My 2 year old elkie is NOT allowed iff lead apart from over the local field which is 90% fenced and is always dog free.He is not aggressive (has walked passed dogs lunching off him off show benches without batting an eyelid) but does like to show hes a big boy now by standing tall and 'stiff' when meeting another dog and if hes off lead he will run straight up to any other dog we come across  ignoring my calls to him.I keep him on a long lead therefore out of consideration for other dogs and their owners and his own safety since some dogs will obviously turn on him when he greets them like this.
Well we went over the 'dog free' field last night and all 3 elks were running free having a great time when Kas spotted 2 dogs in the corner off the field...and headed towards them.My heart sank but I called him anyway ....and HE CAME BACK!!!!!!!!.I was sooo teempted to put him on a lead when he got to me but I resisted and told him he was a good boy and let him go again....he went back towards them and came again when called. We walked round the whole field and he was as good as gold.I am so pleased with him..its the first time hes done this and he is now 2 years old.It has given me new hope that ONE day I may be able to trust him off lead.
Archer

That sounds great Archer. What a lovely thing to happen, Karen

Well done Nicks, when shall I send you the Sod?

Well done Archer you must be well pleased, I'll send my two via parcel post :D

Lovely when the training comes together isn't it Nicky.  I have always said an Elkhound needs to be two years old before it can be considered in any way reliable :D

Thanks everyone.I'm not counting my chickens yet but as I said it does give me hope.The annoying thing is he really only wants to play its just that the other dogs don't realise!! He has always been the most playful of my dogs and used to romp for hours with Archer..it used to be a real pleasure to watch.
I really do think that part of his change of heart has come about with the change of diet.He now eats nearly every day and is so much more affectionate and responsive than he used to be.I can only think that the lack of additives etc in his diet is helping and he must be feeling better in himself.He used to be the most frustrating dog to live with...if I called him to me indoors he would just look at me as if to say 'why?' but now he is always coming for a cuddle.
Heres hoping things continue to improve....its only minor things that I would change about him but its soooo annoying when I have 2 who are fantastic off lead,obedient etc and they have been trained the same.
Nikki