As I said, I'm not trying to be mean or judgemental - just trying to understand something that doesn't make sense to me and has been causing problems in my life.

Like I said, I personally don't think I'd ever be comfortable with a dog off leash. I've heard too many horror stories involving cars, etc., that I don't think I could ever unclip that leash unless I was in an enclosed area.

I do understand that your GR's are an exception to the norm - I wish I was dealing with dogs like yours! Your dogs are very very very well-trained, as is Graham and many of the dogs Carrie has trained. These are dogs that have been worked with to such an extent that they do anything their owner asks.

The dogs that I am running into are not trained. Oh, maybe they have been through basic obediance, but they are still not well-trained. These are dogs that think nothing about running into a road because there's a dog or a squirrel on the other side.

DD, you seem to know what your dogs' limits are. If they had not gone through the extensive training they have, would you be 'trusting' them as much as you do? What worries me is that many people don't know their dog's limits. They seem to think that since their dog listens and recalls 'most of the time' and is freindly toward people and other dogs, that they are safe letting the dog off lead. They may be 'safe' dogs, but my dogs may attack if they are startled.

I know this topic is long-winded, but I really need honest, frank opinions and help on how to fix this problem in my neighborhood!