(no subject)
Today, at the dog park, Zevi, my 10 month-old, 20lb Schnauzer-ACD mix met a Black Labrador Retriever and a Weimaraner, who were each around 2 years old. Zevi is very outgoing and spunky, and he likes playing with dogs that are bigger than him. He grew up playing primarily with a 40lb Kelpie mix. So Zevi is fairly comfortable with rough play and playing with bigger dogs.
Playing with these dogs was okay for him, they were good at chasing games. But when it came to wrestling, especially 2 on 1, they weren't evenly matched. It was hard to see exactly how Zevi was faring. He kept on jumping up again to play more, but at times he got knocked around a bit too much and had to stop. And it occurred to me that since he plays so well with dogs in the 40lb area, and labs and other big dogs usually don't have that much interest in him, that we'd never been in this situation!
The other dogs were giving him space when it seemed like he needed it; they didn't keep on pushing him. I just don't want Zevi to have a negative associating with playing bigger dogs and I don't want him to get the impression that I won't protect him from bigger, stronger dogs if that's what he needs.
So, what's the best way to handle this kind situation? Thanks!
Playing with these dogs was okay for him, they were good at chasing games. But when it came to wrestling, especially 2 on 1, they weren't evenly matched. It was hard to see exactly how Zevi was faring. He kept on jumping up again to play more, but at times he got knocked around a bit too much and had to stop. And it occurred to me that since he plays so well with dogs in the 40lb area, and labs and other big dogs usually don't have that much interest in him, that we'd never been in this situation!
The other dogs were giving him space when it seemed like he needed it; they didn't keep on pushing him. I just don't want Zevi to have a negative associating with playing bigger dogs and I don't want him to get the impression that I won't protect him from bigger, stronger dogs if that's what he needs.
So, what's the best way to handle this kind situation? Thanks!