Small/Large dog parks

[Babyblue5290]

Ok, so this came up in another thread, and I know it's probably been brought up in the past, but I was curious to see the prevailing opinions now.

First of all, does your park have a small dog area and large dog area?

Do you think small dog area should be strictly small dogs under x lbs and large dog area should be strictly large dogs over x lbs?

By this I mean small dogs are never allowed in large dog area and large dogs are never allowed in big dog area.



The park I go to now has a very very small section for "small or special needs" dogs, but the large park is not specifically for large dogs, it is for all dogs.

The second park I will sometimes go to has a "small dog area" and a large main park, but it is not specifically resticted to having small or large dogs in either area. I know I personally, and a lot of people I talked to there, misunderstood it as a small dog only park so would get cranky when a large dog was brought in, but it said no where on the signs that only small dogs could be brought in.

I do like having a smaller area park to go to when I don't want to walk around the huge area, but I don't think you should restrict access to only small dogs.

For one, my 14 lb dog loves to play with large dogs. I do recognize the fact that small dogs can get hurt when playing with overly rough large dogs, but I know Art out runs any dog, is very sturdy, and knows when to tell the dog to stop. And if him warning the dog he's too rough isn't enough he will run to me and I will put an end to it.

I think it is the owners responsibility to keep their dog under control at all times. If your dog doesn't like small dogs, or another dog doesn't like your dog and tells it that, tell your dog to move on or leave.

On the reverse, some big dogs love small dogs, but isn't fond of larger dogs. Yes, if your big dog likes small dogs I think it should be let into the small dog area, but if it doesn't like big dogs and another big dog comes in to that area, You should remove your dog or keep it under control.

I use to have a 100lb Malamute who liked to chase small critters, and I was worried about him with small dogs. What did I do? I didn't bring him to the dog park if there were any small dogs, and if a small dog came in, I would leash him and take him out. He never once did anything to a small dog, but he was too focused on them for my liking. This is my problem, not the small dog owners.

Bottom line, I think it's the owners responsibility to keep their dog under control, protect their dog from irresponsible owners (as best as possible obviously) and if your dog doesn't like something often seen at a dog park, don't go. You take a risk going to a dog park, you can only do the best you can and know your dog and watch others dogs.

 

[Linds]

Our doesn't and we have a fair amount of mix of both. Most of the regulars it seems have smaller dogs and I've honestly never seen/heard of there being an issue between dogs because of the size difference.

And the thing is, everyone that goes to it knows there are going to be big dogs and little dogs there so if your dog has an issue with any of the above they don't go.

But, I've said it before and I'll say it again, our dog park is huge so if you or your dog has an issue with one of the other dogs/people it's really really easy to get away from them and not see them again the whole time you are there. If it was a little fenced in box I could very well see how it could become a problem.

 

[Laurelin]

Our dog park in OK (which I don't go to) is segregated. But the small dog side just plain SUCKS. It's tiny and all dirt and much smaller than my yard. It's pointless to go imo.

In college station there's 2 dog parks. One is just one fenced in area. I went once with Summer and never went back. Too many big dogs playing in too small an area and Summer was very uncomfortable. The other had a small dog area and then just a regular area. You could bring small dogs on either side but the small area was just for small dogs. I brought them a few times but they thought that park was boring. At peak hours the large side gets bad and I wouldn't bring my small dogs there.

Then there's the two parks we go to. They're not dog parks but you can hike off leash and let your dogs play if they remain under voice control. I like those much better. I can avoid and scope things out (I know the regulars and who to avoid). We're also not fenced in if there's a problem. The park I went to I could see for about a half mile almost every way so it's not like you can't just avoid the other dogs. Plus it's just hikers and not dogs going all out wrestling with each other in a big pack.

I will not go to an unsegregated dog park where it's a smallish (less than a couple acres) fenced in madhouse. In fact, I wouldn't go to one of those anyways. If it's a large offleash park I will go because my girls are wonderful off leash and it's easy to generally avoid people. But I am wary when it comes to big dogs because I've heard too many stories. It's too much a risk. I will let them play with big dogs we know but not big dogs we don't know.

Personally I think it's dangerous to bring a dog that is bad with small dogs to an open dog park, but people are stupid. I don't trust people to be smart about it.

