[7TimesBlessed]

Hi Abbies Mom.....I feel your pain!...lol....I'll just tell you my experience.....during the summer I took Truffles at about 5 months old to an outdoor class that was entirely German Shepherds of all sizes (the class was through the GS club but I was told they allow all breeds so didn't expect this)...when I showed up every one of the Shepherds looked at me like I brought them a "Snack".....it was only an orientation class and the instructor took precautions w my pup but my stomach was in knots the entire time....several of the other owners said their dog loves little dogs and they would put them at a "down" and let Truffles come up to them....and every single one took a snap at him!.....my conclusion was not only was it not fair to my pup but the bigger dogs might see her as a rabbit or some small prey and it wasn't fair to them either ..........I emailed the instructor basically what I just said and she was very understanding.....since then Truffles went to agility class where there were other bigger dogs but it was more controlled and we were more relaxed w the situation and it went fine and Thurs we just started obedience where they are all under one yr but all sizes and during orientation I felt very comfortable w everything....(even though Truffles was not like your behaved little girl and did the "snapping thing" w several bigger dogs but they are showing me I have to keep giving him a firm "No")......I don't want to be over protective because I know they have to get used to big dogs but at the same time I don't want to take unnecessary chances either....I think classes are supposed to be both educational AND fun and if that is not your experience I would stop going, relay your feelings to the instructor and look for another class........and when you find one that you are comfortable with you will be happy you did!....w me I was so upset I couldnt' even concentrate on what the instructor was saying ....I was just keeping my guard up the entire time!.....I went through all this w my yorkie Millee and she's done pet therapy now for years and now I also want Truffles in Pet therapy....even though I agree w your instructor about picking up your pup to protect her too much ( I always was reprimanded for doing this w millee) I still believe you have to follow your instincts too..........to this day millee still snaps at bigger dogs on first mtg to let them know she is in charge then is okay w them but I guess that's my fault.......anyway I hope this helps and I wish you well..........I'm sure your little girl has what it takes to be in PT!!