I am sure the girl was not as upset with her dogs as she was with HERSELF and was just taking it out on the dog. Because it was HER fault not the dog's.
This is the very reason I use a harness and a 6 foot leash. I can have Bella reeled in close to me and pick her up without even bending over.
A 6 foot leash not one that extends out allows for better control. Maybe if you try it you wont have to avoid other dogs all the time, just the bigger ones. So sorry you are having these problems
