[Ilovemypuppy]

Pick your playdates with dogs that do not herd your Rottie and make him uncomfortable. Not all dogs are suitable playmates for any dog.

I don't blame your dog for reacting the way it did and he looked to YOU to correct the situation and get him out of there. You put him in that situation, afterall.

Two dogs, who don't know each other should be introduced in a neuter location and on leash and slowly. The Aussie was on home tuff and was being very pushy.

The LAST thing you want is to put your dog in a situation like this where he may decide he has to fight to defend himself. If you have done , as you say you have, and socialized him really well and he is well behaved in most situations...you should know that dogs DO NOT necessarily HAVE to have or ENDURE the company of other dogs.

The herding breeds like this Aussie tend to go after the back legs of other dogs in 'play'..I hate it and so do most dogs.

Your dog wasn't being 'wimp', he was showing good sense and restraint.....as Stubby says above, the alternative would have landed one or both dogs at the vet and maybe you at the hospital.

Please do not think of your Rottie as a 'big, tough dog'. He's a highly intelligent, sensitive individual who depends on you to make the right decisions as to his exposure to things that are not necessary or advisable. It's your job to protect him and put him in situations that are positive.