I have trained several German Shepherds to be off leash and have had excellent success. They are easily trained and obey verbal commands immediately. I am 5'2'' and my present boy, Jake is 100 pounds (no not fat). He will not chase rabbits, cats, or any other "critter" while I have him out. He returns to check up on me before he gets any distance away and prefers to be fairly close at all times. I think he is herding me or at least he thinks so. It is so much more fun for him and for me when he is off leash.