I let Jackson off leash occasionally, very dependent on the situation/environment and it's not often. We live on 3 acres and there is 90 acres of farmland behind us -- not much to get into. So if we go out exploring, I'll let him off (always with his highest value reward -- cheese), but I always bring along a 50 foot leash and start off on that.
My uncles German Shepherd is just like yours, never really was 'taught'... just naturally stays close. A terrier is very different!
I would start off on a 50ft long line and practice recall over and over and over again. I wouldn't let off leash until over a year old either and after they've proved reliable and only in a safe enivornment. |