Thankfully, it is very rare to encounter an unleashed dog on walks on our community trails. We do however encounter plenty of idiots walking their dogs with those extendable flexi type leashes, which is almost as bad, as the uncontrolled dog gets to run up and lunge at you. I've giving up being nice, and now loudly yell at them to "control your dog!" The more people are around, the louder I say it, as I want the person to be embarrassed about their annoying dog...as I said, three years of now walking ZoE..I've lost the patience for nice.
I usually don't pick Zo up, but I'm always prepared to do it. I hold the leash handle in my left hand, have the leash across the front of my body, and hold the leash lower down with my right hand so she's right next to my right leg, heeled, as she should be.
We've practiced "up!" Which means I pull on the leash with my right hand and she jumps up as I lift her into my left arm, leaving my right hand completely free should I need to throw a punch at any potential attacker!
__________________ (ZoE  )(Chelsea ) |