[Brun05]

I would enroll in advanced obediance classes or go find some sport activities or some such for dogs. Maybe even find a Schutshund club in the bay area. You don't have to do Sch training or anything, but you can meet people that 1) have large dogs, 2) are generally more versed and educated about dogs, and 3) possibly, you can become friends with and establish comfortable play dates for your pup.

I even think there is a Rottie club up in that area. Main thing is find people and dogs that you can deal with.

I believe darn near every Rottie owner for the past 10 years is suffering what you're going through. You just need to get around people that can handle larger dogs.

As for socializing, I would rather have no socializing for my pup than deal with 90% of the truly bad "toy" dogs and owners out there.

Another thing (cause I deal with what you do almost every night), I just pay attention to my pup, often I end up giving them dirty looks (untrained yippie dogs). Don't sweat it, those type of people and their dogs are not worth your time or your concern.

Maybe they are actually doing you a favor, ever thought of that? Figure most dog owners in the city/bay area own smaller dogs. Those dogs are rarely trained, or properly socialized. Would you rather have them cross the street knowingly/unkowingly protecting you/your dog? Or would you have them come up to your boy knowingly/unknowingly with a dog that is not socialized, get aggressive with your dog and either traumatize your dog, or end up dead because your boy did the unthinkable and fought back?

Just some food for thought.