Puppy kindergarden
 

I enrolled in puppy kindergarden with my vets. Today was the first class with no dogs just parents. Here is my concern. Pixie is the only small breed dog the rest of the dogs are 2 great danes 1 siberian huskie and 1 golden retriever.
The first 15 min of the class they said that you let your dogs run free and play with eachother. I am worried that Pixie could get hurt with those big dogs all it would take is one pounce or one bite to seriosly injure Pixie.
I want to train Pixie but I also want her safe. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I am worried that this is not a good idea to have her in with big dogs.:confused:

I think that's a tough call. Are they all puppies? Big dog pups are rough often times and don't even mean to be, so I think I'd be a bit concerned as well. On the other hand, I think it's really good for the big AND small dogs to learn to socialize well with each other... I think I'd feel more comfortable though if there was at least one other small dog in the class for her to be with.

Ya me too, all I could think was Pixie will be getting mauled by all these big dogs. I was hoping for a couple small breed dogs in the class and when the trainer said that we can't interact with our dogs the first 15 min and they just let them run around all I can think of is Pixie will be to suffed toy. I had a bad feeling about this and I am going to listen to that, bc God does give us warnings and I would HATE myself if I put her in danger. I was just curious how other people saw it. Thanks~

I wouldn't do it, esp if the trainer says let the pups do whatever for 15 mins and no interaction? The other owners haven't had their pups long so they don't really "know" them yet. Large breed pups are pretty clumsy too when they play. If they even roll over on her she could get hurt.

Brit is right about socializing with all size dogs but me personally, when there is a dog over 20 lbs I don't even let her get close, I pick her up. And we have a bull terrier at home, they do not interact with eachother, he's just too clumsy and doesn't know if own strength. That said, I do allow Uni to sniff a big dog on the other side of the fence, but never will she play with a big dog. (Like she even wants to play with a small dog, but that's another matter :rolleyes:)

But if you feel uncomfortable then don't do it, better safe than sorry.

I have never heard of allowing the big dogs and the small breeds to be socialized in a group setting together. Armani has gone to doggy day care since she was a puppy (she is almost two now) but her playroom is in an area exclusively for small breed dogs. Trust your instincts, if you don't you will never be comfortable while she is there.

I agree that if you don't feel comfortable, don't do it! If I have bad vibes from something-I won't do it. Certain places offer small dog training classes, or you could train yourself! I had originally had Jackson signed up for Petsmart classes and canceled when I realized how fun it was to train him myself. He knows 20 or so tricks from just me working with him, it's a great way to bond w/ your pup :D The classes typically just teach the OWNER how to do things and you have to do your "homework" at home anyways.

As for the big dog thing, I totally agree... when they're pups, they are so clumbsy and don't even realize their strength. Jackson loves big dogs though as long as they're not rough. He plays soo good with my grandma's huge Lab, even my aunt's pit bull. In Petsmart, I always allow him to go up to bigger dogs (if the owner says ok of course!) But I trust Jackson, some little dogs will go up barking in big dogs faces, etc and that could def. start a fight. Jackson's still pretty laid back and likes to sniff, say hi and leave, lol. I love him being comfortable around all dogs-big and small but I'd never put him in a fence of like 10 big dogs or anything. They're too fast and too big.

Yep - most puppy classes do big and small together. But they do offer small dog classes at some places. Daycare is a bit different.

That's right! Uni has never been to a formal class! When I found out the petsmart classes were about $100, I said screw that! I can do it myself! and i did! And it's super fun! She knows tons of tricks (just can't heel :mad:)

Plus we all have YT, youtube and all sorts of other things on the internet to help you on training!

yea, everytime I see the petsmart classes, they are always mixed big and small breeds.

I don't get it!... puppy kindergarden is puppy obediance training right? I too would have hugh concerns letting big puppies play freely with my little yorkie and imo would not do it.

When Guinness started puppy training it was made very clear from day one that big dog can easily hurt the little ones- it just takes a playful swipe of the paw. So, in no uncertain terms was horse playing allowed and all dogs were required to be leashed at all times.

I think your instinct was right to question this. Please keep your little one safe.

Thanks everyone! You just confirmed my vibes about it. I was sitting in class and got a real yucky deep gut feeling like NO Way!!
I pre-paid 150.00 for the class and I don't even care if they don't refund me. I want Pixie safe!!
I feel so much better making that decison too!
Pixie plays with Daisy and Daisy is 20 lbs and I have to calm them down sometimes bc they get too rough. I can't imagine a 60 lb dog!
Nope Nope Nope!! she aint going!!! lol phew............ I feel better!! lol:D

Exactly! There's sooo many sources now available for free.

I just bought a book on Amazon actually called "101 Dog tricks." I'm excited to get it! It's supposed to be really good at explaining! I think it was like $10.

I have a 130 pound Mastiff with a 3pound yorkie and would never ever let the mastiff and yorkie free play. I have to be right there. I know our Mastiff would never ever hurt him but she is so large that once quick move and he could be flat! I wouldnt take the chance of letting them "run" around free play at a training. I did training with our Mastiff when she was around 4mos and there were tiny dogs in the training I think she was around 30-40pounds at 4mos and I made sure during free play I still had total control of her so she wouldnt plow over any tiny babies.... I think its all about a good trainer. The class alone should be enough socialization I think they should ask you to hold her or sit on the floor with her during free play.... Maybe call them and discuss it.

I called the trainer and she said that I could come 15 minutes late when all the dogs are on leashes. I still have mixed feelings about it bc it would take 1 second of an out of control puppy to hurt Pixie. I feel bad bc I know she needs training and socialization. I am just confused about the whole thing.

I think the playtime should be done at the end of a session not get them all worked up at the start of class (just my opinion....I am not a trainer). Maybe ask the reason for that....

Secondly, since you paid I would bring her and see. The worse case is you hold her and not go back. But the other owners that are there need to learn they need to have control of their dogs too. I understand one quick move and she could get hurt but if you are right there and have control and I am sure the other owners they are wanting to gain the same control of their dogs if they are taking time out of their day to go to training...

Last, I think it is important to socialize them near things of all shapes and sizes you dont want to be walking down the street one day and she freaks out because you havent allowed her to be near other things...

These are just my thoughts... I am not a trainer. You have to follow your gut and do what you think is right.

Best Wishes in whatever you decide.