[MeganS]

I agree with the trainer. As long as the big dogs are restrained and their owners can handle them, I personally think it's important for them to be around each other. I know that you've got the big lug at home, but I'd think that it'd be a totally different enviroment, more of a work enviroment at the obedience class, and I see it as important for him to be good working with other dogs and that he is comfortable around dogs of all sizes. It could also help you because I know that as little dog owners we tend to get nervous some times around big dogs. It's not a bad thing to be cautious, but sometimes we are so focused on what the other dog is doing that WE create the negative vibes, and the dogs feed off of that. I think that sticking with a big/small dog class, you will get really good at knowing how to be alert to the other dogs and keeping track of how they're acting, without letting it really bother you and take away from what you're learning/teaching.

I see the positives of both sides, but I'd prefer a mixed class.