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?

[Camilla and Darwin]

I think I would leave him home, if I was in your position. Only because I know how seriously scary/annoying it can be for people to have to worry about two large dogs slamming into them. When Darwin plays with other dogs, he DOES NOT watch where he has going. he's actually hyper extended my knee before, and knocked a person down, who happened to be a holding huge bags of groceries. I felt so bad! I think maybe you will enjoy the party more if you aren't constantly worried about what Traveler is doing. 

 

Also, it seems like maybe Traveler would be even more excited/on edge if it's a large part with fireworks, so that might not help the association and play with the Dane... 

[Pat and Traveler]

Thanks, Camilla.  Odd that I hadn't thought about the dogs crashing into people before this--but I was fixated simply on how the two dogs might interact.  I agree--I've been at parties with big, running dogs and it isn't fun!  So far, I haven't been bowled over, but that's just thanks to luck.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I completely agree. I actually am always afraid my two will bowl me over or hurt a knee when they get going. I try to hide near a tee or something. And even without this it's hard, especially with two dogs of my own worrying if they'll be on their best behavior, inadvertently break something etc. Much more relaxing to leave them home as I plan to do tomorrow.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I would definitely leave my dog at home if he was not specifically invited to the party. We have several friends who have decided since we love dogs so much they brought their dogs to our parties.  None of the dogs were aggressive or anything but the added chaos just made being hostess more difficult. And it was chaos!

[Pat and Traveler]

Thanks, Bonnie.  Trav wasn't invited this time--and I fear I was in the same category as your friends who just brought their dogs even if they weren't specifically invited.  My bad, and lesson learned.  :(  But I'm still wondering what you would do if it wasn't a party...?

[Bonnie and Kona]

I would call and ask... saying, either way if fine with you. The two of you could talk about how their play time works out... and brainstorm ways to get the dogs to a better relationship. I think if you can open up the discussion it could result in good ideas. I hope things go well with these two and with your friend.

[Pat and Traveler]

Good ideas.  He won't be going today, but I think we do need to brainstorm some ideas for developing a better relationship.

[Lynn & Casey]

I would leave Trav home. It would be such a hassle if you had to keep watching how Trav was playing with Eve, watching if he was trying to steal food, if he was hurt or if he hurt someone else. You will enjoy the party more.

[Pat and Traveler]

Lynn, you're absolutely right.  I would like to enjoy the party without worries.

[Michael Gurley]

I never bring Sunny to parties, but I do bring her if I'm just going to a friend's house for an hour or so. All my friends know how much Sunny means to me, and that she's stuck to me wherever I go if she's allowed to go.

[Pat and Traveler]

Michael, wise decision--and one I'm going to stick to.  I'm going to either ask, or just leave him home.

[Jennifer Tramell]

I would leave him home.  I'm all for taking my dog places but I don't enjoy myself if I'm worried that my dog might get hurt, participate in dog induced chaos, or spend his time wishing he was at home.   If the weather is nice enough for my dogs to "chill" in the van, I'd take them, supervise the play, then give the their space in the van.  This won't work in summer though because the TN sun heats us the car too fast and the gas prices are too high to run the air.  (We actually ran out of gas one day because we were at an outdoor party, the dog needed a break, so we put her in the car with the air running.)