I'm really not a fan of this leash for regular walking, but I love it for hiking and running. Bubba is *pretty good* at walking on a leash, but when hiking sometimes he has to scramble down rocks, or when running sometimes he HAS TO PEE RIGHT THEN and this leash helps with those situations. When regular walking or in a busy place this leash doesn't give enough control IMO (but based on the reviews others used it this way). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
In terms of getting better at being off leash, find treats Archie really loves (freeze dried liver and other gross freeze dried treats were Bubba's favorites), and use that when he's on the lead for recall. Mostly it takes tons of time and practice.