a dog park. Dog parks are for confident, well socialised dogs - if your small dog is going to run and squeal, then don't bring it in. In dog language, a dog that won't be sniffed etc is just rude - like a human refusing to shake hands with another when introduced - from the years of experience I have seen, the dogs that won't let another dog sniff it, the dogs that run and squeal when approached by another dog have 9 times out of 10 been little dogs and should not be in a dog park.

I'm all for petitioning councils etc to have dog parks segregated into different areas and would happily do what it takes to see this happen. This situation is common in the US and other parts of the world and should be adopted here.

As a medium/large dog owner, my times at the dog park would be so much better if I knew that a small dog wasn't going to set the other dogs off because it hasn't been socialised properly. And I'm certain the small dog owners would be much happier too knowing that their dogs are safer in their own exercise area.

[Simply Grand]

I have a new perspective on this after last night. I strongly believe that all dogs should be taught to behave well, regardless of their size and I don't think aggression is "cute" in any dog. I've worked hard, and continue to work hard, to make sure my small dog (Saxon is around 5kgs) is well socialised, under my close supervision, and that he displays good manners. He's definitely not perfect, but he is not aggressive at all or fearful with dogs of any size. Of course not all dogs want to be friendly with him, but he seems to have learnt to judge how he should behave towards different dogs, depending on their reaction to him. And I still always stay close to him to watch both his behaviour and theirs.

Anyway, we had our first night of beginner's obedience last night - Saxon did very well, I was so proud of him. He even stayed relatively calm and attentive to me when everyone was arriving and greeting each other, even with lots of puppies straining on their leashes around him

One of the dogs we met was a little toy poodle who was smaller than Saxon. He doesn't meet many dogs that are smaller than him and although we've come across some snappy little dogs at the dog park he hasn't really had aggression directed at him from a smaller dog. Saxon and the poodle greeted each other with a nose sniff then the poodle snapped and barked at Saxon. Saxon looked surprised and pulled his head back but didn't do anything else, just stood there. The poodle's owner laughed and said "oh hahaha, he's bullying the big dog!" I didn't say anything and just called Saxon away.

Even though the other dog clearly started it, my reaction was that if Saxon had retaliated I would have been mortified! I was confident that even if he hadn't been on a leash the little poodle couldn't have done much damage to Saxon. However, if a dog bigger than Saxon snapped and barked at him and for some reason I wasn't there to protect him, I would be very happy for Saxon to do what he could to defend himself (god I hope he never has to try to defend himself, he wouldn't have much of a chance :D ).

So what I realised was that while I would hope that all dogs behave well, I do expect my dog to exhibit better behaviour than dogs that are smaller than him.

I know this is not exactly the same situation as many of you who have large dogs have experienced, but yesterday I would have said if a larger dog is provoked by a smaller dog I would be accepting of it retaliating, I now think that I would not actually be accepting of that in my own dog, big or small.

[Simply Grand]

As a medium/large dog owner, my times at the dog park would be so much better if I knew that a small dog wasn't going to set the other dogs off because it hasn't been socialised properly. And I'm certain the small dog owners would be much happier too knowing that their dogs are safer in their own exercise area.

Oh, and as a small dog owner, I've really appreciated being able to expose Saxon to dogs of all sizes at the dog park. It's helped him be confident and calm around large dogs when he comes across them, learn to behave differently with different dogs, and learn that at times he needs to show submission for his own safety.

He definitely doesn't run and squeal, but I do agree that not all dogs should be brought to a dog park and the behaviour of some can cause problems.

[twodoggies2001]

And if so, why are larger dogs not allowed to react?

Who says they're not allowed to react? They shouldn't have to tolerate aggression from any dog.

However, when was the last time you saw a large breed dog confronted by another dog that weighed more than 10 times what it did? No dog should be forced to defend itself but the frequency that larger breeds feel the need to may be less than for small dogs.

I personally believe that if every dog owner took responsibity for the control and safety of their dogs, we'd have a lot fewer of the "small dog vs big dog" threads we see here. They're all dogs and sometimes people need to remember that.

I think PF has hit the nail on the head.

Sometimes a simple thing like a playful wayward paw from a big dog can really hurt a small dog. Big dog owners (and small dog owners too) quite often can't understand this, and the fact that 'he's just playing' doesn't really make any difference.

However, it is up tot he small dog owner to protect their dog from situations like this too, which is why my dog only plays with dogs I know, because he already has fear issues mainly resulting from being hurt by big dogs playing with him (thank you puppy school).

That said I do think small dogs get away with a lot more and I don't necessarily think they should. All dogs should have manners.

Exactly. I was at the park with my two mini schnauzers when a fellow with a very large boxer cross came walking up behind me. I allow my dogs to socialize with others in the park, and definately do not pamper them in any way. This large boxer started to paw at my boy who weighs around 8kg. The boxer cross at a guess was around 40kg. He was a big boy. The owner stated he was a friendly dog and wouldn't hurt my boy. I explained that I understood it would not be deliberate, but just the sheer size of the other dog could harm my boy. He took offence and said I was babying my dogs. I've been on both sides of the scale in dog ownership. I have had Great Danes before the schnauzers, and the big boy was attacked by a staffy cross. My dane had the staffy's head in his mouth and if he wanted, could have killed him, but guess who had the vet bills? The staffy came away without a scratch and we had a ripped ear and ripped open leg.

