Hi There,
Thanks for your comments.Yes,we do let them off leash.
It's just something we have always done right from when they were little.Mystie is def the lead dog,and usually very obedient.The others pretty much follow her,so they really don't know any different.The area is a 5 min walk from our house,and about as safe as anywhere can be outside(ie no roads,livestock etc).It does however,border on a huge golf course,so yes,if they did decide to take off we wouldn't see them for dust.You need to go through three 5 bar gates in a private lane before you enter the area,and they can't squeeze through,gates have to be opened.They are not good jumpers either!!..Generally,they are very good,and don't like to loose sight of us.If they are way infront of us and we change direction,they always turn and follow us.We know there is always a risk,but we think that about most things in life.
Karen x