The problem could even be that the Yorkies antagonize Matilda, and thus she reacts. Perhaps the dogs at the daycare were less antagonizing to her, so she was fine.

It could be any number of things. Ultimately, I don't think its POSSIBLE to play it too safe where your dogs are concerned.
I would rather assume my dog might tear into my other dog, and as a result keep them apart when perhaps it isn't necessary.

The alternative is assuming that they'll be fine, and ending up with at the very least, upset and frightened dogs. We'll leave the worst alone.

Since the hubby is home right now, and he feels you're being overly cautious, he can help you determine who is right.

Bring one Yorkie out on a leash, with Matilda on a leash, in the house, in the yard, for a walk. You can observe their behaviors near each other, and slowly begin allowing them to mingle on leash.

You'll have to switch Yorkies each time, obviously. Eventually you could have him hold both Yorkies while you have Matilda, but for the time being, I'd have it be just one Yorkie (the problem may have to do with the two of them having a mob mentality towards Matilda when they're out together...)

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

It could be any number of things. Ultimately, I don't think its POSSIBLE to play it too safe where your dogs are concerned.
I would rather assume my dog might tear into my other dog, and as a result keep them apart when perhaps it isn't necessary.

I agree completely. Having watched my dog ACTUALLY try to tear into my parents small breed one day (after visiting countless times without issues), I'm a complete follower of Murphy's Law for dogs - if it can happen, it WILL happen - and with dogs as fragile as yorkies, the risk is too great. I also get picked on by my boyfriend for being overly cautious... oh well. Some things are just not worth testing the waters to me.

If you feel like experimenting, Alyssa's suggestions could give you more insight into the behaviors of each of your dogs, but I would strongly suggest you never leave them all unattended together (it doesn't sound like you ever would either...).

~Natalya

I think if you have worked with your dog(s), you get a feeling for what they can do or "want" to do. It may just be a niggling in the back of your mind, a visual image you shake off or just a "what if" that flits through your mind.

I believe if any thing like that reccurs frequently, there is something cueing you in--whether it be posture, muzzle movement, stance, head placement, etc. SOMETHING is triggering the "something might happen" button.

If that is the case, better to be safe and a worry wart than sorry. You can test like Alyssa said as long as the yorkies are safe and secured and make sure no one is stressed. But, if you don't know your dogs subtle cues, this might be the time to learn them if indeed she does have a problem with them and learn the Yorkies cues.

Safety first, though..leashes and two adults like Alyssa said.

 Quote: erin croley

he said for me to just see what she would do and put her in an area with other dogs her size

.. And what exactly would he have done if she had gone after another dog? And what would happen to YOU (lawsuit, etc). It sounds like too many "let's sees" and not enough control from the daycare person.

However, some times large dogs only have issues with smaller dogs - prey drive. They see smaller dogs as prey, not as "real" dogs. This problem does not occur with dogs their own size.

I don't know if I'd be necessarily willing to test this theory, though.

 Quote: Natalya Zahn

If you feel like experimenting, Alyssa's suggestions could give you more insight into the behaviors of each of your dogs, but I would strongly suggest you never leave them all unattended together (it doesn't sound like you ever would either...).

~Natalya

I agree. Experimenting on leash will give you insight, but there are some dogs (evil geniuses of crime) that know when they're on leash and will act differently (i.e., that an attack won't work as they're restrained) then they will if they're 'free and clear', so to speak.

 Quote: angela burrell

However, some times large dogs only have issues with smaller dogs - prey drive. They see smaller dogs as prey, not as "real" dogs. This problem does not occur with dogs their own size.

Similarly, and size differences aside, dogs often behave VERY differently around other dogs on neutral territory, vs. their own home turf. This was the case with my situation - Oscar decided my parents house was "his" house one day (he was in the middle of an evil adolescent period) and the little dog was no longer welcome to go as he pleased... our mistake in full - lesson well learned.

Erin, your dog may have been ready to play at the daycare facility because she had no claim to the territory, but she may not be so friendly to the yorkies in the home space she considers "hers". This is all very particular to the dog, and having watched her behavior and reactions to all kinds of situations, you know her best...

~Natalya