I love to take my dogs with me whenever and wherever I can. However, the wilderness is hazardous, and you never know what might be around the corner.
Tuco, my black husky cross, typically has great recall, but once chased an unknown animal through some tall grass while walking in a meadow in an off leash area. I called her back but she clearly was intrigued by something and wanted to bring it back to me. I could see her jumping and dancing around whatever animal had gotten her attention.
And then I saw it. The black and white stripes through the tall grass. Tuco thought this poor stressed skunk was a cat or small dog, because she clearly was trying to get it to play. I was able to call her back, but it reminded me that dogs can bring wildlife back to you. Whether that be a skunk, a coyote or a bear. I have interacted with all of them in the bush. Unless your dog can be recalled back from chasing a deer or small animal, it’s a good idea to pause and consider whether they are safe off leash in the wilderness and whether you are able to carry them out if they do get injured. It’s definitely something I think about more often since our run in with the skunk.
After that experience I worked on her with recall to the point where she will come back while pursuing a deer and stop running after it.
Skye, the rescued Siberian Husky, however, is probably never going to be allowed off leash. Like a typical husky, the louder you yell at him, the faster he runs away. But he can pull a cross country skier (we skijor in the winter) like nobody’s business. Its an amazing sport that I recommend for anyone with a high-energy dog.
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