Play with me!

Hi Folks,

I have a 15 month old SBT who is overall a great dog (although he's still learning as he's a youngster). He has daily off leash walks and LOVES to play with other dogs but doesn't always 'listen' to other dogs when they don't want to play. He is RELENTLESS and will bounce around and occasionally jump all over other dogs to get them to play. As you can imagine with a dog that just isn't into rough stuff and chase they can get agitated with him and i'm concerned this could lead to an altercation and ultimately a fight :s Over the past few weeks or longer I have been calling him back (his recall is good if he isn't too distracted, treats and positive reinforcement are the bomb) and popping him on the leash so we can approach the dog calmly and have a controlled introduction before deciding if the other dog is up for a play (and the owner isn't freaking out). This has improved things and he seems much more happier coming back even when a dog is in sight. Due to the environment I walk him in it isn't always possible to get him back in time and occasionally he's with a dog before I even realise it's there. Most of the time this isn't a problem as most of the dogs we meet are regularly walked in the same place so they know each other. Is there anything else you recommend I do?

He's never shown any aggression towards other dogs but as I'm sure you have all experienced some other dog owners freak out when he's jumping about or on their dogs as he's a staffy and they think he's 'going for' their dog.

Unfortunately he hurt his back a week ago while having a 100MPH play with my neighbours staff when we were out for a walk so he's on meds and complete rest but getting much better. Trying to stop him going stir crazy without his walks is a challenge so any tips on non energetic games I can play with him at home is also welcome lol

thanks