Off the lead walking

[Kevlar2501]

Hi, we got our 20 month old Staffie from a rescue home nearly 2 months ago now and are at a loss with how to improve his off the lead behaviour. He is brilliant on the lead and in the house when it comes to instructions, however as soon as we take the lead off he mostly ignores any commands. In particular when he see's another dog he bolts towards them. Luckily all he ever wants to do is play but he is a Staffie and quite boystrous in his play style, not to mention some people don't like the sight of a Staffie running towards them at full speed with his jaw open and tongue hanging out.

Also, when he see's people he often bolts towards them, runs past them while having a quick sniff then runs straight back.

On the lead we give him a little tug when a dog or person catches his attention and say NO and he moves on.

He is getting neutered in two months, i'm hoping that will make a big difference.

Reading forums to get some info we have learnt never to tell him off when he eventually comes back to us, even if it was after the fifth attempt to call him, and we regularly give him treats to encourage the return but we're not really seeing any benefit from this yet, although for the first time yesterday we managed to stop him running up to a person who was heading towards us in a field, we kept saying 'stay' and he done what he was told.

We can't afford doggie school just yet so any tips would be much appreciated.

 

[excuseme]

At 20 months of age he could have picked up a lot of bad habits, it is possible that his previous owners allowed him to run free and enjoy his off lead times as his own personal "free time".

2 months worth of training is not very long if these habits have been a regular thing for the past 20 months !

You will probably have to continue a lot longer with basic training until you can trust him.

With regards to his castration, this will probably make no difference at all and if his temperament is fine and there is no health issue then I would keep him intact!

After all It is his "balls" and hormones that will be affected not his brain so much!  

Best wishes.