If today wasn't the last day of training I think it would have been the last for Asher.
It wasn't his fault. I attempted walking past the dogs just like we have been doing successfully. Today he pulled so hard towards a dog, I caught my finger in the lead and broke it (my finger that is, not the lead)...lol. I have actually done some serious damage, rupturing a tendon as well. He got to the other dog and barrelled him to the ground. He never bit him but his growl sounded very bad. The other dog's owner was amazingly calm. I could not stop apologising. When I realised my finger was damaged I suddenly felt faint, near passing out. So I quietly stepped away, put Asher in the car and sat in there for a while. Then I got back out there with Asher, keeping a healthy distance from the group and sobbed my heart out. Nobody noticed anything which is how I wanted it.
Tonight's lesson was putting Asher on a long lead and getting him to come when called, which he did exceptional. When Leanne clipped her long lead on him, he was happy, tail wagging but then Leanne decided to growl at him (twice at separate times she did it tonight). asher jumped at her, growling, as if he would bite her. I pulled him back and he near licked me to death. But Leanne kept hold of him while I walked away. He was fine with that. While she didn't growl, he didn't. He came straight to me when I called him. Leanne told me she wouldn't own that dog and said he is dangerous. I questioned her actions, not mentioning that I was given the advice, that perhaps he growls back at her because she isn't his owner. She said that doesn't matter and that he should never be allowed to be boss over anyone.
While at the hospital I told my story to a couple of nurses. One of them happen to be an experienced dog trainer (although he doesn't do it for a living). He said what you ppl have said that she should never growl at a dog is absolute true. He said to establish dominance over a dog you make them drop and you keep them there and not to move until you tell them they can.
I was so upset at tonights effort I said I would forget anymore professional training and just continue myself. But part of me is saying not to quit. Perhaps I should muzzle him so he can't bite. I will talk to the guy doing the new obedience course I have enquired about. I enjoy the time with asher and really want to keep up training. I will never get rid of him. I just need to get over my ordeal before deciding whether to go to the next obedience classes or just let asher be our sook and keep him home. Sorry I am thinking out loud now. My whole arm hurts just from a tiny break in my finger so need to let it all go. At least Leanne will have a good story to talk about, anyway.