I wasn't going to bother with this subject yet again, but I don't have to now. Bravo Hawthorn, you
said everything I was going to say and Jennifer finished it in her article.
To the OP; yes, my hounds go off leash.
Yes, it can be done.
No I am not saying you should do it, I am saying it is possible.
My current dogs came directly from the track and their racing owner. No "contracts'" involved.
Just knowledge and trust between us that I would never put my dogs in any kind of bad situation. And that I will let them be dogs.
BrindleBoy; my dogs enjoy our off leash hikes and beach runs more than almost anything else in the world. I think food trumps hiking but that is it.