My wife has a miniature American Eskimo named Strummer. He is a very mild tempered dog just around 1 year and 19 pounds and neutered. About 2 months ago we took the boys to PetSmart to buy fish. Strummer spotted a much larger dog and once at a distance of about 6 feet launched at it snapped and barking. We've never seen him act this way before and he was definately in for a butt whoopin if he had his way.

A week ago my mom brought her 10 month, 100 lb. great dane "Bella" to our house. Bella is about as mild tempered as they get and very shy. We introduced Bella to Bruno. No problems, Bruno didn't really seem interested. We introduced Strummer to Bella (Strummer on a prong due to his previous behavior). He did the same thing and like a missle launched for Bella. Susan was ready and gave him a correction that pulled him back about 4-6 feet and told him no. Bella jumped back. We tried again and Strummer did the same thing. He doesn't get wound up either. He's just calm as can be, then "click". Insta-terror. He didn't act this way when he first met Bruno.

Question: Why would such a small dog who is very timid go so berzerk over larger dogs who can clearly mop the floor with him.

Question 2: Is this something that time and repetition or exposure would correct? Any suggestions as to how to go about ridding my little boy of this behavior? I don't think he's dominant/aggressive.

This sounds more like fear aggression, a kind of "I'll get them before they get me" reaction. This is not uncommon in small dogs, which is one reason many end up at the vet for attacking a large dog. As to why, it's hard to say. It could be due to a bad experience or experiences with large dogs (for example, small dog gets attacked at a dog park as a pup). Or, and this is likely. he wasn't socialized to dogs other than his mother and litter mates, especially large dogs when he was a pup.

It may be that the best you can expect from him is to ignore the other dogs and tolerate them when you are there to supervise. Put him on a program of daily obedience training and nilif (nothing in life is free) to build his confidence in you as his leader as well as in himself.

If your mother lives close by, make some dates to meet her at a local park with the dogs. Walk the dogs together starting at a distance apart where your dog can see hers but is comfortable (doesn't try to attack). If he starts focusing on the Dane, issue a leash correction and do some quick about turns to get his attention on you. Then praise him for the proper behavior. Working slowly, at his speed, gradually bring the two dogs closer together. If he ever tries to attack, go back a step or two. Do the same thing in several other locations and finally at each of your homes. Also, repeat with other dogs.

What type collar does he wear for walks and training? If it's not a pinch, I'd get one (small size). Herm Sprenger are the best and you could order one on line.

Once he has basic obedience skills and is better with larger dogs, you could take him for agility lessons, which would greatly increase is confidence.

My wife got him from a women she works with at the beginning of the school year, he was about 5 months old. She had him in an apartment and I'd be willing to bet did what most people do. Get a dog and a food dish and that's it. My wife has been waiting until this summer to do any kind of training with him. I nkow it only takes a few minutes a day but she says "In her spare time". I've already planned future dates with my mom's dog and my sisters (Dane) as well to practice what you spoke of. I guess I'll work on the obedience myself. Anyway, thanx for the advice.

DZ