A good "safety" exercise to practice is a command that tells your dog treats are in the offing, and use it at irregular intervals when you are walking. Combine the command with a total release of pressure on the leash, preferably when your dog has firm tension on said leash. Then if something unexpected happens you have a built in reaction of the dog to look to you for a reward. This won't work if your dog is pursuing a major distraction, but should give you an edge if you have an equipment failure in otherwise neutral conditions. (you can carry this one step further by "accidentally" dropping the leash in a controlled area, or with a light line attached for safety, and practice until the dog turns to you when it feels a total release)
update:
Ginny (Basenji lost in Dennis, MA) has been sighted several times, including by Cheryl herself, and is hanging around a specific area. A humane trap will be set up tomorrow, and her new dog-brother Tom is on the job laying down a scent trail for her. Keep the good vibes coming at them all, and keep your fingers crossed for good news in the very near future!
Laura Whitney
Arlington, MA
Thanks for the update MacPack. A great ending to the story. If you see Kaisers folks again, tell them we all send our well wishes to them and their dogs.