BONUS: Close Call With an Intense Mal--When to step in... and when to step back

In this bonus debrief episode, I unpack a recent session with a high-drive Malinois that pushed right up to the edge of what I was willing to handle hands-on. The dog didn’t break skin—but came close—and the handler absolutely rose to the occasion.

 

I talk about why I chose to stay off the leash despite the dog’s intensity, how I coached the handler through the process, and how I navigate the fine line between fear and healthy self-preservation as a trainer.

 

Whether you’re a fellow trainer or a curious owner, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the split-second decisions, emotional aftermath, and leadership dynamics that go into real-world aggression cases.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

– Coaching reactive dog handlers in real time

– When not handling the dog is the right call

– Building handler confidence under pressure

– Personal reflections on risk, fear, and growth