Large dog obsessed with small dogs

Question
My 1.5 yr old large mixed breed female, whom we adopted 6 months ago,
has recently become obsessed with small dogs at the dog park.  I have been
taking here there every weekend, and she played beautifully with all the dogs
until a few weeks ago, when she began exhibiting this problem.  She will
choose a small dog and then won't leave it alone -- tries over and over to
play with it, even if it is clearly not interested, then will start to bark and
finally nip at the dog.  I have tried pulling her away for a while, but then she
goes right back.  I hate to stop taking her to the park, but I don't think I have
any choice now.  She is extremely friendly to all people and in general to all
other dogs.

Thanks for any advice.

Answer
I think I would not go to the dog park (chance of damage to someone's little dog is too great) and if you want her socializing with other dogs, make some play dates with appropriate dogs of a size to be less fragile. An obedience class would also be a good opportunity to have her around dogs and people, and she could learn a solid recall, and "leave it" which will give you the tools to ask her to ignore these dogs who are too small to play with. My dog who enjoys the dog park will come on cue, turn away from another dog on cue, and will lie down if I ask her to, even in the middle of play. Really, though a lot of dogs go to dog parks without training, having a good solid recall and leave-it should be prerequisites, as they will solve a lot of this sort of problems. Sandy Case BFA MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com