My dogs are NOT trained off leash. But when we go to the dog park or the beach they run around, but always come back to check in with me. I could never walk a trail or on the sidewalk without a leash, I'd be too afraid of them running off or getting a scent of something and not realize they have wandered too far.

I think some dogs can be trained to stay near off leash and some dogs can't. I think some dogs have the natural instinct to stay close while others (mine) don't. I can't even let Zoee out the front door anymore without a leash. She has become a darter and will run around the block. Luckily she runs the opposite direction of the busy street we live near. But this is the only direction I ever take them out of the court....thank goodness.