If you own a Chihuahua or small Poodle, Yorkie, Maltese, or even a feisty, little Terrier you should be aware that they are at risk when playing with OR NEAR large dogs. Some people, in some situations, feel confidant taking this risk. But equating a ‘calculated risk,' with "safe" is unacceptable.
Poll the average dog owner/guardian whose small dog is brave and playful and they see no problem with allowing "well behaved, well-trained" dogs of vastly different sizes to play near each other or with one another. In fact, they often think it is cute. Almost no one but trainers and very good dog walkers seem to know about Predatory Drift.
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Should dogs of different sizes be allowed to play together?
What is Predatory Drift?
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Anonymous
March 16, 2009, 7:20 pm
My coton de tulear (10lbs) loves to play with small dogs. I have been discriminated against because I learned not to let him play with large dogs. A gentle 85 lb. golden retriever can easily kill my dog without meaning to when play becomes rambunctious. The bottom line is although there are exceptions most large dogs pose a real danger to small dogs. I hear constant comments such as "my dog is friendly" but not when he inadvertently sits on your dog. Dog parks should be avoided like the plague by small dog owners unless the small dogs are separated from the big dogs.
