My 10 pound chihuahua and I frequent a local dog park. He is very socialized, attends doggy daycare once a week and loves being around other dogs of all sizes. One of his favourite dogs at daycare is a Great Dane. Due to his size, his only line he doesn't like crossed is other dogs stepping on his back (rightfully so). Young dogs tend to do this as they are testing boundaries, which I totally understand, so my dog will often snap once in reaction and removes himself from the situation.

I was recently at the dog park and my dog and I had been there for 20 minutes at that point where my dog was friendly and totally fine running around and playing with the other dogs there. Suddenly, a couple and their dog came to the dog park gate and as soon as they opened the gate, their dog (looked about 30-40lbs, maybe 1-2 years old) barrelled down on my dog. Initially, they were just smelling each other - like I said, my chihuahua is very used to other dogs in his space - but then the other dog just suddenly started lunging at my dog, snapping and snarling, trying to bite him.

Where I worry if I was the asshole that I held back the other dog. The other dog was lunging and snapping my dog so much that I couldn't hold him back long enough to pick up my dog. I felt my dog would be at risk for getting bitten if I let go even for a second. It was only until the owner finally got over there to get their dog that I could pick up mine, who was barking, but not lunging back. All they said was "sorry", but nothing else, and it was kind of said passive aggressively. My dog and I immediately left the park, while the couple gave me dirty looks and remained in the park. When I was holding back the other dog, I didn't do so violently; I just held it back by its chest and collar. It was all I could do to protect my dog in that split second.

I also understand the risks of taking a dog to the dog park, but I think I might have too much faith in the other owners at the park. I've had instances like that before, but not as violent, and I sometimes get the impression that the owners blame me because I brought a small dog to a dog park and "what should I expect?". I just get frustrated because my dog has every right to be there. He's well trained, socialized and a sweetheart. But he will hold his own if other dogs try to hurt him. I feel like the stigma of small dogs justifies these owners poor control of their dogs.

Am I the asshole for restraining their dog or even bringing my dog there in the first place? I'm worried if I hadn't held the dog back, the dog would have bitten mine.

After post update: I just looked up that my city is adding a small dog enclosure to that park this week, coincidentally. So that's good news.