Smokey only growls when he's happy.


I did take him to a puppy class, started when he was about 10 weeks old.
He loved it. He was the youngest in the class so most of his attention was focused on playing (with his friend Baxter - a wolfhound mix) and not so much on the obedience (though he did like the treats).
Our experience was different than yours - Smokey didn't growl at the other pups. He played submissively to Baxter and would want to play with the JRT but he was too big... There was also a toy poodle who he just wanted to play with but she was very timid so he had to settle for just sniffing her from afar.

He has never met a dog he didn't like - maybe it took him a while to get warmed up but he hasn't shown any agression as of yet.
Well, unprovoked aggression anyway. He won't back down from what he percieves as a fair fight.
For example, a little tiny dog was all over him one time nipping at his ears and face and he didn't do anything. But when Pork Chop came across the room and got him by the neck, Smokey was on him. (Very scary by the way, happened in a blink of an eye. That's why you have to be SO careful with this breed. I know yours is a mix - adorable - but if you think he is being aggressive and not just playing too rough... then you must be responsible. Learned the hard way here...) Since this incident, they cannot have new bones/special treats unless they are in different rooms, seperated by a closed door, or Smokey is in his crate.

It's that serious.


BUT - back to your pup - he is young and maybe he's just a very vocal dog. Sometimes it seems like Smokey is seriously pissed but his tail is wagging and he's in a happy mood, you can just tell. I have no advice really, just love your dog and do what you can see that he's well socialized and listens to your commands.

(Still working on the commands part here!)

I tend to ramble when I'm bored... sorry.... take care.