Off lead playing

I know you have probably heard it all before but when I take Hugo down the field for a good exercise he just wants to play with other dogs or go snooping around in bushes being nosy and completely ignores me when I have tennis balls, frisbees etc...

Is there anything I can do so he doesn't sprint 300 yards to play with other dogs ?

I spend most of my time separating him from playing with other dogs, I don't mind him playing at all I just don't want me and Hugo being a pain to other people and dogs who just want a quiet stroll on the field.

I have a 50 foot training lead if that will be any help.

I wouldn't mind getting another puppy if it means Hugo will have a play mate and makes field walking easier, but the other half isn't to keen on the idea so that's a no go.

Attaching the long training lead would be a good idea to keep him under your control and close to you when needed.

Also training good recall is an idea, use treats to get him to come back to you

Kathy wrote:

Also training good recall is an idea, use treats to get him to come back to you

His recall is pretty good until when distracted, usually I'll kneel down and pat my legs and he will sprint towards me though he won't take a blind bit of notice of me when he's snooping or spots a play mate.

I think I will have to use more treats in recall training.

Give lots of praise when he comes back and give a treat.

Bacchus is getting better, his recall is 100% when no dogs or people are around. Even when distracted by smells etc. he will always come when called. I have also trained him to respond to a wide open arms signal (as in offering someone a hug )in the event he doesn't hear my call ( in high winds etc.). I also reward him when he returns to me of his own free will when off-lead and now find he doesn't wander far, always watching where I am in case my hand goes to my pocket for a treat.
But he still goes deaf when he sees another dog or person

Thanks for the info kathy

As above really we used a 50 foot training lead to recall miley it works but don't know about being off lead yet

If i use the angry tone (''Come her'') Ramsey will come back no matter what distraction.. Maybe I'm mean

The training line will help a lot, you can improve the recall that way and also stop him from running off to play with other dogs when you don't want him to.

The training line and practice will help. We usually only let Suki completly off lead if she is in an area she can't just run off.