So I’ve been wanting a little walking buddy lately. Probably a shih tsu mix or something. Something small that has a good personality and is available at the shelter. I’ve never had a dog myself before though and I had a couple of bad experiences with large off leash dogs when I was a small kid (I don’t think I was hurt but I very much do remember being chased and being very afraid) so I find myself still a little nervous around larger dogs I don’t know, especially if that dog is feeling excited or jumpy. A couple of gentler breeds are excepted in my head (golden and labs) and once I get used to a particular dog, I’m perfectly fine. I can leave other situations just fine by myself but I’m here asking for opinions from more experienced dog people. I suppose I’m afraid that having a dog myself would be like a magnet for other dogs while on walks that I might be uncomfortable with or that my being nervous could make a normal meet and greet go poorly. I just don’t want to adopt a dog and wind up putting it in a bad situation by accident. It’s also super common that I see escaped dogs when I’m out for walks by myself and others who walk their dogs without a leash.
Also, to say out loud, I am addressing my dog fears in therapy. It’s just not an instant cure, you know? It’s also possible I am way over thinking this.
Don’t assume smaller means safer. When I was volunteering at a shelter regularly, everyone there agreed that small dogs were more likely to attack than big ones.
I’ve been bitten thrice in my life. Once by a bigger dog, stressed out of his mind, which I kind of understand, and twice by small dogs who were just assholes.
Yes, my dog has the most issues with small dogs because they are often poorly trained and socialized and tend to mis-read her play invite as an attack. It sucks because I basically have to prevent her from going near them now, but on occasional there is a small dog who is chill and she loves playing with them.
Thanks. This is precisely the sort of stuff I wanted to hear in asking this question
Small dogs often feel intimidated and react to that with fear and aggression. They need good, strong training from owners who exude calm and provide reassuring safety around larger dogs if they’re not to live up to the stereotype of yappy snarly little anxious furballs of anger.