[Adnil444]

As a medium/large dog owner, my times at the dog park would be so much better if I knew that a small dog wasn't going to set the other dogs off because it hasn't been socialised properly. And I'm certain the small dog owners would be much happier too knowing that their dogs are safer in their own exercise area.

Oh, and as a small dog owner, I've really appreciated being able to expose Saxon to dogs of all sizes at the dog park. It's helped him be confident and calm around large dogs when he comes across them, learn to behave differently with different dogs, and learn that at times he needs to show submission for his own safety.

He definitely doesn't run and squeal, but I do agree that not all dogs should be brought to a dog park and the behaviour of some can cause problems.

Hi, you sound like you are doing a great job with Saxon - as I do with mine and are constantly working with them. Mine are great with little dogs (I have a mini schnauzer as well and other members of my extended family have little dogs and we all go away together with no problems whatsoever). It's only when a dog runs and squeals which sets of this pack mentality from most of the other dogs at the park (and I'm sure if my dogs ran and squealed, they also would be a target).

Lots of dog owners don't understand anything about dogs and don't do what you are doing and ensuring that they are properly socialised and it is constant work. Saxon sounds like a great boy and mine would love to play and mingle with him, as they do with all the other dogs. In fact one of mine is renowned for being very gentle and playing very gently with the timid dogs, which is a win win for everyone. The timid dog gets more confidence, mine plays nicely with the other and both owners are happy. Let's hope our dogs continue to be the great dogs that they are.

[Adnil444]

And if so, why are larger dogs not allowed to react?

Who says they're not allowed to react? They shouldn't have to tolerate aggression from any dog.

However, when was the last time you saw a large breed dog confronted by another dog that weighed more than 10 times what it did? No dog should be forced to defend itself but the frequency that larger breeds feel the need to may be less than for small dogs.

I personally believe that if every dog owner took responsibity for the control and safety of their dogs, we'd have a lot fewer of the "small dog vs big dog" threads we see here. They're all dogs and sometimes people need to remember that.

I think PF has hit the nail on the head.

Sometimes a simple thing like a playful wayward paw from a big dog can really hurt a small dog. Big dog owners (and small dog owners too) quite often can't understand this, and the fact that 'he's just playing' doesn't really make any difference.

However, it is up tot he small dog owner to protect their dog from situations like this too, which is why my dog only plays with dogs I know, because he already has fear issues mainly resulting from being hurt by big dogs playing with him (thank you puppy school).

That said I do think small dogs get away with a lot more and I don't necessarily think they should. All dogs should have manners.

Exactly. I was at the park with my two mini schnauzers when a fellow with a very large boxer cross came walking up behind me. I allow my dogs to socialize with others in the park, and definately do not pamper them in any way. This large boxer started to paw at my boy who weighs around 8kg. The boxer cross at a guess was around 40kg. He was a big boy. The owner stated he was a friendly dog and wouldn't hurt my boy. I explained that I understood it would not be deliberate, but just the sheer size of the other dog could harm my boy. He took offence and said I was babying my dogs. I've been on both sides of the scale in dog ownership. I have had Great Danes before the schnauzers, and the big boy was attacked by a staffy cross. My dane had the staffy's head in his mouth and if he wanted, could have killed him, but guess who had the vet bills? The staffy came away without a scratch and we had a ripped ear and ripped open leg.

I totally agree with you. Big dogs don't deliberately want to hurt the smaller ones by pawing at them, they are playing and inviting the other dog to play too - however they don't understand that a paw from a 40kg dog hitting a 5kg dog may cause pain and damage. I too have had Great Danes (all through my growing up to my mid ages - wonderful dogs) and I also have a mini schnauzer as well as two rescue crossbreeds - 1 dobermanxkelpie, 1 rottiexdoberman, both of which are wonderful dog and people friendly dogs.

That is why I would like to see dog parks segregated into two areas - large and small areas. The small dog owners would be more than welcome to bring their dogs into the large dog area if they are confident and not going to run and squeal. I think this set up would be a great win win for owners of both small and larger dogs. I speak to lots of owners at my dog park and we all agree, it would be great to have separate areas, that way everyone can relax and enjoy their time at the park.

[newfsie]

I also spend a lot of time at our obedience club where there are a lot of small dogs......I have noticed that it must be something in some of the large dogs that make small dogs react. because when i walk my two newfs around we get hardly any reaction from most small dogs, even when we walk close. whilst someone who has a very well behaved obedient GSD gets the total opposite reaction. We have talked a lot about this at our Club, because it is so obvious. My dogs must give off a good vibe "we won't harm".....I am not sure if it is all newf type dogs. i noticed a really happy Saint, seems to have the same reaction. Has anyone else noticed this?

