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Permalink Reply by Joanna Kimball on January 15, 2010 at 1:33am

He sounds very normal. Is there a "wee ones" playgroup he can join? I know that my trainer always puts corgi puppies in the toy or mini-puppy classes, even though they're the biggest at the beginning, because the big puppies grow so fast that the corgis get overwhelmed. In my experience grown corgis do just fine with big dogs, but when they're babies the ganging up can freak them out a little.

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Permalink Reply by Beth on January 15, 2010 at 8:15am

My Jack is a fairly dominant, bossy dog when he is one-on-one with another dog, or in a group that he knows.

But if he walks into a strange group of dogs (2 or more) he goes in with his ears plastered back against his head and the classic submissive low-slung body carriage. Why? Because it is a "pack" and he wants to make it clear that he's not a threat to the new pack.

Think of the difference in how you would behave if you were, say, in a waiting room for an hour with one other friendly person; or you walked into a party of a half-dozen people who all knew each other but did not know you. Most of us, unless we are very shy or very outgoing, would be comfortable talking to one stranger but more cautious getting involved with a group. We'd be unconsciously trying to sort out the group dynamic and our place in it.

Same with your dog. It can be overwhelming for a dog to walk into an existing group, and even if they are not overwhelmed, a socially in-tune dog often won't just barrel right into a big group of strange dogs and jump right in.

You just want to be careful he doesn't have a bad experience if they are mostly bigger dogs. However, Jack plays much better with big dogs than smaller ones. Maddie prefers dogs closer to her own size but is ok with big ones if she is off-leash and has a chance to get to know them.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on January 15, 2010 at 9:46am

Some dogs are social butterfly and get along with everyone, every dog have different personality, there are young at heart older dogs who would mingle with the young ones, there are bff dogs who've player together for along time, so...size and age doesn't matter as much.

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on January 15, 2010 at 12:16pm

My Livvy prefers people and especially children. She needs to slowly get to know other dogs. At our AKC classes she took 4 weeks before she felt comfortable...of coarse there were about 10 very large dogs and only 1 her size. She always exercises caution with other dogs. If there are puppy classes this might be a way to go also but he seems like he does adapt well! Livvy is submissive and the main thing NOT to do is push him but to let him adapt at his speed! He's normal and letting him learn with his own comfort will help!

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Permalink Reply by Beauty and the Beast on January 15, 2010 at 12:46pm

He's probably used to playing with his littermates and was a bit lost when in the mess of 5 "giant" dogs. I think he'll get used to it if you take it slowly, like one on one or with just 2 other bigger dogs.
Make sure you know the dogs he plays with and can trust them no to bite. Watch for warning signs and leave as soon as someone gets snappy or aggressive. Jackson doesn't need any bad experiences at such a tender age.
If there's a dog park for small dogs in your area I highly recommend it instead.
Shiro had troubles almost every time he went to play with strange big dogs, but nothing bad ever happened with little guys.

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Permalink Reply by Kari & Jackson on January 16, 2010 at 12:03pm

Thank you all for your advice. One thing that's great about these puppy dates is they are accompanied by a trainer who watches the pups as they play and helps point out any aggression. Jackson wants to play, I just think he probably felt a little intimidated this time.

I'll keep working at it, I just want to be sure he is well rounded and will be able to interact with dogs and play with other doggies. I don't want him to miss out on that!!

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Permalink Reply by Kimberlie on January 16, 2010 at 9:24pm

My girl loves big dogs and wants to go up to every one she sees but doesn't when there are small dogs. He best friends are a pitbull, burner/collie, and is making new friend with a rotweiler in my complex. When we have we around other puppies or small dogs she is more intested in trying to get pets from the humans than even looking at the smallsdog/ puppy.

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Permalink Reply by Simon & Anne on January 17, 2010 at 12:50am

When we went to visit friends with a golden retriever and a large mutt for New Years Nellie moved around very low to the ground at first and laid down whenever they approached her. She has met them one other time before and did the same thing but would then start playing later. Nellie is usually a little bundle of wild energy so I'm always pleased when she is nice with other dogs. Howie on the other hand...I wish he was a little more like his sister on this issue. Submission isn't a bad thing. Sometimes it is just good manners.

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Permalink Reply by Kari & Jackson on January 18, 2010 at 12:25pm

I took Jackson on another play date with his friend Chunk, Chow/Dachshund mix, who is literally his exact same size. They are best friends.

I think there may be a lot of truth in the small dog syndrome, which I know he will grow out of when he's bigger. I just don't want him to have any problems when he gets older... and I'm kind of obsessed with this 10-16 week socialization period.

I will ask the trainer from the organization I've been taking him to if they have smaller puppies in the socials at one of their locations.

I think he is very good mannered and that's not a bad thing at all! I just want him to be able to switch gears and get his puppy play on. :)

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