I hope someone will be able to provide some advice. My cocker spaniel/bichon frise puppy is 4 and a half months old now and coming along nicely - toilet trained, nipping is under control, lead training is going well and chewing has been helped with rawhides etc.

However there is one thing I'm not sure what to do about. Whenever we take her for a walk to the park and she sees a big dog she goes mad. The dog will come up to just sniff her but she'll start yelping as though shes been bitten and then run away making as much noise as possible. We presumed it was because she was scared but then when the dog starts going away she follows them as though she wants to play... its all abit confusing. She's fine when we take her to puppy training with the other dogs. We try to reassure her when she sees a big dog but at the same time I don't want to encourage her barking by paying her more attention when ever she does it.

I guess the only way we can really understand what is going on is if we can find a large dog owner who will let her spend more time with the dog and get used to the fact that they aren't a threat? Its abit difficult though when I don't know anyone we could do this with. I'm just concerned that as she gets older it will turn into a regular habit and its worrying for the other dog owner because they think their dog has hurt her.

Bless her, it sounds like she wants to play but is a bit nervous/intimidated when they are up close/making the first move. She is probaly fine with the dogs at trianing because she is used to them and/or used to the place so she'll feel more secure.
It sounds like a good idea letting her spend some time with a big dog, make sure it is a calm docile dog to start with though and not a bouncy 'in your face' sort or it may put her off more, and let her approach the other dog (in her own time) rather than the other way around.

Sometimes a "ouch im hurt" yelp sound, can actually be a "im really excited & playing" yelp.
Maybe its that?
Good idea to find a willing big dog owner who will let them play and monitor who little un reacts. Will improve her confidence around bigger dogs too.

my very large dog plays with a spaniel that continuously eggs him on to chase, roll etc etc and sometimes the spaniel will yelp and cry but still keeps coming back for more, also makes little yelping noises to instigate play, they are all different.
i would try to walk your dog on lead with any large calm dogs you see so she can get used to them being around, just follow them around a bit, i have been known to walk 20 feet behind strange dogs on lead on purpose in the name of socialising, then my dog can sniff where they have been without in the face confrontations which he can find too much.  x

Spaniels are little nutter dogs really lol They will run up too Mitz and then when she shows intrest run away wanting her to chase them, they make all kinds of noises but its all good play.

If she isnt displaying any aggression towards the dog and still barking, probably like said before, just so excited at the prospect of play but still too small and young to start it off!

  My Bichon x Westie  always did this..it's almost a scream, or a high-pitched yelp !
  It was come and play with me!..... never  a warning or aggressive Just "play with me..."
  Most of the other dogs seem to respond in a friendly manner and he got on with all..... even the known nasty's
  So my thinking was that it had to be a good thing !
 

My toy breed puppies are running all over the Beardies at 4 - 5 weeks, and so never question a difference in size.  Happy for your dog to run around with my big dogs, I know they are 100% with little 'uns.

Many thanks for everyone replying to my post. I think your all right in that its just a nervous/playful yelping that I'm hoping she will grow out of. The more she meets dogs on the walks I think the better its getting. Many thanks for your offer Jean, its really appreciated but I've managed to find a friend with a docile dog I'm hoping will help. I'm also going to ask at puppy training tomorrow and see what they suggest. Shes growing so fast!