How Should I Handle Off-Leash Dogs?
Heads up: this episode was recorded on the go, so the audio can be a little noisy — but the content is worth it. Kati tackles a question she gets all the time (and admits it isn’t her favorite): what to do when another dog is off leash and coming toward yours. The big takeaway is simple and powerful: you can’t control other people, but you can control your dog and your response. Preparation and consistent training are the foundation of staying safe and calm when unexpected off‑leash encounters happen.
Kati walks through concrete training steps to make your recall trustworthy under pressure. Instead of scolding a dog for not coming, she recommends building a recall that has real consequences — a short, appropriately strong correction delivered for a few seconds so the dog learns that coming matters. Aim for a single reliable cue rather than repeating commands, practice a protocol (let the dog sniff, call, apply the brief correction, then reward the return), and use a long line correctly so you don’t unintentionally let your dog charge others. She also covers preventing fixation on triggers with self-control and brainwork, and how to scale your response as the dog gets closer to a potential problem.
Practical on‑trail tactics are included so you won’t freeze: have a plan, call your dog and move off the path or sit to create distance, ask the other owner once to recall their dog, and use strong body language to deter an approaching animal. If posture and requests fail, protect your dog with physical means — this isn’t about blame, it’s about safety. Kati suggests carrying dog‑specific deterrent spray (or a vinegar squirt bottle) and a slip lead to break a bite if the worst happens. She reminds listeners that most encounters don’t end badly, but preparing ahead and training your dog gives you the best chance to stay safe and keep your cool.
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Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 00:00 – Kati Peppe opens the episode and asks listeners to subscribe.
- 01:00 – Warns audio may be noisy because she recorded while driving.
- 05:00 – Introduces off-leash dog handling—her least favorite but most common topic.
- 07:00 – Emphasizes you can only control yourself and your dog.
- 09:00 – Advises pairing a high correction with recall, not punishing for not coming.
- 11:00 – Deliver the correction for a few seconds at an intensity suited to the dog.
- 13:00 – Install a memorable consequence so recalls have 'gravity' using behavioral science.
- 15:00 – Repeating cues or multiple stimulations is dangerous; aim for a single reliable correction.
- 16:00 – Protocol: let dog sniff, call, give brief high correction, then reward the return.
- 18:00 – Inconsistent or absent corrections confuse dogs and undermine recall reliability.
- 20:00 – Use a long line correctly—hold it gently to prevent dog charging others.
- 22:00 – Increase correction intensity as the dog approaches a trigger to prevent escalation.
- 24:00 – Train dogs not to fixate or 'load' on others using control and brainwork.
- 26:00 – You cannot control other owners; accept the inherent risks of off-leash spaces.
- 28:00 – Have a plan: call your dog and move off trail or sit aside.
- 30:00 – Tail wagging and appearance don't reliably indicate whether a dog is dangerous.
- 32:00 – Ask the owner once to call their dog, then protect your dog's space.
- 34:00 – Carry deterrents like dog-specific spray, vinegar squirt bottle, or a slip lead.
- 35:00 – Stand between dogs, posture firmly, and kick or block if necessary to protect your dog.
- 40:00 – Closing: train your dog, enjoy off-leash outings safely, and follow social media.