I mean no offense to any one this is just my way. It does not mean it is everyones way.
Yes, we go to the dog park several times a week. We have been going their since Katy was 4 months old. There is both a big dog and a little dog section. For the most part Katy goes to the big dog side, as do most of the small dogs. Occasionally, there is a big dog who has an issue with it and we will move to the little dog side.
Sometimes it seems like the parents of the big dog or little dog are move afraid than the dog itself. You have to respond to what your dog is communicating. If they are afraid, then introduce and limit the experience until they either learn to handle it or keep them in the smaller area. Older large dogs are good at teaching them and are usually more tolerant. Now they will still set boundaries for the little ones but that is how they learn.
I took the same attitude with my daughter. My job is to prepare them for the world. If they never get the experience of how to act or relate to the big dog, then what happens on that one time when they accidently get out of the door. That same rule applies to cars, street crossings etc., They need to learn how to behave and respond in those situations. |