[bizzbeth]

I have a biiig problem! My brother has a 9 year old bichon who has never been socialized! He snaps at strangers, children, and growls at other dogs. We got him when we were way too little to really train him so he is overly protective and very set in his ways.
Oliver is my one year old yorkie- very well socialized with people and all types of dogs (although he has a small dog complex and triesto act waaay tougher in front of other dogs)
So... when I stay at my mom's house in between college the bichon and yorkie need to be seperated at all times. I have never let them near eachother unless I had one of them in my hands... and the bichon STILL growls! I tell him "no" and I try again and again but all he does is growl!
I don't know what to do?! Should I just let them meet without mediating? Or is that too risky? The trust is the the bichon couldn't care less about Oliver- he just growls when Oliver tries to approach him-- otherwise the bichon wouldn't go near Oliver. I'm not sure if it is just because he doesn't know how to play with other dogs...
Anyways... I'm sad, becasue I want them to get along and play together and I feel so bad that Oliver is secluded to my bedroom when I stay with my mom!
So, please help and any advice would be great!
Elizabeth