Should I take Trav or leave him home...?

[Pat and Traveler]

I’ve been debating for the last week about taking Trav to a cookout at a friend’s house today. On the plus side, she lives in the country with a nice stream running through the property. Great dog place! On the other hand, she has a female Great Dane or Dane mix that doesn’t seem to care much for Trav. Yes, they’ve been together there a couple of times without major problems, and I’m on tap to do house and pet-sitting for her if she needs me. Having the dogs spend time together before that possibility occurs would seem to be a good idea. But–Eve (the Dane) doesn’t really PLAY. She chases, and if possible bumps and rolls Trav. He seems to be a little afraid of her, running hard and dodging, butt and tail tucked. I know Eve has a strong prey drive and killed a chicken a few months ago.

I finally decided not to take him today. My friend didn’t specifically say "Bring Trav or Don’t bring dogs," but she’ll have enough to do hosting a party without worrying about how Eve and Trav are interacting or having running dogs crash into the guests. Aside from showing compassion for the party hostess, what would you do?

[Pat and Traveler]

Jennifer, I thought about leaving him in the car for part or most of the time, but it's actually going to be hot here today, so that won't work.  And you're right--I'd be worrying.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Well the last time I took my guys to an outdoor party Murphy hurt the pads of his foot, and then proceeded to get really out of sorts with the other dogs.  In retrospect I should have left them home....there was just too much chaos.  I think you've made a smart decision.

[Pat and Traveler]

Thanks, Jane.  I'm sort of mad at myself for taking so long to come to this very reasonable conclusion.  I'd actually forgotten about there being other people there, duh!!

[Adina P]

I'd probably leave my dog behind simply so I wouldn't have to juggle dog and people.  Or depending on the situation I might take a dog and keep the dog on lead and in working mode.   

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

His name is Traveler

[Camilla and Darwin]

LOL

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I think you took the right decision. If your friend had specifically asked to bring Traveler then I might have considered but a dog that chases rather than plays and during a party does not seem like a good combination.  A dog that killed a chicken, I don't like that either.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

We took Daisy to a friends family property last year at their insistence, they have two pit bull mixes that are very sweet with us and good together. Tarra the female loves Daisy and they played and met prior, their new dog hated Daisy and went after her immediately. It was a horrible 3 hours, us keeping Daisy on leash and them keeping their dog on leash. It was a long drive out so we felt we had to stay a little while. Never again.

We have a graduation party this coming Saturday, also 2 hours away, Daisy is invited but we are not taking her. The owner of the property where the party is has a German Sheppard, I have no idea if they would get along but I am not willing to drive her there to be tortured all day again.

Home is where she will be with loving friends to come and take her out for a walk and visit.

Just tell your friend YOU did not want to be bothered with the responsibility of a dog this one time.

[Pat and Traveler]

Thank you all for your sensible and most welcome advice.  I enjoyed the party and didn't have to worry about dog things!  Whew!!  Turns out I will be going back later this month with Trav as my friend has asked if I could stay there and help her with her animals for a couple of days while she works some horrendous schedule.  I made a point this time of getting on great terms with Eve (this is her 4th and final home) and am hoping this relationship will help when I get the dogs together.

Here's Eve...