/u/Jabbles22 on Offered to do my neighbor's dog for free while she was in hospital. Got a complaint about my "technique"

Wait 5 sec.

OP already said she talked to the vet and he said this is normal after a change in routine. I would also add that dogs are empathetic. His human was unable to walk him for 10 days and likely isn't fully recovered yet. So he's toned things down not to hurt her.