5.0

I've lived with and cared for dogs for most of my life. I kept 2 large dogs going for 13 years each of well-loved life. I wanted to share my love of backpacking with those dogs, and they both ended up with better trail etiquette than many of the people we crossed paths with. Currently I take care of my house mate's dog as needed when she's away or just for fun. I've found over the years that I get better and faster cooperation from the fidos when I talk to them like people, so that tends to be my m.o.! One of my dogs was fairly reactive and "alpha" when challenged, and so I've learned how to set appropriate limits and/or avoid touchy situations. When I walk them, I prefer to get moving (within the dog's physical limits), for both of our health, but I'm also supportive of the need to just sniff the ground. I would, of course, accommodate whatever the dogs' people think is best. I am not currently certified in dog CPR, but I've successfully given my dog the Heimlich maneuver, stopped excessive bleeding, used a towel sling to help him navigate steps as his back end atrophied with age, the latter being useful for any dog with skeletal mobility issues, be they injuries, post-op recovery, or due to aging.