The Bain Of My Existence—Uncontrolled Off-leash Dogs
In this episode, Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine, tackles one of the most common and frustrating challenges faced by dog owners—how to handle encounters with off-leash dogs. Kati explains why these situations are not just inconvenient but potentially dangerous, especially when the other dog is untrained or its intentions are unknown. She shares practical strategies, clear boundaries, and assertive responses dog owners can use to protect their dogs and themselves during these unpredictable interactions.
Drawing on her experience with e-collar training and behavior modification, Kati empowers listeners to develop a clear policy, be proactive instead of reactive, and remember that they have every right to claim space for their dog. The episode is full of real-life examples, straight talk, and helpful tools—from body language to umbrellas—that can help turn a stressful moment into a manageable one.
Whether you’re dealing with leash-law scofflaws at the beach or narrow trail surprises, this episode gives you the confidence and tools to advocate for your dog safely and effectively.
Episode Outline
- 01:38 – Episode topic intro: off-leash dogs charging your dog
- 02:41 – The reality and frequency of off-leash dog encounters
- 03:41 – Why typical training/bribery fails with these distractions
- 04:48 – The unpredictable nature of off-leash dogs and their owners
- 06:33 – “Don’t worry, he’s friendly”: why that phrase is a red flag
- 08:37 – Most dog owners miss early signs of aggression
- 09:36 – Story of Kati’s husband being bitten while working
- 10:55 – Why many dog owners don’t recognize risky behavior
- 12:39 – Kati’s personal policy on strange dogs: always avoid interaction
- 13:46 – What to do when you see an off-leash dog
- 15:16 – You’re never wrong to protect your dog’s space
- 17:08 – Why you shouldn’t try to assess the other dog on the fly
- 18:25 – Positioning yourself in front of your dog to block contact
- 20:04 – Using aggressive body language to deter charging dogs
- 21:32 – Example of neighbor’s cocker spaniel being stopped
- 22:44 – What to do if the dog doesn’t stop approaching
- 24:24 – Communicating clearly to the dog, not the owner
- 26:08 – The value of a clear no-contact policy
- 27:27 – Understanding that genuine accidents happen—but most people aren’t apologetic
- 28:40 – Why Kati recommends all off-leash dogs wear e-collars
- 29:47 – Spotting a reliable recall vs. high-alert moments
- 31:10 – Trust your boundaries—don’t feel guilty for saying no
- 32:31 – Other people’s dogs are at risk, too
- 33:25 – You might be the first person to challenge their assumptions
- 34:26 – Even small dogs can create dangerous situations
- 35:15 – Choosing safe, open spaces with visibility
- 36:21 – Tools to carry: dog mace, vinegar spray, noisemaker, umbrella
- 37:30 – Closing thoughts and a reminder to stay prepared
Off-leash dog encounters are unpredictable and often risky, but with a clear policy, assertive responses, and a few smart tools, you can confidently protect your dog and yourself. Don’t rely on chance—be prepared, be vocal, and never feel guilty for setting boundaries.
You can listen to more about reliable recall in Keeping A Rib-eye In Your Pocket Can’t Create A Reliable Recall In The Real World.