Most effective tactics to reckon with a devilish dog.

I watched gobsmacked as he traipsed across the frail ice on the grand river, his little back paws kicking out as he skidded across the fragile surface, this wasn’t even the worst part.

Black and yellow labrador retrievers on the river, sunsetting.

Have you been there? Given your dog a little freedom to gallivant around only to watch him lose the magic tether to you and go off on some precarious jaunt?

I have oodles of stories with my first dog, Mack. After he navigated across the thin ice, he traversed the bank and started running down railway tracks, cause almost falling through ice wasn’t enough of a scare.

My heart pounded as I considered my options.

Spencer his younger brother who’d recently had cruciate surgery couldn’t run so we hobbled to my car watching Mack heading towards a condo parking lot.

There 600 m away was an open dumpster and Mack. My anger welled up making my legs feel like lead.

I drove over to the parking lot where I took a nice deep breath before mustering the most joyful tone I could and called Mack to me. With a big lick of the lips and a wagging tail he sauntered over.  

Does this mean I never gave my dogs’ freedom again? No way jose!

Why you ask?


I believe every dog should be able to experience what it is to be free, sniff and run untethered. The crux isn’t should, its when. When should a dog be allowed freedom.

With each dog I’ve had in my life, their ability to recall back to me gets stronger and stronger. Why, because I flex this muscle, I work on it before the situation, creating a relationship with my dogs, teaching them being near and with me is where all the fun happens.

I make myself more intoxicating than the environment.

This is possible for you and your dog too!, whether they have a high chase drive, get excited about other dogs or people there’s a game for that!

Start playing this one today to boost your dog’s recall skills today.

Catch me if you can

#1. Throw a dollop of your dog’s food allowance for the day or treats down on the ground, or on their bed then take off running.

#2. When your dog catches up with you make it super exciting, throw food in different directions, use a toy, use an exciting voice, make it a full experience to be with you.

#3. Keep it going a few times, drop a pile, take off and when your dog catches you interact with them.

#4. If they get sniffing and looking for more food, call their name with an excited voice and take off.

#5. Adjust accordingly, if your dog is a little scattered, stay closer to them when leaving and call or make some noise to get them to check you out and attempt to catch you.

Looking for a breakthrough in your dog’s recall? Let’s chat.

Shoot me a message on your struggles and we can find the perfect prescription for you and your dog.