We went to a 30ft lead until she got really good with her recall... Then I left the lead on, but didn't hold it, so that if she did get a wild hair I only had to get with-in 30 ft and step on the leash to stop her. Then when we had done it that way for long enough that I wasn't worried anymore I took it off and she now just has an e-collar that I put on her when we hike.... Which is more for my peace of mind then necessity. I've never had to use more then the beep feature and not even that in a long time. Even when we see the deer she stops and comes when I call.