It is my believe all dogs should be well trained and polite..........Some of the small doh aggression is fear, but some is "just because we can" attitude and "because we are allowed"

Many large dog owners are so worried about possibly losing their large dogs that they are often well trained.

We have many well trained small dogs at our classes and I think that is just great........Therre are also some people with large dogs however, who think it is funny when their dog lunges for other dogs. It is all about who is on the other end of the lead.........

[Adnil444]

I also spend a lot of time at our obedience club where there are a lot of small dogs......I have noticed that it must be something in some of the large dogs that make small dogs react. because when i walk my two newfs around we get hardly any reaction from most small dogs, even when we walk close. whilst someone who has a very well behaved obedient GSD gets the total opposite reaction. We have talked a lot about this at our Club, because it is so obvious. My dogs must give off a good vibe "we won't harm".....I am not sure if it is all newf type dogs. i noticed a really happy Saint, seems to have the same reaction. Has anyone else noticed this?

It is my believe all dogs should be well trained and polite..........Some of the small doh aggression is fear, but some is "just because we can" attitude and "because we are allowed"

Many large dog owners are so worried about possibly losing their large dogs that they are often well trained.

We have many well trained small dogs at our classes and I think that is just great........Therre are also some people with large dogs however, who think it is funny when their dog lunges for other dogs. It is all about who is on the other end of the lead.........

I agree with you. I've seen the most placid, gentlest golden retriever join in with the pack when another dog has squealed and run - this is what dogs do, they will attack the weakest. No one likes it but it does happen. My dogs sound like yours, and they are perfectly fine, until a dog runs and squeals, then they join in with the others. Dog classes are a great way of socialising and getting all dogs used to each other, but the dog park is again a different place, where lots of dogs running, and mingling and having the scared ones just don't always mix. Too many people think a dog park is for them, when clearly a dog park is not for them (I've seen time and time again, terrified dogs at the park but their owners are ignorant and cannot see it). It's these dogs that will end up being rumbled by the others or as I saw tonight, an owner of a little dog, smiling while her dog rushed up to other dogs (all sizes) growling and barking. I did approach her and suggested that this behaviour may get her dog attacked if another dog takes offence at what her dog is doing. She had no idea and quickly got her dog and restrained it. It astounds me that people are like this and no doubt she would be the first to scream and appoint blame if her dog was attacked. I would never in a million years let my dogs to that to any other dog, person or animal.

This is why I would like segregated areas at dog parks - the little dogs possibly wouldn't have to take on the small dog syndrome if they were only around dogs of their own size and hopefully enjoy playing and socialising with dogs of their own size. The same would apply to the timid ones - there would be no need to run and squeal because another dog approached you.

[Kissindra]

our dog park has segregated areas, I stick to the small dog area because we have some regulars in the larger section who don't seem to see any problem with their large dog being small dog agressive. No provocation needed, his dog makes a beeline for small dogs and then has them on the ground...at which point he starts yelling at the small dog owner that they should be in the small dog area and are not allowed in the other section even though this is not the case and the signage clearly indicates as much.

I'm sad for Boo who has great doggy manners and likes to hang around with the big guys, but it just isn't worth it. I'm also annoyed because the small dog section is smaller than our new backyard so he doesn't get to have a nice big space to run like the other section has i have no problem sticking to a small dog section, but I wish council would make them a decent size!

[Danois]

I dislike when owners let their small dogs run and join in with the larger dogs playing.

My dog plays with a standard poodle, an airedale, lab and a x breed. Typical larger dog play involving lots of running. Occasionally SWFs will run over and join in and their owners oblivious to the risk. Its a long way to his feet for my boy and he has bowled a SWF over several times now while he is playing with the others - they get under his feet, he does not see them and it is risking a serious injury to my dog if he trips over however I get the dirty look when the small dog yelps.

[mita]

This is why I would like segregated areas at dog parks - the little dogs possibly wouldn't have to take on the small dog syndrome if they were only around dogs of their own size and hopefully enjoy playing and socialising with dogs of their own size. The same would apply to the timid ones - there would be no need to run and squeal because another dog approached you.

Yes, it's good that the Brisbane Council has provided some divided dog parks, for small & bigger.

It's not just a case of fault-finding, it's the imbalance in size among strange dogs, even in the the most reasonable of play.

My small tibbies were brought up with large dogs....a Tibetan Mastiff, a German Shepherd...& actually prefer them to small, more twittery dogs.

And they play/interact happily & safely with the greyhound next door.

BUT they're better off being in a dog park with strange dogs of around their own size, so there's no problem even from the most innocent of big dog 'force'.

It even applies in the human world. One of the top rugby-playing private schools in Brisbane has jacked up because some of the rival school rugby teams are offering sport scholarships to giants of lads outside the normal age-size range. So they're arguing for a more even distribution of weight & size among schoolboy teams.

Without that, even the usual collisions & tackles can become lethal. The dissenting school has said it will refuse to field a rugby team, if this problem isn't addressed.

Edited April 17, 2010 by mita