Good luck and stick with it! I know it's soul destroying at times, but hey, it's worth it! He sounds like a great dog in all other respects so you are really blessed.

Hi I have a lab and yours sounds great. The fact you have only had him a short time and he is 2 and a half, do you know if he was trained much before?

Labs LOVE other dogs and I would suggest you socialise him as much as possible- maybe he didnt get this as a pup. Whether this means going to classes, finding new friends with dogs you can walk him with or asking politly if your dog can play with their dog in the park (as long as it is pretty quiet), as well as all the other excellent advice youve been given.

My labs recall is about 98% perfect but she is two and have had her since a pup. Even if something does distract them (and it will!) always praise when they come back - even if your fuming inside!

Good Luck

try the long line and the whistle and see how he gets on with that if he gets the jest when no one is around he should start when off lead once he realises he can do what he likes providing he comes to you when called use treats to reward when he comes back