I've always had large dogs and we let them off leash at dog beaches etc. But I saw some pretty awful fights and some small dogs hurt. Now we have two little dogs, one is verging on tiny, and I just don't think it's safe. Especially as one of my dogs is quite dominant and while he wouldn't attack he wouldn't roll over. What do you think?
2007-12-17 21:43:40 · 6 answers · asked by Janey 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Anytime you have a dog that is questionable with other dogs- i'd err on the safe side and maybe just put him on a long retractable leash so you could get him back quick if you see another dog coming.
2007-12-17 21:47:51 · answer #1 · answered by Eraserhead 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All dogs needs their space and be off leash... small or big. Try to go when there are less people and always remain near from them. on beach or not the problem will be the same. Why don't you go to a dog school and let them get used to be with other dogs... this is very important, especially for smaller dogs!
A dog on leash is more aggressive than without! If they fight it is better to leave your dog off leash! Even small dogs... he'll be better able to protect himself
2007-12-18 05:50:17 · answer #2 · answered by Véronique K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I take my small dog (cavalier) to the beach and a lot of other places and let him off lead. However he's fine with other dogs and VERY submissive.
If you have a good enough recall it should be ok as you know you'll be able to regain control at any time.
However, as I don't know your dominant dog it's hard to say. It's always good to let dogs have a good off lead run whatever their size.
With your dominant dog, you say he wouldn't attack but if he came across another dog that he perceived as a threat would he then attack as a form of self-defence or dominance? If the answer is yes I would still let him off lead (again only if the training is good enough and this is ESPECIALLY important with this dog.) but muzzle him, this way he can still get the exercise he needs but there will be no danger of him injuring another dog.
2007-12-18 06:12:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a leash law in SC and dogs are allowed on the beach during certain times of the year, specific times of the day. Be responsible, control your dogs at all times on the beach. Bring plastic bags to pick up their waste. You won't believe how many "tourists" I've seen just kicking sand on their dog's dirt. tsk tsk
2007-12-18 06:32:57 · answer #4 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would need to spend time working with this dog in small controlled groups before heading off to a "dog park". We don't have them here (England) thank goodness but they sound as thought they could be a bit of a pressurized environment for a dog who could have a problem mixing in that way.
If you can't have your dogs off lead other than at these places, what about using a long line in other areas? It isn't off lead but your dog can still explore, play fetch etc to a degree and learn (under control) how to behave around other dogs.
2007-12-18 06:05:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have 2 small dogs. a maltese x and a corgi x. they have free range of the beach when i walk them. if i see another dog coming. i put my maltese straight on a leash because he has small dog disease.. he thinks he is a great dane and can take anything on.. my corgi just does his own thing and ignors everyone else. i think they should as long as the owner is smart and watches their animals and trys to prevent dog fights.
2007-12-18 05:52:45 · answer #6 · answered by tassiequartz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