Crazy Daisy just loves to socialize! Help!

[ECRider]

My 2 year old German Short Haired Pointer bitch, Daisy is a very friendly dog. She likes nothing better than to ask every dog she sees to play a rigorous game of chase and wrestle

Daisy is a good dog really when she is focused but the problem comes when she gets distracted by other dogs when we are out walking. I do let her socialise as long as the other owners / dogs are ok but sometimes I don't have a choice! She is off and comes back when she feels like it!

I have just started dog agility with her, I do incorporate training when I walk her and she does get exercised every day. Anyone got any tips to help me get her focus back on me so that she comes to me when I call?

I thought about a squeky toy for walks or a whistle??

 

[Spudlet]

No help, but thank God I'm not the only one

With Henry I can get him back if I turn and run away so he chases me, but if he sees another dog first, he just has to go and play and it's very embarassing

 

[CorvusCorax]

Yep, any sort of distraction is good, even if you have to look like a prize berk

It is a bit of a respect thing - she should wait for you to allow her to approach the other dog and have a play, not decide to tank off on her own.
One day she might meet a dog like mine used to be - he still doesn't take kindly to other dogs running up to him - I have had to hold onto him very tightly at the beach on several occasions despite warning people not to let their dog approach.

If it isn't too fiddly, I would put her on a long line like a lunge and do practise runs with some passive/neutral dogs, if you could borrow them!
Go to a park or field with your helper/s and their dogs, have her on a long line. If she ignores you and runs off, check her with a tug on the line. Do not give her the option of running off. Make a fuss, call her, reward her when she comes back, treat, toy, praise, whatever. Repeat, repeat, repeat!

Make her think that with you is the bestest, most fun place to be.
Try not to use her name too much, use a command like 'come' or 'here' - keep it playful and light, if you sound scary, she won't want to come back.

Similarly never punish her when she eventually returns after running off. Even though it is the last thing you want to do when a dog has buggered off, count to five and lavish praise on them.
If you reprimand a dog when it returns to you, it will be even less likely to the next time.

Remember you, to Daisy, are FUN CENTRAL - much better than other silly dogs