Thank you to all of you that replied, I think there were a lot of real valid points put across amongst the chat and I am the first to say that there are points I hadn't considered which I will from now on!:) We are all responsible for our own dogs but we are also responsible for the people and dogs we meet whilst out walking and I think that was something I had got too relaxed about. I'd like to hope that I wasn't the only one who learnt something today!
From now on Lucy will stay on her lead until we get to our quiet corner and only then will she get a chance to run some of her fat off!

Well said Julie, I couldn't agree more. I hope you appreciate that this is only a chat forum and nothing said is ever personal. I reckon you've had a bit of a scare, and fortunately you and your dog came through it with no harm done. As you said, we can all learn from it, and probably have!

Good on you Julie
Ted

pleased you where open to both sides of the coin, --well done, you'll probably feel better about it too,

I think this is what this site is all about. You are a more competent experienced dog owner than me but you still dont mind asking for help..you are the sort of person who makes it easier for me, being very inexperienced, not minding to ask for advice myself. Regards Gina

Good for you Julie!

I do wish you and your Rottie all the best...if she keeps doing this, and it is a big "personality" change, and a sudden one, pop her to her vet as she may need checking over. Doubt you;ll need to do this, though :)

Lindsay

Blimey I wouldn't like to claim to being experienced or competant but I try and do the best for my dogs and if that means I have to ask others for help then I'll ask! I think we should feel able to ask any question, daft or not, we won't always like what we get in reply but then it would be pretty boring if we all agreed all of the time!
By way of an update, Lucy was a bit put out at not going off her lead straight away this morning but also a lot more respectful when I did let her off for a roll and a romp, I think a bit of extra training won't do either of us any harm!