Not using a leash...

[CondoPup]

The only weird thing is - she always needs to go back the way she came.... really weird...

On the way back the second time - I tried to go another route - and the little thing wouldn't budge. So I started walking in the direction we came, and she came hopping along. Anyone else's do this?

I know Guinness gravitates toward the same route, usually, on our walks - but if I steer him another way he will follow. This is weird but cute.
You might want to post a new thread on it - some others may have some insight on this behavior that won't come across this question under the leash training heading. It is interesting!

 

[Checkers]

You know what, if I was in your situation id actually allow her off the leash. I have a feeling that the younger you start this sort of thing the easier it is. Like if she is going to the field every day it gets ho hum and she knows the rules etc. But if you keep her on the leash constantly, its like going to heaven and she will run and run and not want to come back. If she comes back to you now, then work with that. Whenever she comes back voluntarily give her the 'come' command to solidify that. Ive noticed with Lily that if I take her to the park off leash for a few weeks she is great about staying with me, but if I take her for leash walks for a few weeks, then go back to the park she is way more likely to run further from me and be more excitable.

She sounds like she isnt a runner, so hone that behaviour of hers by allowing her off the leash and training her at the same time

 

[My Samson]

It sounds like you have the same type of yard that I have! I was doing the same thing as you and keeping Samson off leash when we are outside. He's still young (almost 4 1/2 months) and a couple weeks ago he started getting bolder and bolder and walking into our neighbors yard. I've since started taking him outside on a leash (in fear of him getting too close to the road and running from me when I want him to come). I would definitely put him on a leash - just so he gets used to it!!

 

[MypupShooter]

Thank you Checkers.

I was awaiting a response like that one, but never got it so I figured I was definatly wrong. That is the way both my boyfriend and I see it. If we get her used to walking beside us now one her own - that she will stay the same as she grows. I continue to walk her in the field and in the forest - and she always stays close. She never goes farther than 5 feet from us - and always comes right back - and I always reward and praise her for this. When we go near the street or where it is busy, I have been putting on the leash, and she seems to be ok with that too. It's like she knows, where there is cars - I have to wear a leash. Besides, the poor thing has so much land to wonder around on - I feel awful having her on a leash. She needs time to learn to explore on her own - this way she knows whats out there and knows what to expect.

But since all the other posts are discouraging me from this behaviour - I am so mixed up!!!!!

 

[Checkers]

You know what your dog is like I think a lot of people go by what their dog is like, but yours might be completly different.

If you are still concerned, why not leave the leash on her, or tie a thin rope to her collar to drag around so IF she does start to go further you can step on the leash and stop her What you are doing (putting her on the leash near the road etc) sounds like some good common sense to me and it doesnt sound like she is in any danger.

I think of it like this: If you take your kids to Disneyland once a year they will run around wanting to do everything at once and ignoring you because there is so much to see and do! But if you took them every single day they would start to get bored with the same thing and look to you for the fun

If she starts to act up, then put her on a leash/long line. For now id let her enjoy herself while she is being good :D

 

[CondoPup]

But since all the other posts are discouraging me from this behaviour - I am so mixed up!!!!!

I don't think people are saying not to have her off leash when it is safe, nor are they saying not to train her to stay with you, or reward her for her well-developed habit of staying with you when she's not on leash.
I think everyone is saying that part of her desire to stay so near you is because of her age, and when she goes through different developmental phases, that may change. It's good to just be aware of that and not necessarily risk having her off-leash in certain areas if/when you see signs of her being more bold and adventurous, or naughty.
And more importantly, if she never, ever gets used to being on leash, you are destined for problems ahead, as there will absolutely be times you want and need her to be leash-trained. The vet is only one example. Going to a boxer bash is another.
Having her off leash a lot when she's young is a great way to get her used to being by your side, I agree with that, as long as you can do it safely. Just throw in an outing or two per week where she has to walk on leash - go window shopping in town, or to the pet supply store, or around the neighborhood for a leash walk, whatever. Just for practice.

 

[ScottAnthony]

My dog Sahsa not 11 mos, was great off the leash when she was only a few months old, and has since digressed. I have a fensed in yard and so do my parents so she is used to being off the leash, but whenever she gets outside the fence she runs like the wind. The only plus is she doesn't run too far, but it sometimes takes hours to get her back. Leash train your puppy, boxers don't really calm down until a couple of years of age.