How do I stop my dog running up to people…

[Windyouttoday]

How do I stop my dog from running up to strangers when we’re out walking? DDog is 4 years old. Is very good indoors, however when we go out runs up to strangers even when not encouraged to do so. Not everyone loves dogs and besides, I would like my dog to pay more attention and have better recall. Help would be appreciated

Op I would book a 121 session with a trainer who can help you. Recall methods can be different with different breeds etc.

It helps to find what is motivating for your dog and also being shown how to build focus with your dog. This can usually be done through fun games, starting at home and then building up to more distracting environments.

Good Luck

There are these things called leads?

There are these things called leads?
@Trixiefirecracker

So helpful.

Please don't flame me for this - but why are dogs not always on leads when out and about? Is it seen as cruel/restrictive if they dont have the freedom to run? The whole lead /no lead seems quite a modern debate. Like I said don't get buffy people genuine question.........

Ha huffy not buffy

Why should any living creature be continually tethered and tightly restricted for its entire life, any time it's outside of its immediate living space?
A dog that is well trained and socialised is a joy to take out off lead. And the joy that the dog experiences is so lovely to watch.

Is he a toy/ball chasing dog? Can you keep a ball or something else (Pinecone) he likes to chase in your pocket ready to throw away from the approaching people to stop him running to them, then add in a command to go with it (keep going).

Also, is it all people he runs up to, or just some? My dog is very toy/ball obsessed and if he sees someone holding anything (phone, water bottle) he will try to see what it is by jumping up, therefore I always recall him and put him on his lead or throw something for him in these situations.

My dog also never forgots anyone whose shown him kindness and attention, even if I have forgotten, so will want to go and say hi.

You need something really high value to get them back to you - for my eldest dog, that's a squeaky toy/ball in my pocket. For the younger one, it's food every time.

We practise recall every walk just to keep them interested, though I'll admit I struggle with the eldest if a pheasant gets his attention instead

You make yourself the most interesting person on your walks! Carry really tasty treats, cheese cubes, dried sprats etc. Drop them near you regularly so your dog wants to stay close.
I have always used a whistle and rewarded with treats every time. While you are training, use a longline so he is is not set up to fail.
My dog is 6 and his recall is close to 100% but I still never let him off without him knowing I have treats on me. I hate it when other people let their 'friendly' dogs run over to him uninvited and then don't recall away.
It's not too late to change things.

Because a lot of dogs have a lot of energy and need to run to burn it off, they couldn't play ball on a lead! they are also very inquisitive and like to explore and sniff around and not be constantly tethered with no choice but to go where their owner goes.