100% Recall or Nothing: Why Your Dog Should Never Be Off-Leash Without It
As a dog lover and a professional in the dog care industry, I've seen firsthand the risks and dangers associated with dogs being off-leash without reliable recall. Let me be clear: If your dog does not have 100% recall, your dog should never, ever be off-leash.
I don't care if your dog has 99.9% recall, 97%, or even 99.3%—anything less than perfect is not enough. Allowing a dog off-leash without a flawless recall is not only irresponsible but also dangerous for everyone involved—your dog, other dogs, and people in the vicinity.
The Dangers of Off-Leash Dogs
Allowing your dog to roam off-leash without 100% recall puts everyone at risk. Here's why:
1. Your Dog's Safety: An off-leash dog that doesn’t respond reliably to commands is at a heightened risk of accidents. Your dog could run into traffic, get lost, or ingest something harmful. The potential for danger is limitless, and even a split second of disobedience can result in tragedy.
2. Other Dogs' Safety: Not every dog is friendly or appreciates an unexpected approach. Some dogs, like mine, are reactive and need their space. If your off-leash dog, without reliable recall, charges at my dog, and I can't keep them apart, your dog could get hurt. If my dog attacks in self-defense or fear, understand this: I am not liable. I took precautions by keeping my dog on a leash; you did not. It’s not just unfair—it's reckless.
3. Public Safety: Off-leash dogs can be a danger to people, too. A dog that suddenly bolts across a park or sidewalk can knock over a child or elderly person, causing injury. They could chase a squirrel into traffic or approach a reactive dog on-leash and cause that dog to lose its head. Moreover, not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and an off-leash dog can be intimidating, even if "they're just being friendly." Some people have PTSD from dogs. Respect the comfort and safety of others by keeping your dog leashed unless you're in a designated off-leash area and have full control over your pet.
The Importance of 100% Recall
When I say 100% recall, I mean 100%. I mean that no matter the distraction—be it a squirrel, another dog, a loud noise, or a delicious scent—your dog comes back to you immediately, without fail.
Anything less than that is not good enough. I cannot stress this enough: 99.9% recall is not 100% recall. There is no room for error when it comes to the safety of your pet and others.
Imagine a scenario where your friendly, off-leash dog approaches a leashed dog. The leashed dog is reactive, like mine, and does not appreciate the intrusion. You call your dog back, but they don’t listen.
The situation escalates, and your dog gets hurt. Who is at fault here? You are. You, as the owner, chose to disregard the safety of others by letting your dog off-leash without ensuring they could reliably come back to you when called.
I literally watched an Instagram video of a person having three dogs off-leash, filming them while they went after a KANGAROO. Not only was the kangaroo in defence mode, standing upright and reaching for the dog going after it, but the person continued to film while calling after their dog with zero urgency and the dog not listening whatsoever.
That's baffling to me because kangaroos not only could kill your dog extremely quickly, but they were surrounded by water...and kangaroos will actually drown your dog. It doesn't matter if it's a bear, chasing a rabbit into traffic. Keep your dog on leash if it doesn't have 100% recall.
Accountability as a Dog Owner
Owning a dog is a privilege, not a right. It comes with a responsibility to other people, other animals, and the environment. It's not enough to say, "My dog is friendly," or "My dog would never hurt anyone." The fact remains that you must always be accountable for your dog's behavior and ensure that their actions do not pose a risk to others. Part of that accountability means never allowing your dog off-leash unless you're 100% confident in their recall abilities.
It's also about respect—respect for the environment, respect for other people's rights to feel safe, and respect for the well-being of your dog and others. A dog with poor recall off-leash is a danger. Period. If you truly care about your dog, you'll take every measure to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Responsibility
As someone who has walked dogs, especially one-on-one with reactive dogs, I am beyond fed up with the disregard some owners show by letting their dogs off-leash without considering the potential consequences. This isn't just about your convenience or your dog's freedom; it's about the safety and comfort of everyone involved.
So, to every dog owner out there: If your dog doesn’t have 100% recall, keep them on a leash. It’s not just the responsible thing to do—it’s the right thing to do. Take care of your dog. Take accountability. And above all, take responsibility. Your dog's life, and the safety of others, depends on it.
There is something you can do about it
If you're looking to ensure your dog's saftey and improve their recall, don't hesitate to reach out to Coastal Paws for Dog Training. Shannon is a dog trainer in Victoria, BC, can help you and your fur child master the art of recall among other essential skills.
Whether you want your dog to respond reliably off-leash or learn other commands, Shannon can guide you through the process. Visit Coastal Paws to take the first step towards responisble and safe dog ownership.
