Girls and I were out walking Morse in the dark last night about 730. In the trees he saw a fox, pointed at it and growled into the bushes much to my girls alarm. I cheerfully said " Oh its just Uncle Fox out for a kebab. He wont come past Morseyboy cause theyre scared of us and dogs. Come, Morse lets go!"  As we walked up the hill home Minibeast saw a big black shape with pointy ears run past her and screamed, as did my poor Stinkfoot, followed by their cowardly mother. As it turned to face us, I went to lamp it one and realised it was Morse's pal and sparring partner, a young crossbreed whos usually out with his family. They eventually caught up saying cheerfully oh we have been calling and looking for him from way back. By this time Id stopped the girls screaming, and managed to be civil. A big setback for the girls, nearly a very nasty accident for little dog, and the reason people need to control their dogs ! Including myself.

We recently had a control issue too.  I had our Pointer at the city park.  A few moms have been bringing their pups (ages 1-2 years) to this park after we get the kids off to school.  The dogs run and play...and are sooo much more content.  My friend is evening being to grow grass along her fence.  It has been wonderful for training, and the exercise makes the dogs much much more content during the daytime. 

Well......the other morning a senior man came in to the park with his two teeny yorkies.  We did not see him, and my Pointer and her Boxer friend were running when they spotted the newcomer.  The ran over to greet the little yorkies.  Scared the uh "heck" out of the man.  When our dogs got to the little yorkies, they just stopped. sniffed.  No barking, growling, or hair raised, etc...  But, my my....did that ole man tear into me (mis-quoting our city law).  Then, he went to city hall about it, then came back two days later to bark some more at me about the incident and his visit to city hall.

It was  a little humorous when he came back to continue the arguement.  My very tall Pointer, just dropped her ears and tail, laid down, and then rolled over on her back to the little Yorkies.  I asked him if he still thought she was vicious.  I don't think that helped.  I did apologize he was alarmed by her.

To my dilemma, I don't know if this man is going to let the incident drop.  He may choose to make a bigger issue of it.  But, my Pointer really needs this release, and training practice as she is just 17 months.  So, I am torn to relocate and pull her away from this group because at times I have to call her two or three times, if she has ranged out in the park a bit.  But, because she is not at all aggressive, part of me says the only way she can learn is to practice there.  She is just so very friendly.

Oops ! You need to practice recalling her before she goes off exploring- not easy as I know as Pointers do like to investigate everything. Its also not easy for us to appreciate how strangers feel seeing a large dog trot over as we forget how big they are, seeing them day to day. Morse is my " little " dog. More recall practice needed but it will work - mine dosent go over without permission to strange dogs or people now, although cats can be another matter. Im practicing too. :)

Here is the thing with our Pointer....out in the woods recall is no problem.  With other people, even strangers, recall is no problem. 90% of the time recall is no problem with other dogs.   I am hoping that at 18 months, I can get that other 10% recall.  I guess I don't know how to further her recall without training her where other dogs might be present.  At this park during this particular time, we know most of the dogs and their owners.  But this area is a city park so others will visit from time to time. 

It seems maybe some of our issues are due to the dogs are playing off lead, and then enters a new dog...  Our pointer isn't a velcro dog so she is not just in arms reach most of the time.  I know this makes recall even more important which is why we have worked so much on it.

She has become such a good dog, and actually very gentle.  I suppose I was looking for some encouragement (and maybe a bit of how the other owner over-reacted, but I have to realize Sadie failed to recall showing I lost control.)  I suppose I should go back to places where dogs are less popular. 

I do sympathise, honest! Look back on the threads and youll see we wrote the book, directed the film and wore the t shirt for failed recall! :) Sadie is miles better than Morse at the same age. What you need to do is just practice calling her to you when shes playing with the other dogs, and yes the park you go to is ideal. Friends of mine always give biscuits to their dogs and pals during playtime with a cry of " NUm-nums!" followed by a stampede :D When your kids were little and playing with friends and things started to get excited, didnt you call them for snacks? Or wait till they stop a bit then call em for a really good treat. Build on the good responses. We used to deliberately walk Morse and his wrestling partner on leads together sometimes so they didnt get the idea it was all barnstorming chaos when they were together. Also I find free running a great reward for Mottled Missile so he has to do something for me before he gets off lead, like a present or sit or down to keep him focused. Enjoy your playtime and watch out for Mr Yorkie. :)

Good point about walking with the wrestling partner because it is not all barnstorming chaos. 

I think Sadie has come to view this place as barnstorming chaos.  It is party time there.  MOST people let their dogs play off leash during this early morning time.  Then, when the owners that aren't looking to socialize...well, our dogs are still in the barnstorming chaos mode.  We, the owners of high energy teenage dogs, are so happy to see our dogs burn energy and get tired...we need to spend more time doing basic when we are together.  

But, what a sight seeing a Pointer run in what we call "incredible" speed.

Thanks for your response...gives me some ideas to work with.

Now I know I'm going to get LOADS of you disagreeing with me but for heavens sake part of being a dog is to run up to other dogs and sniff them out - say hello and have a good charge about !! - to be honest if the 'Yorkie ' man wanted a stuffed toy he should have got one and stayed away from places where folk are happy to let their dogs off the lead to socialise properly.What a sad sterile world where our four legged friends are not allowed the glorious freedom of playing 'mad dogs' with other youngsters!. I once had this when one of my BSD's ran up to say hello to a mini dacshund the owner picked her dog up and shouted at mine. I called her back and said that she was just being friendly her reply was " but she sniffed his bottom "  THATS WHAT DOGS DO !!!