I own three dogs myself, a Boxer and two Cani Corsi. I’ve been taking care of various kinds of dogs since I was a kid. I had help consistently when I was smaller and then around age 12 when my family got a new dog I was able to pet sit on my own for neighbors, friends, or family. I love dogs and I’ve grown up around them from the time I was born. I assisted on occasion with my grandmother’s teacup poodle that was severely ill with liver disease throughout my childhood and early teen years. I have most experience with medium to large dogs. I have almost always had a bigger dog around and currently own a boxer. I have most regularly cared for boxers, labs, Great Danes, spaniels, and shepherd mixes specifically, though I do have experience with other breeds and mixes as well. Those are just the ones I am most familiar with and watch or have been around on a fairly regular basis. I typically do not use a retractable leash on any size dog if I have a choice simply because if I am walking a reactive dog I want to ensure that if they have an aggressive or strong reaction I can control them enough to prevent them from harming themselves or other people and animals. A retractable leash does not afford me that control and especially if it is a dog I am less familiar with and do not know for sure how it will respond I want to ensure everyone’s safety including that of your pup. I do have more experience with grown dogs than puppies though I have watched them before. I’ve also spent 3 months as an intern learning basic obedience training.