Do dogs have any concept of size when it comes to each other?

[Jennifer and Jack]

I just have to ask, as you know Jack is not even 13 pounds but you would never know it from his attitude. He doesn't have small dog syndrome where he barks and growls unprovoked but he really can hold his own, even with big dogs, well for the most part anyway.

 

When we were at the dog park a big puppy came up to Jack and was really up in his space, he would not leave Jack alone in spite of a few times Jack growling at him, The third time, Jack not only growled but he chased him, the puppy took off running and Jack chased him, He didn't hurt him, or even try to thank goodness because if the dog wanted, he could eat Jack with two bites.

 

The other night we saw a K9 dog, at first Jack was scared but as we sat there and talked to the police man, Jack wanted to play with this dog, this was a huge German Sheppard. Of course he didn't play, K9 dogs are obviously not allowed.

 

Tonight, we were walking again, and another big dog came up to Jack, this time, they just smelled each others tushes and that was it, The dog weighed 140 pounds and was a blood hound...

 

I am not sure, but does my dog have any idea he is so little. I remember reading somewhere that when it comes to dogs, they don't know size. I am glad he is so confident, especially after being attacked by a dog. It just leaves me confused as to why he doesn't panic when a dog that could eat him in one bite comes up to him.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Caitlin, I don't know you may be right. I have read up and studied so much information on small dog syndrome and I have done everything I could to teach him his place, with a human being he gets it, but with a dog, I have no idea how to teach him.

 

Big dogs in general seem to be more docile, more submissive.. I always thought that was because they just by nature of being so big, can not get away with such disrespectful behavior that a small dog can, and therefore a big dog knows his place, where a little dog, just tries to own and possess.

 

I don't know... It is a tough situation, it ppl were involved no doubt I would correct the behavior but how do you teach a dog not to be Mr Tough Guy with another dog??? He will play great with dogs of all ages and all sizes but if one gets on his nerves, he just won't tolerate it

[DeeDee and Sheila]

Jack sounds more confident than Sheila.  Sheila is a love and rather dainty.  She is submissive and I don't ever let her off leash in a crowd of dogs.  One time a terrier bit her and drew blood and the other time, she ran like the wind (faster than all the other dogs) until she got under my van (she knew which one to go to).  She also won't let people touch her, doesn't growl, but backs away from them.  Does your small doodle have any of these traits?  I've always had huge labs that I could just let loose in the park and they'd play, but I can't do that w/ Sheila.  She is more comfortable on the leash.  But it isolates me.  I don't get the company of other dog owners.  I'm asking bc I'm considering a 2nd but I'd want a mini again to play w/ Sheila, but I think Sheila really does act like a small dog, so I'm wondering abt Christina's pairings.  I will never buy another dog agn w/o knowing someone who has a dog from the mom/dad pairing.