I used other dogs as a recall reward for one of my non food orientated dogs,soon got to the point she saw another dog she would come back to me of her own accord....so she could be 'released' to go say hello

It looks to me like you have got into a real stress about the whole thing. It is coming over as the be all and end all of everything just now. I know a good recall is very important, but if you are shouting, not rewarding, starving Dexter and generally getting really upset about it, why not just take a break from it? He can maybe hear it or read your body language and it aint helping either of you.
Just take him for a walk when there are no other dogs about, let him have a bit of freedom without all the stress and worry, keep him on the long line if you have too, and just have a bit of fun with him, make him feel like he is a fun dog and not a robotic machine, as this is what some people want from their dogs, a machine.
Do you know of any of Dexter's history before you had him? A lot of this problem may stem from before you got him and it maybe you may never have a great recall when he is around other dogs. Will that be the most dreadful thing? If he has a good life and has to stay on a long line around other dogs then get a good anti-pull harness and accept it. As long he has a great time when out with you, whats the problem? I'm sure as he gets older things will improve.

Good luck and try to calm things down a bit and most of all

ENJOY YOUR DOG...
xx

Is Dexter clicker trained?

I would play the 'look at that game' with him. I believe it is very helpful for over-friendly dogs aswell as DA dogs.

I don't want to get into the whole debate Tabitha, but just a few thoughts, seeing as you are following this method at the mo.

I am sure this is obvious , but does Dexter know you have food/know you will reward him with food if he recalls? Only if he cannot smell/see the food on your hands or in a bag, he may not realise there are any rewards available.

Strictly speaking, he should get his reward for a recall, not be "bribed" as such, but it doesn't hurt to ensure he knows the food is there from the beginning esp. if he doesn't "get" this in the first place. He needs to understand how to give you the behaviour you want. Do you think he does understand this?

I've not read all of this so am not sure of all the details, jus t a thought though.

Oh what was the other thing? I've forgotten...
Oh yes - at the moment, the other dogs are overshadowing any thoughts of food, but in time what would probably happen is that the thought of food would overshadow the "reward" of the other dogs.

Wys
x

Thanks
Yes, I always makes sure he sees the food and/or treats. In fact when we get to the park one of the first things I do is a recall, just to remind him that coming to me = something special

Thank you though

glad someone gets it

Thank you for posting. I don't 'shout' and certainly do not expect Dex to be a 'robot' - I love the fact that he's a mischevious boy

But the recall is vital. Without it, it's hard to ever let him off leash to play with other dogs because once he's with them I either can't get him back OR if he sees another dog further off, he goes thundering across the park to them and it's not fair on them or their owners.

But I do take your points, thank you

Tabitha, don't lose heart or let people get you down (all this implication of starving your dog and shouting and this, that and the next thing...) It is easy for soemone to say keep a dog on a line, take a break - thats the point though isnt it, you DONT GET a break with a dog like that, if they dont get off frustration builds, if they do they learn to ignore.....letting him be hungry (not starved ) is far better for him and you and lets face it he already showed you he can do it now.

I think people also seem to be forgetting that 1) food is on offer 2) dogs learn 3) you dont need him extra hungry for life....4) hungry isnt as bad as being killed 5) quite hard to walk your dog when your hands have rope burn and your back aches and your constantly sore and frustrated; especially when you can avoid it through just taking his meals along to the park in small portions....

EDIT; Sorry this isnt the case for all dogs. To my dog staying on a line and having to 'accept' it would not be having a great time or a good life at all! I would even say that for him to live his life that way would be detrimental to him and actually cheating him.
I actually think that it is because Dex is young that so much work should go into him so when he does calm down he is calmer with manners! otherwise he will be a calmer version of a lout! (no offence meant Tabitha)

I do understand what you are saying around stressing less though. Being calm is a good thing.

so how are your dogs going to equate being fed later with not coming back in the park?

Your dogs avoid giving you attention when they feel they havent had enough?

But if it was a tasty treat that others have recommended it would be ok to come running back and forth maybe?

I like to eat outdoors and I like to snack and exercise is good for you. To be fair this isnt about how he likes to be fed, its about preventing him getting into deep trouble/potentially life threatening situations and him not ruining everyone elses walks in the park.

The owner chose to use this way based on the fact that she KNOWS her dog which others dont!

PS; TABITHA, will go and empty my inbox now

That is a great idea!

I hadn't thought of trying a 'stop' instead of a recall. Thank you!