You never know who you are going to meet at handling class. Last class we got to see Havanese puppies from someone we know that kept them in her car for safety. She just wanted us to have a look see and we appreciated it.

As the crew went around to practice their stuff, I kept capturing our small ones and all big dawgs. If it wasn't for us, it would be a big dawg class.

Treasure has to be going through a fear period. Oh, it's not your typical and they all go through it so you have to still get them out there and socialize. But...she started growling at the big dawgs..not in a bad way - more of a vocal chorus to let the others know who is in charge. This can happen when there is a sea of large dogs and one or two small dogs. It's how you handle it that matters. Exposure - conditioning and correcting if their response is inappropriate and proper meeting and greeting. Not all dogs are meant to get up close and personal with your little ones so it is enough for your little one to have its comfort just walking close by as you do in handling classes. To be able to walk in a sea of huge things is good enough and not all dogs in handling class want to play with your little one. One may see your small dog as prey especially if it starts to get into a game of run-like-hell.

You have to assess each situation despite what the owner says and either allow the meet and greet or allow a close proximity without the meet and greet. Both are fine and how YOU react matters. If you are fearful, your dogs will pick up on it and go into protection mode. Then you are left wondering why your dog is not friendly. You have to figure out what emotion you are sending down the lead.

Not all dogs are meant to be your little one's best of pals friend. Some - if you pay attention are sending out signals that are anything but friendly. You must learn what other dogs are saying. Not all owners understand that the reason dogs are reacting to it is what their own dog is saying to others and how you are feeling about the situation. Despite it being fun to 'get' what the other dogs are saying to yours, it's a wise thing to learn.

Think about it..would you be comfortable with everyone invading your personal space?