Please do not flame me as I have had great advice from this forum before and would just like some advice.
We have a almost 2 year old yellow lab. Fab at home, we have stopped the jumping up, sleeps 10 hours a night no chewing, very affectionate, has been castrated, plays very well with grandchildren although can be boisterous, never shown any sign of aggression or concern. Wonderful you may say and I agree.
We live in the south west London suburbs and we do have nice areas to walk but they are fairly close to roads and/or the river Thames. My problem is that I am anxious with punter lab and want him to remain within sight and not go off chasing squirrels and rabbits. His recall is Ok but if he sees a rabbit or similar the red mist descends. He swims in the ponds on the walks and I am always calling him back in case he goes too far. Also I want to put his lead on within sight of a road in case he dashes off and gets run over. My DH is much more laid back and says I am being over anxious and stopping him (the lab) having fun. I am always so relieved when we have finished the walk and are safely back in the car.
Not to drip feed, we had a Battersea rescue lab/collie mix for 10 years before who would not go near water or stray from our side (except to growl at other male dogs). Just need reassurance that I am not alone in worrying about my dog!