Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Hi All,
Another question about Sophie and I really hope you all will have some advice!  She turned 1 in January and now weighs as much as I do.  I use a gentle leader on her as our trainer recommended and it has helped BUT Sophie is now taller than I am and if she manages to jump up, I can't pull up on the leader and have no control.  She had settled down about seeing other dogs when on leash, but is reverting back to going crazy.
I am pretty sure we scarred some kids for life yesterday.  We took Leo and all the dogs for a walk and it was a nice day so there was a big line of people (with dogs and kids) at the ice cream place we live near.  Sophie saw one of the dogs and started leaping up and barking.  Her bark is very deep and scary and the sight of her jumping, lunging and barking must have terrified everyone.  I was so embarrassed.  What should I say in a situation like that?  I have tried "she's friendly, just loud" but people are scared anyway.  I just tried to get away as fast as possible (hard to do with me, DH, our son and the rest of the dogs).  Anyone else have this problem/a solution?  Thanks!

I am so very sorry for your loss.  Thinking of you.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets these comments.  My new fave is about Sophie...
"What kind of dog is that- a Shepard/Mastiff mix?"
"No, she's a Leonberger."
Look of disbeleif "REALLY?  I have never heard of that and I know all the dogs breeds..."
"You're right, I actually made that up on spot to trick you."
Or about Binky- she's not a purebred Pyr b/c she's too small, she must be part Border Collie!  Several people have said this to me.  So irritating-please don't tell me what kind of dog I have!
I have to say that I don't mind the "that dog will eat you comments." I actually say it to Chicklet all the time about our dogs and others!  I say it more as an "insult" to her b/c she is annoying about yapping at dogs, than as an insult to the big dog.

I feel your pain but at least I only have one puppy!  With four dogs, a cat and a 16 month old child-sometimes when DH comes home from work, I am near tears!  I highly suggest the dog park since walking all three by yourself is probably impossible!  Good luck- it will be funny...someda y.

That is really cute!  He's not simple, just respectful  

Well, it has been ridiculously cold out lately and is supposed to get even worse this week.  Needless to say, I have not been enthusiastic about walking the dogs but Sophie is awful if she doesn't get exercise;  so how cold is too cold for walking?  Is it safe to walk the dogs when it is 20/10/0/-5?  I know they have fur but if my eyeballs feel like they're going to freeze, aren't the dogs' noses and eyes cold too, and their feet?  Just wondering what you guys think!

I always love the pictures of your crew-looks like fun!

Awwwww-sooooo cute and squishy!  Congrats on the new additions and I can't wait to see more pix.