Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny Chihuahuas to towering Great Danes. Their diverse sizes and temperaments contribute to their charm but also present unique challenges, particularly during playtime. While letting big and small dogs play together might seem like a fun idea, there are important reasons to reconsider this approach. Here’s why big and small dogs shouldn’t be permitted to play together at your boarding kennel and the steps a kennel should take to ensure safe and enjoyable interactions for all dogs involved.
1. Physical Risks to Smaller Dogs
The most obvious concern when big and small dogs play together is the physical risk to the smaller dog. Even the gentlest giant can unintentionally hurt a small dog due to their sheer size and strength. A playful nudge or a bump from a larger dog can lead to severe injuries, such as broken bones, dislocated joints, or internal trauma. Small dogs are also more susceptible to being accidentally stepped on or knocked over during enthusiastic play sessions.
For example, a large dog might playfully chase a small dog, but the speed and force can cause the smaller dog to be injured. The size disparity creates a significant risk even if the large dog means no harm.
2. Different Play Styles and Energy Levels
Big and small dogs often have different play styles and energy levels. Large dogs might engage in rough-and-tumble play, which can be too intense for smaller dogs, who may prefer gentler interactions. Smaller dogs are often more delicate in their play behaviour, and they might be unable to keep up with or handle the boisterous antics of a lab or Great Dane.
This mismatch in play styles can lead to misunderstandings. For example, a small dog might feel overwhelmed or scared by a large dog’s enthusiastic behaviour, while the large dog might not recognize that their play is too intense. This can result in fear, anxiety, and potentially aggressive reactions from either dog.
3. Potential for Aggression and Fear-Based Responses
When dogs of different sizes play together, fear-based aggression is potential. If a smaller dog feels threatened or intimidated by a larger dog’s actions, it might react defensively. Fear-aggression can escalate quickly, leading to growling, snapping, or biting, which can cause injuries to either dog involved or a caretaker trying to intervene.
Additionally, if the larger dog inadvertently harms the smaller dog, it can lead to a negative association with larger dogs in the future. This can affect the smaller dog’s socialization and lead to long-term behavioural issues.
4. Different Exercise Needs and Activities
Big and small dogs often have different exercise needs and preferences. Large dogs typically require vigorous physical activity, such as running and playing fetch, while smaller dogs might be content with less intense forms of exercise, like short walks or gentle play. These differing exercise needs can make finding a balance that works for both types of dogs challenging.
A play session perfect for a large dog might be overwhelming or too much for a small dog. Ensuring that both dogs get the appropriate level of exercise can be difficult when they are playing together, which might lead to one dog not getting the exercise they need.
5. Prey Drive
Whether they are used for hunting or not, larger dogs often have prey drives, and mixing a hundred-pound German Shepherd with a three-pound miniature Morkie may only last seconds and leave the smaller dog injured or worse.
Creating Safe Play Environments:
To ensure that dogs of different sizes have safe and enjoyable play experiences, it’s best to set up separate play sessions based on size and play style. Here are a few strategies for managing safe interactions:
Separate Play Time and Areas: Consider setting up separate play areas for different sizes or energy levels. For example, you can have a play area for smaller dogs and another for larger dogs. We achieve this by having different-sized yards and cycling our guests to playtime throughout the day. This cycling process also permits us to limit the group size so dogs don’t become overwhelmed.
Supervised Playdates: Sometimes, a Great Dane is too big even for labs. If your dog hotel has social playtime, ask about its supervision levels. Are they ready to intervene if play becomes too rough or one dog seems uncomfortable? How many dogs does one person supervise at a time?
Separate Family Play Yards: At Barkway, we always give guests the option to divide a family into playgroup sizes or keep them private so they can be socialized as their own group. In fact, with the right plan, we can do both. Let the large dogs play with the large dogs and then spend the night with their much smaller family members.
While the idea of big and small dogs playing together might seem appealing, it’s essential to consider the risks and challenges involved. The physical differences between dogs of various sizes can lead to unintended harm, and differing play styles, exercise needs, and the potential for fear-based aggression further complicate the dynamics of such interactions.
While you can supervise your own family, can you ensure the hotel at your dog hotel is doing the same? Injuries can happen faster than a person can react and the solution to not having enough staff shouldn’t be to reduce the care given to their guests.
Understanding these issues and taking appropriate precautions can help ensure that all dogs have positive and safe play experiences. Safe play environments, supervised interactions, and thoughtful playtime management can create enjoyable experiences for dogs of all sizes. We always prioritize the well-being of your pets and are happy to address any concerns about their interactions.
LOYALIST BARKWAY
Where your dog gets the loyal treatment
9675 HWY 33, BATH, ON K0H 1G0
info@dogboardingkennels.ca
613-777-5024