Is there a good dog training program in your area? I've had many dogs and had my best experience training my dogs with other dogs in a group setting. The most important thing is you sticking with it until the dog gets it. The first time I took a dog to training, the trainer pulled me aside and said, "I'll tell you what the problem is with your dog. You!" Yikes!

On the other hand, I've found rescue dogs with unknown backgrounds, particularly if they lived on the streets for a while, are very, very hard to completely train. Those survival skills are very hard to overcome.

Good luck!

There are leash laws for a reason, no one should risk injury to their dog or someone else’s. Dog’s are unpredictable.

I completely understand your dilemma. Your dog needs socialization and exercise, yet he's at great risk of serious injury or annoying neighbors by trespassing on their property and harassing their animals. If your dog gets in a tussle with the boxer, you could incur legal and veterinary expense. Hit by a car (let's not even think about that)? Is there a chance that you and your friends could find a safer place? At the least, you might let your dog off leash 15-20 minutes to vent off some energy and for safety then leash him up.

My dog is the same, recall is good unless there is a squirrel or cat, then he goes into another mental state and has only one thing on his mind. I suppose you can train this out of certain dogs, but it is their natural instinct. You could try training to see if its effective when small running animals are tempting him. Otherwise, please keep him safer.

G I do understand that. This is a great group of friendly dogs that enjoy playing together when they meet up......and it is a joy to watch them do so. They normally interact and stay close. Two of the dogs are in their teens and don't go far. One other is similar in size and age to my dog. They play beautifully and at this time he runs and runs. Of course it only takes on mistake in a blink of an eye, and I am a cautious person, hence reaching out to improve things. I know there is always some risk, but I would like to minimize it as much as possible while still allowing him some time to interact and "be a dog". He does get plenty of daily on-leash walks plus attention and toys at home. tozmo1 good idea, like I said the other dogs are good (two are older and don't go far anyway). socks- all good points. This is very informal.....when neighbors happen to be walking their dogs in that area at the same time we will often let them meet up and play in this park. Good group of people with well care for dogs everyone picks up after. Streets dead end here, the dogs are generally good, so it is usually very good. In fact I never had any real fears until the recent wandering into the yard of the boxer.

You just have to keep your dog safe by eliminating risk. Let him play as long as he is active with the other dogs, but as soon as he starts wandering away, looking around, leash him up. Or work with him yourself every day on recall. Recall him several times as he plays with the group. Or invest in professional training. Of course, the best training involves you being trained to train him.

Fortunately, I've found a group and situation where the dogs can run free, so I do appreciate the value. It's a beautiful sight to see a young dog stretch out running full bore, terrier in hot pursuit but can't quite keep up even tho' he tries hard.

The first part of your post reminded me of this poem by Mary Oliver from her book called, "Dog Songs."

IF YOU ARE HOLDING THIS BOOK

You may not agree, you may not care, but

if you are holding this book you should know

that of all the sights I love in this world--

and there are plenty--very near the top of

the list is this one: dogs without leashes.