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This lab is my dog (though mine is a 17kg sheepdog), i am slightly ashamed to admit. His recall is resonable, but every once in a while he just looks at me and says 'fuck off' before running off to do what he wants. He also loves to play, with anything and anyone. Once this was quite to the amusement of a big German Shepard's owner, who had never seen their dog play before and mine bit it's ankles and chased it about. Though he has had a few gnarls and knows when to back off - as when he met a Pyrenean mastiff the other week.
I could keep him on the lead at all times (I only let him off when we are in countryside or a dog park), but I don't, generally he is really good, but yes occasionally leaves me embarrassed and apologetic. Thankfully so far not vet bills for receiving a proper bite.
skinny-
every once in a while he just looks at me and says 'fuck off' before running off to do what he wants
Oh yeah I know that look. Mine will only do it in a place she knows well like the local park but that look back then you can see the thought process "no I don't think I will". It's not got her in trouble yet, usually just there's something gross to chew or roll in but it's my sign that it's home time.
Sumo
The last month I've been walking an Akita that has to be on a lead but really isn't bothered until a dog off lead challenges him. Then he looks like a poster of a dangerous dog. Luckily I don't get to see the teeth but there's not a single dog that doesn't run off.
Last night a black lab approached us clearly wanting to give it some attitude, sly but dominant kind of path towards us they we can't avoid. I called the owner and he called his dog but what do you know, recall suddenly not working. So I end up handling the otherwise lovely Akita while he does a good impression of a wolf.
I passed comment that it would help if he had better control over his dog to qualify for under control. He responded that his dog was only being friendly and my dog is on the lead because he's a problem. I responded that's not the case at all, he doesn't want to be friendly and I warned you and asked you to call your dog which you couldn't do.
Next thing that happened was very interesting. He saw my point! We ended up chatting about the dogs history and personality and both went on our way.
It's great walking him and I've enjoyed it for the past month. He could be trained and socialised but it will take time. He doesn't get enough exercise or discipline.
Some owners really shouldn't be allowed to have dogs, others are just learning and we all started somewhere.