[jbray01]

So I have noticed recently that Rosie pretty much goes after anything smaller than her.

in our training class, there are 4 labs, a shepard/chow mix, and two teeny tiny poodles.

so its huge dogs vs little dogs.

rosie loves playing with the big dogs, but when the little dogs come up to practice a technique, rosie barks and tries to chase them. we are working with her to be nice with the cats, and she is getting better, but i dont know if she thinks that the littler dogs are cats and thus fun to chase?

this is the very first time she has had interaction with little dogs and she is not doing so well. does anyone know what caused this or ways to fix it?

[rosemaryninja]

What does she do when she gets to the little dogs? Is it aggression or excitement? How do the little dogs react -- do they seem threatened, or playful?

[AirForceAngel]

I used to care for a large GSD much like that. He wasn't aggressive, he just loved anything smaller than him and would go barreling out to it if given the chance.

I would try to figure out exactly what your dog wants and then it will be easier to address it properly. He may just want to play a game of chase!

[Meghan&Pedro]

I have a mixed house - two tiny dogs and one x-x-large :P
I must say it is SO important for EVERYONE on both sides of the size spectrum to socialize their dogs properly with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and coat types.

None of my dogs react well to long haired breeds with which you can't see their eyes ( Briard's, ungrooomed Bouvier's, ungroomed Maltese, Pekingese etc) so it was my job to over-socialize in this regard so that my dogs would learn to accept it.

I also have made a solid effort to socialize my dogs with other dogs who have their ears and or tail done - as this is tough for a lot of dogs to read.

If your dog is being socially inappropriate when meeting the small dogs then the little dogs are going to react defensively, which may mean meeting their own demise.

Get your trainer to help you socialize in a safe environment so that your dog isn't going to hurt anyone elses, and that your dog is comfortable in any environment.

[jbray01]

she isn't aggressive with them. she really wants to play. nothing about her demeanor is aggressive towards little dogs and the cats as well. she really love to chase them.

when she cannot chase them (when shes leashed) she barks otu of frustration which tends to startle them. other than that, the other dogs are not afraid of her...

[kelliope]

Sorry, but I see chasing as aggressive behavior. It may seem like fun for your dog, but I can assure you it isn't fun for the little dog.

My mom has had tons of dogs come through her via her rescue. She has 7 at her home right now. Zero chase cats or small dogs. She simply does not tolerate it.

In her home, dogs must be calm when meeting other dogs. Period. She simply can't risk having dogs chasing things when she runs a rescue. She has rehabbed even a known cat killer so I know it can be done. That dog (a Great Dane) was 100% reliable with cats after she worked with him.

The same as many people don't think it's "cute" when a little dog acts up - I don't think it's "cute" when a big dog wants to chase my little dog.

You should be working on having your dog sit and focus on you when in the presence of small animals.