I'm so proud of Gwylim!

Every Sunday Georgina, Gwylim and I go to obedience classes run by an ex police dog trainer and handler. The thing I like most about the classes is the emphasis our trainer places on dogs of all sizes, breeds and temperaments being able to socialise happily with each other. To help him with the more problematic dogs he'll use a dog who ignores, and is non reactive to, whatever nonsense the dog is getting up to.

Georgina, my Shar-Pei who's a calm confident girl often gets chosen, but yesterday wasn't able to do any training because she'd hurt her paw. So who was asked to deputise for her? None other than my little Schnauzer Gwylim! There was quite a formidable line up of breeds ... a Tosa, a Dogo, a Doberman, a Rottie, a BMD and 2 GSD's .... he was so tiny by comparison. But my brave young man performed his duties perfectly, never batting an eyelid at the antics of the other dogs and was rewarded with loads of praise from me and his trainer.

And when we got home he was given a juicy chicken neck and a cuddle from his very proud mum!

Well Done Gwylim

Hmm. Can't say I'd attend classes that mix tiny and large breeds. There is danger since many of those classes have reactive or somewhat aggressive dogs. Same as the exercise. I'd certainly not put my little breed (if I had one) in such a situation. Good job though, I suppose. You know your dog and class better than I do.

Congratulations chlosmum, it's great when your dog gets recognised for good behaviour that you taught him (makes you feel great about your dog and yourself). It's a good feeling when the hard work pays off.

Big dogs and little dogs are going to come into contact with each other in every day life (for most people) and that's what you're working to prepare your dog for. It's a good idea to socialise your dog with all types, sizes and temperaments of dog in a controlled situation like a respectable dog class. There's no reason not to unless you don't trust the trainer.

I enjoy mixing and matching dog sizes, it's kind of a novelty for me. I have a 43kg dog living with a 1lb dog and trust the big one with the little one as much as I trust her with my other large dogs.

Well done Gwylim Minis really are great little dogs (I am a tiny bit biased )

Yes, I took my dog to a demonstration class and there were snarling dogs everywhere. I didn't like it because my dog isn't like that, and I left quickly. Reactive or snarly dogs I don't think belong in classes with calm dogs. Hard for everyone to learn if only a few dogs are paying attention.

You will meet disgustingly unfriendly dogs while owning a dog, as well. But that doesn't mean there is a need to subject your calm and friendly dog to this in classes. All kinds of situations happen in real life that really shouldn't be practiced for. My dog was viciously attacked, but I wasn't going to teach him how to fight.

And just me personally, and seeing how some classes here are run, I'd never take a small dog into a big dog class. But it's like I said, she knows her dog and her class better than I do. Small dogs get trampled, and are often terrified in these classes, making for huge distractions. I'd never ever do it here.

I keep my 40 kg dog away from small dogs. They either attack him, or they are too little for him to play with and they end up yelling or running away as he "puppy bows" wanting to play. He's also accidentally smashed a few with a playful paw. I guess I just haven't seen good things with small dogs and large dog (not raised together) in the same areas.