Size Does Not Excuse Behaviour!

[corvus]

The only time I would comtemplate saying anything is if the dog was being treated cruely or was in danger.

You don't think it's cruel to hit a frightened dog? I usually say something along the lines of "Aww, are you scared little fella?" If I'm not talking directly to the owners they can ignore it or respond as they see fit. Mostly they ignore or sometimes they say "He doesn't like other dogs."

Incidentally, a dog that is walking stiff with tail up and ears forward and staring may be communicating aggressive threat (or just readyness to act), but that doesn't mean aggression is a forgone conclusion. I've had my dogs meet dogs with that body language countless times and nothing ever came of it. My dogs are good at staying out of trouble. If there's any doubt in my mind that it's a situation they won't be able to turn aside on their own, I head the dog off before it gets the chance to do anything.

[skip]

I didn't realise when I started to read this thread that it was started last AUG 2010?

Thou the topic is always current as things don't change much.

I own a small dog and a small kelpie x. I find this topic interesting but am moved to reply more because of Dash's post. It is hard to gauge what is going on from a post. Posts can be misunderstood or taken in the wrong way.

I have 2 dogs who have low ( to non exsistent in the kelpie x's case) energy levels. They may be well socialised with other well mannered social dogs. But both hate dogs who are too playfull, boisterous or get in their face.

Neither would be considered high drive or even energetic dogs. I do agility and have learnt heaps with them in terms of handling and also motivation . I am thinking of a third dog soon and I would love a border collie or a dog really keen on running. But I am concerned about how the new dog will interact with mine. I can't imagine mine being happy with a high energy dog.

And that is my biggest worry. It isn't size that matters sometimes but energy levels. How to get a high energy dog to get on with a low energy dog? Even the nicest energetic dog could be a hassle for my dogs.

My point is, Dash - is that your post made it sound like your dogs get to hassle your smaller dog. To the point that she has to make a fuss to get peace?

Most people here are just concerned about a dogs welfare. Doesn't hurt to listen and to look things again from another point of view. Your youngest dog is only a pup now but dynamics could change as he gets older. Worth considering to keep an eye on things.

But if you are confident that your little dog is always entirely happy with his dog family, that's fine then.