 

[nikkiluvsu15]

It does have small/big dog area, however, everyone uses the same area as the big area has all the "fun" stuff - the 2 doggie pond, sand pit, etc. AND I think its big enough where they can be "away" from each other if they choose. Its about 14-15 acres.

I don't mind that everyone is in the same area, as Harleigh absolutely adores little dogs. I think sometimes she would much rather play with them than larger dogs, lol. My main fear is that she'll accidentally hurt one of them by stepping on them.... especially when she gets excited and starts butt-tucking around.

Oh and last time I was at the dog park there was a small-er dog there- Harleigh went over there to greet her and have fun, the dog went crazy snapping and growling at her. So, I guided Harleigh to the other side of the park and we stayed away from her. Well as we were leaving the owner and the small dog were standing by the gate talking to another person and she said that her dog wasn't feeling good because that "mean, big black dog charged at her for no reason". BTW, Harleigh is very submissive. She play-bowed at the other dog and was getting down on her "level", so its not like it was some huge dog charing at her.

So my other "issue" would be IF a smaller dog got hurt (or they were not having a "good day") where big dogs were playing, that the owner would automatically assume the big dog did it. However, I don't think that would happen... I've had no problem with any other people and their smaller dogs, most can't believe that Harleigh is so gentle. So, just forget I mentioned that above, lol.

 

[Sit Stay]

We just started taking Quinn to the local dog park, so I don't have a ton of experience or insight yet. As an owner of a dog who doesn't like large or rough-playing dogs though (Quinn's best friend in puppy class was a mini Dachshund, and last time at the dog park she loved a little Cocker mix) I like the idea of having two sections if needed. I don't even think it has to be Small Dogs & Large Dogs, but having the option to go to a separate area if needed without having to leave I'm sure would be very appreciated.

A lot of dog parks around here are pretty small, though. The one in town definitely is, and I read about another local one who actually does have a small and large area and it isn't very accepted, just because it makes the already-tiny area even smaller. There is another one that's a bit of a further drive and is supposed to be amazing - it's an old gravel pit, lots of land and some trails too, but apparently there's always a ton of dogs there and I don't think Quinn's ready for that yet.

 

[MPP]

The dog park we go to the most has three areas: small (under 30 lbs.), medium (30-50), and large (over 50) People are pretty respectful of the small and the large areas, but owners of large dogs who are too gentle or too old for the rough-and-tumble of the large dogs often opt for the medium dog area instead. It's the part I usually take mine to. Monday may weigh 80 lbs., but she has absolutely no defenses and is abused by some of the large dogs.

Interestingly, Katie, who weighs 60 lbs., has NEVER even been snarked at by another dog of any size, even though she has never so much as lifted a lip to any of them. I believe that other dogs can tell that if they INSIST on fighting with her, my calm and peaceful Katie will rip them into tiny little shreds.

 

[Albertina]

My dog likes to play rough. He's never injured a dog but I don't let him play with small dogs. If someone with a small dog goes into a park designated for big dogs then surely the small dog owner takes on an assumption of risk.

Many small dogs can handle my dog but not all. Some are desperate to play with but aren't feisty enough and my dog winds up with their entire head in his mouth. It's just play but it's still dangerous and I don't let him do that. He is getting better and better but he is still a puppy.

If small dogs go to big dogs areas then big dogs who like to play robustly have nowhere to go.

My dog could hurt a small dog just by knocking it over accidentally while playing with another big dog.

 

[Skivvies]

The dog park I go to has an area for dogs of any size, and a separate area for small dogs only. The small dogs section is REALLY small though, and doesn't have any of the fun stuff like the other area does (agility equipment and a pond). So the small side is usually empty. I take Tiffany in there if there are other small dogs in it, or if she's scared of the big dogs. Tiffany is usually more inclined to play with small or medium sized dogs than big ones.

I'm planning to join a bigger dog park though (that also has a small dog area), so hopefully she can make some little doggie friends.

 

[oakash]

Our dog park has a big dog and small dog side. I'm okay with small dogs, I like them and everything, but its really scary for me to see a 2 lb dog trotting around while there are HUGE dogs racing around playing very roughly.

I guess its a know your dog sort of thing, but I'd be really scared that the other owners didn't know their dog, and that their dog might have prey drive. I wouldn't bring a dog with high prey drive to the dog park, its too much of a chance.

 

[Linds]

I'm planning to join a bigger dog park though (that also has a small dog area), so hopefully she can make some little doggie friends.

