My experience is largely from personally owning dogs and cats (...and guineas pigs and hamsters and stick insects!), and voluntary work. My dog at home is a staffie, collie, jack russel mix with loads of energy - even though she is 10! I also spent 3 weeks walking abused/ rescue dogs in Thailand which included disabled dogs in frames - an amazing but heartbreaking experience which provided me with tips and techniques for walking nervous and very shy dogs in addition to young puppies and teenagers. I know dogs need time to get to know new people and I am a firm believer of slow and steady, I try to encourage and wait over pulling and believe calm words and cuddles go a long way!