How to teach big dogs to be considerate of small dogs size?
I have a great dane and am getting a small dog (12 pounds). He is very considerate of other dogs when socializing. But- just in case I would like to ask anyone who has a big dog and small dog how they got there big dog to be considerate (not step on, not bite, and to be easy playing) of the small dog. I would like to know about how people taught their big dogs that. Also I would like to ask how to introduce a big dog to a small dog. We are getting our small dog second, since we already have a big dog. Does that make a difference? Thank you.
I used to have two grooming clients. One a great Dane (who has passed away) the other a Papillon (still with me). The Dane used to sit and whimper at the Papillon sitting in his second story drying cage. One day the owner of the Papillon asked if it would be OK to put her little dog down near the Dane for a picture. She did and the Dane was so thrilled he immediately dropped into the play posture, inviting the little guy to play.
I have had several Danes over the years at the groom shop and have only ever seen the gentle side of these giants. A well socialized dog seem to always know what is appropriate to the size of the smaller babies.
Just make sure that you introduce your Dane to the new baby outside of the home and then take them both back home together. Never just drop a new dog of any size into a home where an existing pet has residence.