No Bad Dogs Podcast E350- An Off-Leash Dog Charged My Dogs… Here’s How I Handled It
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Mar 5, 2026 A dog charged the narrator’s dogs during a neighborhood walk, and he recounts the confrontation step by step. He compares each dog’s temperament and explains when to intervene or retreat. Practical tactics get covered, from loud commands and deterrents to using spare leashes and down-stays. He also discusses checking on the loose dog afterward and the potential long-term effects on young dogs.
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Off-Leash Lab Bounced At His Confident Older Dog
- Tom Davis was approached by an off-leash black lab that stared, growled, and bounced toward his 10-year-old Dutch Shepherd Lakota during a neighborhood walk.
- Lakota held her ground while Tom kept bulky Mastiff Burley leashed nearby and worried about escalation because Burley is an intact, powerful dog.
Assess The Loose Dog's Intention Fast
- Assessing a loose dog's intention quickly lets you choose the safest response, from calming recalls to preparing to intervene.
- Tom evaluates size, behavior, and his dogs' abilities (Lakota's reliable recall versus Burley's protective instincts) before acting.
Consider Releasing A Protective Dog During An Attack
- If an attack starts, consider releasing a strong, controlled dog to disrupt or defend rather than holding them back and making them vulnerable.
- Tom would have released Burley to protect Lakota if the lab had attacked, citing a vet's similar past choice.