I certainly appreciate the input from everyone. Thanks.
I understand exactly what everyone has been saying. I honestly don't think I could "get over it" if my precious little one was hurt (or worse) by another dog while out with me. Pixel is my first Yorkie; I've always been the one walking a Shepherd-lab mix -- always well-controlled and leashed!!!
I started taking Pixel to the off-leash park in late spring, but she's such a submissive little suckie baby that she was always being chased, nipped at and the like. I hated it. She hated it. She would start shaking when we turned onto the road that led to the park. I've never felt so guilty in my life! I tried to let her sort things out, but she'd always just whimper around my feet and climb onto anyone's lap to get away from the other dogs -- I'd walk a few steps away from her to draw her out, and she'd just go leaping into the arms of any other person available!
Recently, I've been dog-sitting at my Mom's place. Pixel has been getting along fantastically with Amber (Pomeranian-Sheltie mix) and Heidi (supposedly a "mini" long-haired Dachshund, but is pretty much full size). Amber is very docile, but Heidi is a rambunctious fireball who constantly wants to play and will not be ignored. After a couple visits, Pixel started "standing up for herself" against Heidi -- not fighting, but voicing her objections rather than wimping around my feet. So, I took her back to the dog park this afternoon for a trial there. She was fine while she was the only one in the park, but became a whimpering pile of goo as soon as other dogs came. She ran, crying, while they chased and nipped at her.
It's totally different if she's out on her leash with me. I always avoid big dogs -- walk the other way, cross the street etc. -- but she has met a few smaller, docile dogs and has been fine with them. Our neighbour has a lovely Pomeranian who's very friendly and sweet with her, and she's met a friendly Pug, a couple Poodles and the like while out.
So I have a conundrum.
She hates the dog park, which is safer for her, but she loves the neighbourhood walk, which is potentially unsafe.