Older dog off-leash training

Question
Hello, I've probably already asked you a couple of questions- I'm a fellow expert on this site in the Poultry Farming area :)

The question is about my boyfriend's dog, he's a medium sized mix with a lot of greyhound in him, and probably some border collie too, so he's quite high strung and bouncy. My boyfriend has had no end of problems with him getting off the lead and not coming back. Since I have been spending time with him his behaviour (with me anyway, as he seems locked in a 'power-struggle' with my boyfriend which I think has something to do with testosterone as he is un-neutered (the dog, not my boyfriend!!)) has improved dramatically; although he does not heel when I take him out he does not pull, just walks a couple of steps ahead, and stops with a slack leash when I say 'wait' at the roadside.

However, I would like to be able to let him off his lead on the beach and have him come back to me, and also to have him heel when we walk on the roads. I think this proably has a lot to do with lack of respect. When I walk him he is on a long lead (a horses lunge-line cut in half) and does come towards me if I engage him.

I doubt this will be easy at all as he is 10 this year- if you think this is too old to teach him then don't worry about rejecting the question ut if you could point me in the direction of some books or websites which would be of help I would be very thankful.

Thanks a lot for your time :)

Answer
You are definitely on the right track with what you are doing thus far.

I think this book would probably be helpful in your training: Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt. ISBN Number: 978-1-892694-17-1

There is some good information on teaching dogs that are  impulsive, distracted, aroused and more. These are probably all factors from the sight hound side of your companion.

Remember to set your expectations high, but attainable. Use lots of praise and if he likes food, treats are good too. Being a coursing or luring dog, being in front of you is a fairly natural tendency so your job is to teach him to stay closer -- agaian, doable, but takes practice.

Check out my web site for additional information and feel free to contact me again if you care to.

http://www.OutlawChinooks.com
http://RileyTrainingCenter.blogspot.com

Good Luck!