Have you ever been to East Branch?

 

[Beanie]

Both of the dog parks in town have a "small dog" section specifically for dogs under 20 (or maybe 25, can't remember) pounds, and then the rest of the park isn't "large dogs," it's just the rest of the park.

I'm sure you guys remember my post(s) about the guy who FREAKED OUT at me and asked me repeatedly if I was SURE Auggie was under 25 pounds, because his 5 pound yorkie was aggressive to "big dogs" and he thought Auggie didn't belong in the "small dog" park. Yes, my dog weighs 15 pounds. No matter how many times you ask me I know that he weighs 15 pounds.
Honestly it seems like a large majority of the dogs in the "small dog" park are aggressive. And Auggie much much MUCH prefers big dogs anyway, so unless we're meeting our friend there who isn't sure yet about letting his dog play with the big dogs, we play with the big dogs and stay away from the "small dog" side. There are some other small dogs that come play in the rest of the park and they are usually just fine... so I kind of wonder if the "small dog" park isn't instead treated as "problem dog" park...

 

[JacksonsMom]

I have two dog parks that I frequent. One is considered "higher class" if you will. It's in a big state park and it's a $40 yearly pass to get in (or $6 one time fee). They have a small dog side and a big dog side. I've never taken Jackson in the big dog side over there because I always see HUGE dogs that are playing really rough, and I hear alot of scuffles. I think it just sounds worse than it is -- but it still worries me. Jackson gets along fine with big dogs, and for the most part, he tends to stay out of their way if he doesn't know them. But I'd hate for him to accidentally get in the middle.

We have another park that is free, and is closer to my house, and very rarely are there other small dogs on the small dog side. It's pretty small and the big dog one is huge. There have been times where I go there, first go into the small side, and if I see 1-3 other big dogs on the other side and watch them for a few minutes, how they interact, etc, I will ask the owners if it's okay if I bring my small dog in. Funnily enough, this park is a lot more laid back, and I've never seen any fights break out here. The other expensive park (which is very nice, don't get me wrong) is full of owners yelling out commands at their dog all the time and trying to be all training professionals, I consider them more 'dog enthusiasts' and then the free park is more of a neighborhood friendly place where their kids play sports, so they bring the dog over to play. We've never had any problems at that one. Jackson plays great with my family members big dogs including a Pit Bull, a Lab, Golden Retrievers, etc.

I walk a Rottweiler every day too and he comes with me, but I know that dog and how he reacts, and how he behaves, etc. There's a dog park down the street from that house and I have taken Jackson and the Rottie there offleash together in the big dog side when we are there alone, but if I see another dog coming in, I typically leash up and we go.

In general, I really think people should just follow the rules. I know every park requires different things. But for example, our state dog park has the park police that make sure people are following the rules. And believe me, people complain. There's been many instances where someone will try to bring a stroller in with a little kid and always about 10 minutes later, the park rangers show up and tell them to leave. So they definitely enforce the rules.

My whole issue is I would just hate to see a little dog badly hurt or killed by a big dog and then for one, that little dog lost it's life, and two, the big dog gets blamed, even if it was purely by accident.

But really, I've had nothing but wonderful times at our dog parks. There's been a few instances here and there were people are just stupid. But I love it, Jackson has an absolute blast, and I've actually made some good friends there. I know most of the dogs by their names, haha!

 

[Southpaw]

Mine has a small/fragile dog area, but there's nothing that states a "small dog" is considered X pounds, and nothing that says they can't enjoy they rest of the park (it's a large park, the small dog section is a pretty tiny part of it).

Honestly I'm okay with small dogs hanging with the big dogs. If the owners are fine with it then I don't care; I'm not going to get upset then if Juno steps on a small dog or runs one over.

I just think it'd be annoying if they were strict about who's allowed where. What if I have a big dog and a small dog? (which I do lol, but Lucy rarely accompanies me and Juno). What if you bring your small dog, and there are no other dogs in the small dog section? I don't mind if me and Juno are the only ones there, because we can still run around and play fetch and have fun... but the small dog section is SMALL, so if you're the only small dog there, you're not going to have much fun.

If you bring your small dog to play with big dogs, you should accept that there is a risk of injury; but, that risk exists for ANY dog that steps foot into a dog park.

