Should I give up my dog

I am really really sad writing this and I hesitate to post it because I fully expect to be shot down in flames for even thinking about not keeping my dog.
I have struggled with Tala's recall for the past year. I have spoken to many many people and I feel I have tried everything to no avail. She will not come back if she sees other dogs playing and she even walks off with the other dog and owner. She has been on a flexi or a long line for months but this has no effect on her when she is off lead.
She is not interested in playing with me when out and about. I might as well not exist. I have tried so hard to motivate her and in the house she will play but outside everything is more interesting and if there is another dog then I don't stand a chance. I have seen her work well with other trainers so I doubt if it is just being a teenager.
I have used mainly reward training. But looking at it from her point of view she gets rewarded far more for not coming back because she gets to carry on playing with dogs.
I have been told that she is disobedient because she doesn't respect me and have put pack theory into place in the house but this has not made any difference to her behaviour outside.
I know there are many people who work with much more difficult dogs. But I have been unable to enjoy my time with Tala because I cannot do the things I used to do with my dogs. I like to go walking but I am limited as to where we go because she can only be allowed off the lead with dogs we know have a good recall. Even then I have to ask one of the other walkers to get hold of her for me. I have really lost all my confidence in my training ability.
We recently spent time with a friend who breeds shepherds. Tala loved being on a farm and running with the other dogs. She has been offered a home with this person and I am wondering if this might be the right thing to do. I ask myself what sort of a future she has with me not being able to run free like that.
I would NEVER EVER put her into a rescue but I am having to consider whether she would be happier on the farm with the other dogs.
I really really don't know what to do for the best.

Personally, I don't see what the problem is. So you have a dog that has to stay on-lead - so what? I have one too - he's on a long flexi, and a long line and harness. He's happy enough.

I certainly wouldn't consider rehoming your dog, and going through such heartbreak, just for this one thing.

I also have a dog with very selective hearing, when he is off lead I am constantly looking at the horizon for other dogs.
One thing that has helped me was getting another dog, now I am not saying this is what you should do but is there any friends dogs you could walk with, as other dogs dont see quite as exciting now Beau has one of his own
Only you can decide what is best

I have two border collies ... at home their recall is fine , outside with distractions and I may as well not exist , so they both have a longline ... it gives them plenty of freedom to run and chase , and makes me run about a bit too so its good exercise for me as well , lol
I dont think their being on a lead all the time is bad for them , they sure have plenty of fun regardless

I wouldnt worry about it hun , if the only reason you are considering rehoming your dog is because of the letting her run free issue then imo keep the dog
Oh, and its not about respect that she isnt coming back ... you just have to make yourself more interesting , or so im told , like you , when we're outside I must be the dullest person in the universe to them ... indoors I know im their universe and they love me , so who cares if im not the be all and end all for them both for an hour or so a day

I'm not sure if it's that Tala doesn't 'respect' you - it might be that she doesn't find you as interesting as other dogs/other things outside (not meaning to be disrespectful).

I, like Lionhound, found that my dog changed a lot when I started fostering. He doesn't go up to other dogs so much now and his recall is very good.

I would suggest making yourself as 'interesting' as possible on walks. Using food/a toy that she only gets when you say. Also, try to socialise her as much as possible with other dogs. That way she won't see it as such an exciting thing.

HTH x

The "your not interesting enough" is totally true. There is NOTHING my Lennon loves more than being off lead - I did it once and it took me over an hour to catch the little b*gger. I only managed it when he got something caught in his pad and sat down for a look.....

Have you made a complete div of yourself yet in public? If not try it.. T can be a sod for belting off after other dogs and the best success I have had (we dont often bump into other dogs where we walk but do get the occasional 'surprise') is the 'scream like a banshee,windmilling arms and jumping up and down' sketch. this has worked to great effect as he thinks I am either a) VERY exciting, mores so than the other dog could ever be or b) I am in personal danger and I need to be saved! I am not adverse to throwing myself onto the floor and pedalling my legs either. When needs must! the key is catching them before the thought gets from their brain to their feet! Dont give up everyones dog goes deaf at some point or another.

Hi,

Please don't consider rehoming her. She hasn't got any real problems if the only hing is that her recall is hopeless.

You say your friend breeds GSDs. Is there anyway that maybe you cuold spend mor time with that friend and his/her dogs. Even if it's just once a week Then it still gives Tala the chance to run free with the other dogs and get a little bit of socialisation. This way you're giving her some freedom and at other times she'll be happy walking with you on a long lead.

Laura xx

Not often it happens, but for once I think I disagree with Vicki (sorry Vicki!)

I WOULD consider it where I thought it was in the best interests of the dog, even though it would hurt me to do it.

But if she is just a teenager, I don't think it completely fair to judge the situation. You say she works well for others, but is this with the same level of distraction? (e.g. off lead in open park with other dogs to play with). If not, maybe you're being too harsh on yourself.

As Lionhound has said, it is only you that can make the decision and it isn't an easy one to make. However, it may help to chat to the trainers etc. who really do know you and Tala.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

I am sad to read this Irena I know the problems you have been having with Tala's recall but didn't know you were even considering rehoming her. Have you spoken to Karen & Doug? What is their take on the problem you are having?

I am not going to shoot you down in flames for considering letting your friend have Tala. It sounds to me as though there is a relationship problem between you. Tala doesn't find you as interesting as others dogs, doesn't respect you and you have lost all confidence in yourself and in Tala. It is a sad situation, but not one that cannot be repaired IMO.

I think it all comes down to what your heart is telling you. Do you really feel that Tala would be happier with your friend and her dogs? Would she get as well looked after over there, as with you? Can you part with her, without it breaking your heart?

Only you can make the decision, but I would definitely speak to Karen and Doug before making any big decisions.

Hugs - it can't be easy.