On the rare occasion when there was a vicious dog or something threatening, I would “helicopter” Timothy out of danger by lifting him up. He always wore a harness, and after a close shave when he was once on an extendible lead, I never used one like it again. I only used his leather lead, or the Royal British Legion “poppy” one.
I think there were only 3-4 helicopter incidents, but I remember that after them, Timothy’s heart was RACING and he was very grateful for having been rescued. He knew I’d done it for him, and he’d lick my face for a few minutes in thanks.
When he was very young and needed “a carry” he’d ask for one only after walking for a long way, or after passing a big dog. Every time after we’d passed a big dog.