How did the play date go?

Kirby's mom here-

Well Saturday, Kirby went to a play date at our obedience place. Mary, the instructor, holds these every Saturday and I thought it was time for Kirby and I to try it. It didn't really go well at all. Kirby was first attacked when he walked in, not good for a dog who already is afraid of the other dogs. That dog was put on a leash and we put Kirby behind a fenced in area so he could get use to the dogs in a safe place. Everytime I could get Kirby to come out, a dog would come over and Kirby would either growl, bark or run back into the fenced area. Most of the dogs decided after one bark or growl from Kirby that maybe he was a dog that needed his space. However, one dog, wouldn't leave him alone. It was a German Shepherd, who was very big. No matter how much Kirby barked or growled at him he would just egg Kirby on. Very annoying for me, very terrifying for Kirby! I tried at times to do some agility with Kirby but then he would run under the table when other dogs would come by him. I guess the good thing was he didn't attack anybody, even when he barked or growled he was backing up, not going towards them.

After we got the shepherd away for awile, Kirby stayed under my chair for the rest of the time. Mary thought he did good, I myself am not so sure, maybe because I'm his mom and I just didn't like seeing Kirby like that. I also try to give him a safe place to go, and I feel like I failed him that day.

Then on Tuesday night, we went back for class, and he wouldn't even go in the room! I finally did get him in. There were only two dogs there so Mary said to let them off leash, and Kirby just went under my chair and shook. I finally put him on the leash and class began, then he was okay. We ran through CGC practice (test is next Tuesday!). Kirby did awesome on everything except the time when I have to go away for 3 mins...he barked! Oh well, we will see what happens.

Needless to say, I'm not taking Kirby back to play group. I thought it would be good for him, since he does have dogs in his life that he plays with, but most of the dogs in the group are BIG dogs and well, Kirby just doesn't care for them. So, what is everyone's thought about that...would you keep trying if you had a dog like Kirby or would you just let things be as they are.

I really just want Kirby to be confident around other dogs and know that he is okay, I just don't know the best way to go about this. Any suggestions would be great!

Kirby's mom