First, let me say that I understand 100% being protective of our dogs. They are very small, and it is easy for them to get hurt if we're not careful.
Now, with that said - PLEASE remember that the following is all my personal opinion -
I always let my guys meet other dogs. That's how they socialize...and that's how they learn not to be aggressive towards other animals.
If they wanted to meet a big dog, it had to be a dog that I knew (which wasn't hard...considering I knew most every dog in town haha). The other dogs owner had to have a good grip on the dog's leash, and if the dog was too hyper I didn't let them get too close. But if it was just your average big dog, I would pick mine up first, then let the other dog meet me and smell me. Then I'd put mine down, and they could meet. If I ever felt any tension, I'd pick them up.
If you get nervous or skiddish around other dogs, then BOTH of them sense it. That's when things get weird.
I understand being protective of them. But I believe that a lot of little dog owners have a problem letting their dogs be dogs. There is always a risk...no matter what. But I know that I was willing to accept that risk to give my dogs the kind of life that I know they loved.
We had a lab along with our two yorkies. We had the lab first, and he was used to playing rough when we got the yorkies. After a lot of training, he got used to the fact that they are SMALLER, and he knew that he needed to not play rough with them. Once in a while, they'd get riled up, and that's when they got seperated. But the 3 of them were great friends. And if we never gave them the chance to bond like that, they never would have been socialized and they wouldn't have had as great lives as they did while they were with us. |