small dog scared of big dogs?

Question

i have a maltese shih tzu mix. he's a little bigger than most of his breeds, but he's still very small compared to labrador or other big dogs. i took him to a park and there were four big dogs coming after him. they were friendly, except for this one dog who keeps on attacking him with his two front paws and hurt his back. he was okay. he wasn't hurt that bad but he was so terrified he screamed for like ten minutes during the chasing. and i freaked out because he was so loud and sounded like he was hurting really bad.
this has never happened to him before. he's fine with big dogs as long as they're not aggressive. he doesn't like loud dogs.
he was so terrified. so what should i do? should i stay away from the park and forget about trying to get him to make friends with big dogs? because i'm thinking i might get a big dog someday....

Answer 1

I think dogs, like people, need to face thier fears. He probably won't be afraid of big dogs, but will give that one that hurt him a wide berth. Did you speak to the owner of the aggressive dog? Was his intent to hurt, or was he just being overly playful? Don't keep your dog away from the park as socialization is important to dogs, but do be wary.

I have a Lab and she's afraid of anything smaller than she is. Mean mom that I am, I make her be nice and not hide when she sees a smaller pup.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

You said that this has never happened to him before, so I assume he's used to dogparks. Small dogs can get hurt when they get caught between big dogs playing rough. I've gotten hurt myself when I stood at the wrong place at the wrong time and a fast dog knocked my knee out and I went down. Watch the dogs carefully. As soon as you don't like what's happening, take your dog out of the park. Come back another time when new dogs are there.

Answer 3

I'm in the same boat. I have 2 Sheltie puppies. The older one rolls over on her back when big dogs run over to try to protect herself. That's 'cause when she was really tiny our neigbor's Lab was really rough with her and would jump on her and hurt her. Our younger pup acts like yours. It sounds like he's being killed if a large dog even comes near! Even if it's just a really old,slow friendly dog. I'm taking him soon to obedience and the trainer said there are 3 large dogs so it should be interesting but hopefully, she can give me advice and we can rectify this problem. My advice is to talk to a trainer as well and consider taking him to obedience like I am. Also, consider getting another small dog as long as you have this dog! Unless, you adopt a older large dog that has "settled down" and is good around other dogs. If you get a large breed puppy, your dog will be very upset, I guarantee that! Look into Shelties, they are a great breed and probably the smartest.

Answer 4

Did you speak to the owner of the other dog ? If the dog was just playing a little too rough then maybe it just frightened your dog . Or was the other dog being agressive ? This is only one of the many reasons I avoid the dog parks because lets face it folks not everyone treats their dogs the same . I hate dog parks because most of the people that take their dogs there have not even had them vaccinated . They also bring dogs that are agressive there . And most of them if they hurt your dog or get in a fight with your dog and injure it they dont stick around to see if your dog is okay. Just really bad expieiriences with dog parks . And have been to more than one . not to mention the fleas at this particular park . I came home with fleas in my socks !!!! Nasty .EWww....Your dog proably feels frightened now and feels that he is not safe with you just reassure him and avoid the dog parks for a while . good luck and I hope I helped.

Answer 5

I have a dog that is very shy around other dogs, too. The best thing you can do is socialize him, take him to places where there are other dogs and people so that he gets used to them ( Do not let him off his leash when you are out, other dogs may try to bother him again). If you keep socializing him every week, he should get used to other dogs easily. And if you do ever get a large dog, make sure to get an older, calmer one so that your little dog does not feel as afraid.

Good Luck,
Chihuahua~Chic

Answer 6

Oh no!
Your dog will now be afraid of the park because threats to his life. Dog like us want to be in a safe environment. Think of Jurassic Park?
Because your dog got hurt which you seemed to allow that to happen, may not even feel safe with you.
Dogs socialize on a sort of pecking order, they need to seek status amongst each other-kind of like an uneducated stupid person working with a smart educated person. There is a dominance issue. Pitting your small dog with big dogs was a big mistake.

Answer 7

Watch Cesar Milan The Dog Whisperer On The History Channel

You are most likely projecting that fear response to your dog.

Answer 8

I WOULDN'T STOP TAKING HIM TO THE PARK , JUST KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR DOING, AND IF A BIG LOUD DOG IS THERE JUST MAKE SURE THAT YOUR DOG JUST DON'T GO BY HIM, GOOD LUCK.

Answer 9

keep taking him to the park, and ask the owners of the dogs that are jumping on him to control their dog..he needs to know that not all big dogs do that...

Answer 10

so size matters here?

You need to give your dog some simulation and treats (of rewarding about habits) to improve it's self esteem.

Ask Dr Cooper a vet doctor in Australia about it.