Prevention card 01
Recall fails after running takes over
Why it happens
Independent sled work and retained chase make self-directed travel highly rewarding; this is one of the breeds with the highest off-lead risk.
Early signals
Orientation shifts away, speed and route commitment increase, check-ins stop and familiar rewards lose value.
Prevent it now
Use the long line for life, reward early check-ins and make securely fenced areas the default for free running; never lower the off-lead threshold merely because training has gone well in easier settings.
If it has started
Restore physical management, increase distance from the trigger and rebuild one turn at a difficulty where the dog can respond.
When to get professional help
Seek qualified reward-based help if management is repeatedly breached, the dog reaches unsafe areas or cannot disengage at workable distances.
Prevention card 02
Jumping, digging or dismantling creates an escape route
Why it happens
The urge to travel and independent problem-solving make every successful boundary breach reinforce the next attempt.
Early signals
Repeated inspection of a gate, digging at the same base, climbing, testing fittings or using nearby objects as launch points.
Prevent it now
Audit the boundary for jumping, digging and dismantling, supervise yard access and provide a designated digging outlet.
If it has started
Stop unsupervised access, secure the exact weak point and review the whole boundary rather than patching only the visible hole.
When to get professional help
Use a qualified reward-based professional if repeated escape attempts persist despite environmental repair and planned outlets.
Prevention card 03
Heat management is replaced by shaving
Why it happens
Perth heat is a hard constraint, but shaving damages the insulating function of the thick double coat rather than solving the environment.
Early signals
Activity is still planned for hot conditions, cool indoor recovery is unavailable, or shaving is proposed as the main cooling plan.
Prevent it now
Plan shade, fresh water, air conditioning and cool timing before activity, and preserve the double coat.
If it has started
Stop the activity, move to a cool environment and do not resume simply to complete the plan.
When to get professional help
Signs of heat stress require urgent veterinary advice; questions about coat or medically necessary clipping should go to a veterinarian or suitably qualified groomer.
Prevention card 04
Coat and paw handling works only in one setup
Why it happens
Tolerance learned with one person, surface and tool does not automatically transfer to another room, handler, dryer sound or post-walk check.
Early signals
The puppy accepts a familiar brush station but turns away, mouths or leaves when the surface, person or tool changes.
Prevent it now
Generalise one easy voluntary handling step at a time across non-slip surfaces, familiar handlers and relevant tools.
If it has started
Return to the last comfortable version, restore distance from the tool or sound and rebuild without restraint or pursuit.
When to get professional help
A sudden handling change needs veterinary assessment; persistent freezing, growling, snapping or biting needs qualified behaviour support.