If you’ve been adventuring with your cat for any time at all, chances are you’ve encountered an off-leash dog, and it’s not usually pleasant. In this episode, I chat with a panel of dog and cat trainers about this issue – strategies for dealing with off-leash dog encounters, what to say to the humans, and how we can make the trails and parks a friendlier and safer place for cats, dogs, and humans alike.
I’ve had a negative off-leash dog experience like that where a dog rushed me and my cat Kylo when we were on a hike, and you’ve got to scramble to get the cat in the backpack. And the person’s like ‘Oh, my dog’s friendly!’ And it’s like, ‘Well, my cat is clearly not okay with this situation. Please be respectful!’
Emily Hall
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Overview of the Episode:
- The importance of leash laws
- Dealing with the “My dog’s friendly!” excuse
- The importance of consent when it comes to pets and people meeting
- Strategies for dealing with off-leash dog encounters
- Opinions on flexi/retractable leashes
- What to say to people with off-leash dogs
- Making cat adventuring more mainstream

Resources & Recommended Gear:
Dealing with Off-Leash Dogs Blog Post
Live Video Episode Replay
Where to Find Chris, Jackie, & Beth
Chris Ramsay on Facebook: @ShakerHoundAcademy
Chris Ramsay on Instagram: @ShakerHoundAcademy
Jackie Johnson Website: ITrainCats.com
Jackie Johnson on Instagram: @ClaudeCrossCountry
Beth Miller Website: WagTown.org
Beth Miller on Instagram: @WagTown
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About the Author

Emily Hall is “mom” to seven cats, one dog, and two sugar gliders. She has been writing in the pet industry for almost 10 years, with a focus on traveling and adventuring with cats. Emily and her husband enjoy hiking, road-tripping, camping, and canoeing with their three cat adventurers. Read more about her here.
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