 

[Romy]

Bottom line, I think it's the owners responsibility to keep their dog under control, protect their dog from irresponsible owners (as best as possible obviously) and if your dog doesn't like something often seen at a dog park, don't go. You take a risk going to a dog park, you can only do the best you can and know your dog and watch others dogs.

That's the scenario in an ideal world. Unfortunately a lot of irresponsible people with dog aggressive, or overly prey driven, or overly boisterous dogs that have no dog manners bring their animals to dog parks when they don't really belong there.

No offense to you or any other large dog owner whose dogs are safe with small dogs, but if I had a tiny little dog I would NOT be comfortable with a large strange dog approaching it at a dog park. If there was a big dog in the small dog area, I'd probably take my little dog and go home. It's too easy for them to get killed, even by accident.

I consider my borzois small dog safe. They regularly play (very gently) with our friend's boston terriers, shih tzus, etc. Would I ever take them into a small dog area? Heck no. Those small dog owners don't know if my dogs are safe with theirs. I don't know if those small dogs are comfortable with a giant hound sticking their snoot in their bum. If they were, maybe they'd be playing in the large/all dog area instead. It just seems like a rude thing to do.

 

[Skivvies]

Have you ever been to East Branch?

Nope, but that's part of the DuPage County Forest Preserve, right? That's what I'm thinking about signing up for. I like the flexibility of being able to use any forest preserve dog park in the county. I'm closest to Blackwell but it's kind of small. Green Valley in Naperville also sounds nice.

 

[Linds]

Nope, but that's part of the DuPage County Forest Preserve, right? That's what I'm thinking about signing up for. I like the flexibility of being able to use any forest preserve dog park in the county. I'm closest to Blackwell but it's kind of small. Green Valley in Naperville also sounds nice.

Yep, part of the Dupage dog parks. I only will go to East Branch and Pratt Wayne because they are the biggest ones. East Branch though could eat the Pratt Wayne one :rofl1:

East Branch and this picture only shows part of it. There is no small/big dog section. But like I said earlier, most of the regulars have small dogs so people tend to not bring dogs that have issue with small dogs and you can always avoid anyone you don't want to be around

And one of the beaches there

 

[Laurelin]

I want your dog park.

 

[HarleysMomma]

The dog park in my area has a smaller separate area for the smaller dogs but its up to the owner if they want to put them in that area they are not restricted to the area.

 

[Babyblue5290]

That's the scenario in an ideal world. Unfortunately a lot of irresponsible people with dog aggressive, or overly prey driven, or overly boisterous dogs that have no dog manners bring their animals to dog parks when they don't really belong there.

No offense to you or any other large dog owner whose dogs are safe with small dogs, but if I had a tiny little dog I would NOT be comfortable with a large strange dog approaching it at a dog park. If there was a big dog in the small dog area, I'd probably take my little dog and go home. It's too easy for them to get killed, even by accident.

I actually don't own a large dog anymore, only Art (14lbs)

But, yes you are right, most of us have had dog park experiences where some irresponsible person brought a dog that shouldn't be in a dog park, but that's why I always take a look around the park, see who's there and how they are interacting, before going in.

Now, I guess there is a large difference between an itty bitty 2lb dog and a 14lb dog. Art is a rough and tumble type dog (I wouldn't have anything different!) so I don't worry too much if he get's run over. It's happened a few times where a dog ran into him, he just shakes it off and keeps running. He's a very sturdy dog.

If I had a 2lb, I break my leg jumping off the couch dog it would be different. A 12 lb Artimis dog could hurt a 2lb dog pretty easily. I would likely never (if maybe once or twice if there where an only small dog area) bring a dog under 8 lbs to a dog park! Honestly that's scary, but I guess I would likely never own an 8lb dog anyways Heck, Bella (art's half-sister) is around 5lbs, she's sturdiesh, but I don't think I'd bring her into a park with a lot of big dogs too often, only days when there aren't a lot being too rough.

It's, IMO, the owners responsibility to look after their dog. It's also at your own risk, no matter the size of dog. So I guess I just have a problem with it being restricted that small dogs can not go into a larger area, which often has much better toys/stuff and a area to run.

 

[Skivvies]

Linds, that looks really nice! Tiffany gets kind of scared/overwhelmed when she's in a small space with big dogs who are playing rough. But if it's big and she has room to get away from them, she should be fine.

That reminds me I should fill out my application so I can take Tiffany to the parks when the weather warms up a bit!