i didnt think today could get any worse,then it did,bigtime,1 know i dont need to explain how i felt when my dog ran off!Ihasten to add ive got her back!shes 7 months now,and has always been a bit wary of bigger dogs.well,we were having a peaceful walk,gone a bit further than we usually do,me having an off day and enjoying the peace,when a large friendly rottie and his cheery owner came out of one of the side paths.Isaid "morning",jess growled,and before i could react,ran off up the hill!I actually laughed at first!But wasnt laughing a second later when she kept going and disapeared!no,I started running and calling her!Ispent a good half hour searching the woods and roads,then there was nothing for it but to go home to get my son as reinforcementIt seemed suuch a long way home!but,there she was,fit and well on the doorstep!the relief!of course,muppet me hadnt got my phone with me,and believe me,ive learnt that lesson!my hearts still pounding!i know this next comment is on the wings of hysteria,but il never dare let her off the lead again.im also aware things couldve turned out very differently,and id like to offer my heartfelt sympathy to anybody in that sad position.

i'm sure a lot of us have been in that situation and there's no worst feeling of panic but at least she came home safely.
it will be hard to build up your confidence again but take things slowly and your get there.
keep her on a long line for now and practice your recall while your out, giving lots of treats and praise. you can practice this at home as well, just calling from different rooms and rewarding.
go back to a good training school and this will help with socialisation with other dogs and re-enforce the commands you want the dog to respond to,in a safe enviroment. it will also build up more trust between  you and your dog.
it would also be worth seeing if you can find someone else you can walk with and their dog, you may find someone at the training class who will help.
just take little steps so you don't gets stressed as the dog will pick up on this.  

that makes a lot of sense,i will,especially finding another person and dog to walk with,thanks,!ive calmed down now and not dwelling on what might have been(she s just ran past with the cats food dish in her mouth,sigh!)It was horrible though!

> (she s just ran past with the cats food dish in her mouth,sigh!

That made me smile... :-) My youngster does that..

I had my Dad's dog out for a walk, abeit on our land. He was behind me one minute and gone the next. I was worried sick, calling him etc. He finally came back 15 minutes later, happy as larry.. That was bad enough but to have a dog leave me on a walk away from home to then make its own way back.. Well..

Positive, your dog knows where home is, so you know should this happen again that she is more than likely going to head home and get there.. Don't forget the mobile next time ;-)

thanks!no,i wont!