[BostonBullMama]

Only read the OP.

Firstly, I hope you weren't walking the Basset Hound and Small Mixed Breed together - especially if you ended up with contact dermatitis that you suspect is from the dog(s), the other dogs you're walking may end up with the same issue and that's just a risk to their health that isn't worth it.

Secondly, I don't feel that luring a dog to come using treats would be 'giving in' to them, if anything it will likely make them more likely to start listening the next time as you'll be teaching them that coming to your side will give them a reward. That said, I would be asking their owners if they can a) have treats and if they have a preference to which treats they are given or how many... b) are they okay with using this method to train the dog (though I don't see why they wouldn't be).

The owners themselves may have tricks to get the dogs to come along too, and it may be that the hound just feels like taking a break (yea they're stubborn but breaks aren't terrible). I wouldn't give glowing reports when you've had troubles, if you're having trouble you should tell the owners what's going on because they will know their dog better than anyone.