For four years now I have been helping a friend out with the odd dog walking, and dog and house sitting while they have been on holiday, but I've had to call it a day. H is a big strong choc lab, with a mind of his own.
While walking round his village I don't know how he is going to react when he sees another dog, mostly he is fine, but there are one or two that he doesn't like and he will go for them. I have got into the habit of wrapping his lead round a post when another dog comes towards us because I can't predict what he is going to do. He has attacked other dogs in the past. Once I couldn't get to a post and had to let go of the lead because he pulled so hard. Luckily no harm was done, but it makes for very stressful dog walking.
Last week I took him for a walk while my friend was out for the day. Dog coming towards us but nowhere to secure him, so I had his lead in my right hand and his collar in my left hand, and braced myself for the inevitable pull. It happened so quickly and before I knew it I was on the ground, bottom first, then back, then my head hit the ground. Luckily it was grass but I was shocked for a few minutes. I did manage to hold on to him.
Sadly I have had to tell my friend that I can no longer do this. She understands, and has another dog walker, a man, but he is not much bigger than me.
I applaud what Wendy is doing, to take on a dog with behavioural problems takes some guts, especially when they can do you some serious damage. I have given it a good shot, but after four years it is not getting any easier with this dog, so I give up.
Ilona