[alaskayorkie]

I don't want my dogs playing and roughhousing with big dogs, but I do want them to know how to handle interactions with them. I allow them around big dogs at the dog park regularly for that reason.

I'm always right there to supervise and step in between the dogs if I don't like the way either dog is behaving. If I don't like the way a dog looks or approaches, I don't allow any interaction. I either pick mine up or gently let the other dog know they're not allowed to approach.

I've seen changes in how they behave over the years. Jillie was crazy puppy who wanted to pester dogs of any size. She learned not to do that. She'll say hi, but she doesn't want to romp with them. And she knows not to run away. If she's scared, she'll tuck into a little ball until the dog loses interest.

Eddie doesn't like dogs in his face, and he used to snap at them regularly. He would have fought if I'd have allowed it. But he gradually started snapping less. He just lets them sniff and waits until they leave.

Here's a picture of Eddie today. I was very proud he didn't snap at the dog, but I was ready to intervene if he did or the meeting didn't go well.