I think it depends on the personality of your dog. If you feel you can trust him, start off in a place where there aren't any cars to run him over. You might never want to try it anywhere else. I often take Debbie to the school playing fields across the street. She always keeps her eye on me. There I have to keep an eye out for hawks.
Today we stopped at Petsmart on the way back from the beach. I had forgotten her leash but she stayed right by me. Then again she really doesn't care all that much for other dogs. A quick sniff is enough and she doesn't like it when they come on too strong which most of them do.
I think you'll know when you can trust your dog to listen to you. Some will never be ready and then again some really young puppies can do it. |