[alaskayorkie]

Mine have gone off-leash pretty much their whole lives, but I've become more paranoid over the years after having had a number of close calls with other dogs. I walk them to the park on leash, walk to the far corner where no one is around and I can see everyone who approaches a long way off, THEN I let them off. If I see somebody heading our direction, back on the leash they go. I trust my dogs, but I don't trust unknown other people, dogs and wildlife.

That said, if you want to train them to go off-leash, consider using a long lead, maybe 20-30 feet. Then invent games that make coming to you the most fun your dog will ever have. I use lots of treats, but squeaky toys are also a good way to make them want to come to you more than anything else.

It's definitely doable, just be cautious and always know what you'd do if the unthinkable happened. Your recall needs to be 100 percent.