[It does work! But on the way down, Gold shouts--] Sic 'im! [--Which is Houndoom's cue to pounce. It'll try to pin you or claw you while Gold gets himself back up. Neither boy nor dog notices the frog.

Once Gold is back on his feet, he moves, trying to find a position where you won't be able to see him as well. If he can find a blind spot, he'll take advantage of it and go for a stab rather than a slice.]