I agree with the above. My two do go off leash but only in areas that are safe. When we are on an off leash walk I do a lot of recall practice. My dogs get one chance to come on the first call. If I have to call again or go and get them they go back on the leash. They don't get scolded and I'm not angry but if they can't give me their attention it's not safe for them to be off leash. Max is usually on leash these days because squirrels and rabbits are too much of a distraction for him.
That being said neither of them ever had an opportunity to go off leash until they came to me EVERY SINGLE TIME I called them in the house and in our fenced yard. You have to build up the distraction level slowly to set them up for success because you never ever want them to think they can ignore you. When Max was about 5 months old he decided that he didn't need to come when I called when he was in our yard. He spent five days only going out on a leash. I haven't had him not come when called in the yard since then (he's 2 1/2 now).
Mindy Tri - Feb/97
Max - Ruby - Sep/08
Rylie - B&T - June/09
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