[Lilah Charm]

Hi guys! I would like to talk about safe playmates for a small breed dog like the Yorkshire terrier. I don't want to coddle my dog and make her afraid of big dogs but I also don't want to expose her to a dangerous situation (even a playful, friendly larger dog who say, likes to paw when he plays) have my dog get hurt and also be afraid of large dogs.

I would really like everyone's input and experiences. Firstly- what makes a good safe playmate? What rules out a safe playmate? How do you limit interaction of your dog is exposed to a playmate that you don't think is a good match for him/her (like at your aunts Fourth of July bbq) without showing your dog to be fearful? What about at a meet and greet- like just a sniff and sit while your owners talk, then continue walking? What about if a dog gets too close or excited in that sniff and greet and your dog snaps/snarls- what is a safe warning vs being aggressive?

What are your guys experiences with dog playmate pairing and interaction? Do you live with two littles or a yorkie and a mastiff? Does your yorkie hate the blue heeler next door but is best friends with the pitbull at the park? I would love to hear more about your dogs social/playmate experiences, what you think works and doesn't and how you support your dog/s in those different situations. Thanks guys!