twisterdog... the difference between you and me when we go to dog parks is....

I go and talk to all the other owners in the park. By the time I leave not only have my dog interacted with every dog there. I have interacted with ALL the dogs AND the people.

If you automatically crawl up into a little hole and put up a wall, how's ANYONE going to ever get in? you'll never get a chance to know if anyone is ever trust worthy if you don't take that risk and extend your hand for that first shake.

Nothing in this world is guaranteed to be safe. Have you ever heard of harm reduction? It's a term most commonly used in drug education. Basically applying it to this situation... by taking my dogs to the dog park I am teaching them how to behave with other dogs of a variety of sizes and personalities in a variety of different situations, therefore reducing the risk of future problems.

I have a a 17lb Boston terrier, so I too am a small dog owner. Yes he goes to the dog park and he loves it! Yes he does go over into the big dog area and into parks that don't have that seperation between big and small dogs.
I think you're putting you're dogs at a greater risk by not socializing them with dogs of ALL sizes. Cause now, they don't know how to play with big dogs.

And I think it's sad that to protect you and yours you're not open to new experiences that require a little bit of risk.

I have to ask... do you enjoy roller coasters? How about cooking? Do you take asprin or any medication.... have you read the warning labels on these? Do you operate a motor vehicle? -- All of these things are a risk every time you do them.