But when you see one having their owners life and causing loads of mischief and just having so much fun with a flustered owner running behind it, it makes your day. I always laugh and think “what a happy dog”.
I don't run and (mostly) don't even try to call or whistle for Carbon. I know it will make no difference. If he's engaged with another dog or a ball, he's got cotton in his ears and won't hear me. If he's running away from me ,I'm sure as heck not going to catch up with him in the shape that I'm in!
I think that's why I have to be extra effusive with my apologies when I finally catch up with him - by that time, the owners are thinking, "Who is this lazy woman who can't be bothered to yell at her dog and chase after him?!"
I just think of it as the "Zen of Knowing When to Fight your Battles".
Also I kind of think me getting visibly upset with him for running away does not inspire him to want to come back to me. Not that the steam DOESN'T come out of my ears sometimes, I just try to not let it show.
Having said that, I am seeing some light at the end of the tunnel with Carbon. I am getting better at watching him from afar (as I trudge across the sand over to him) and seeing an opening for pipping the whistle when he very well MAY listen and come back. He is also getting better at looking back at me before haring off. Cassie was very good at that during her and
@Selina27's weekend here, so I think that really helped as Carbon is very much a 'monkey see, monkey do' learner. And chicken. Changing to fresh chicken breast given only for recall and 'leave it' has very much helped those two cues.
@kateincornwall , I think Reuben is delightful as a pup and going to be magnificent as an adult.
He reminds me a lot of my Duncan as a puppy: full of beans but with a stateliness you could see under the surface.
Everybody tells me that when he hits 3 he will magically calm down
. I always have high treats handy but.....He is an idiot, my idiot and I love him. 
