[felicityjay]

I would never let Fern off leash by a roadside it isn't so much whether or not i trust her it's more I do not totally trust everyone else!

the other day a man started whistling and calling her to go to him across a main road!!! and laughed when she pulled towards the road for a second (she had looked up at me first but i hadn't really noticed what he was doing so didn't give her a command)!!! i was nearly sick as i often don't hold the lead tight as she walks along at heel so nicely... luckily i had it looped over my hand on this occasion!!!! i have no idea who the man was or what he was thinking!

i do however always let her off in the park and whilst walking anywhere that you are allowed dogs off lead. she always comes back (although she hasn't yet hit teenage months properly!!!) and she will strut by any naughty lunging dogs after looking at me for direction... she also plays with all of the other off lead dogs nicely but always returns when called no matter how distracted she is. I hope that with training and consistency this will be the case when she is totally grown.

I think it is important that your dog can walk at heel off lead and have reliable recall - what if the lead broke? what if you had to leave the house in an emergency and could not get to your lead?...etc etc etc!