This is one of the hardest things for students to believe and it typically shows up with heeling.  Most students want to keep the leash tight no matter what.  Even when you tell them that a loose leash works better and you give a little pop to correct and then immediately loosen the leash and reward (I use a verbal reward) when the dog is back in position will get your dog heeling faster, they still will keep the leash tight.  I have to admit, that was also me with my first dog and it took a wonderful obedience trainer to get me to loosen up on that leash and within days my dog was a much improved heeling dog.  If you think about it, it makes sense too.  After all the natural reaction is to pull in the opposite direction.

The off leash is even more amazing and trust is absolutely important.  At first they will stay with you maybe going a little wide or getting a little ahead or behind, but it you keep it up and make sure you have good foot movement and you let the dog know where he is supposed to be you will be amazed at how they stay with you.  It never ceases to amaze me that one small false step can through a dog wide or a dropped shoulder can make a dog lag, but it does.  I have seen it with Halo who is a very good obedience dog. 

Great job and keep up the good work.  Half the battle it teaching the handler to have confidence in their dog.

You're so right Bev. The first time we let Bo off-leash and he actually came back when called we were absolutely amazed. We made sure the first couple times we had another dog around as a lure to get him back. After he was consistently coming back as he was supposed to, we relaxed considerably.

Even now, he typically stays with eye-sight of us. He won't always come all the way back when called, but he makes eye contact and that's good enough for me to know that I've been acknowledged.

When we're deep in the forest, we use a pointer bell: one, so we can hear him if we can't see him, and two, so all the little wild critters can hear him coming too.

Texas Belle, that exactly was our homework for this week, to work on the off-leash heel and watch our own body language, whether the leash is attached or not, because once it's off, that's all you got to guide the dog (plus verbal but verbal needs to be used sparingly or else it just becomes white noise to the dog). Heeling is precision work for both dog and handler.

Tessa -  Congratulations on your progress.  Your little girl is growing up.  Keep up the good work.

Have fun,  but then I already know you are going to love the hunt day.  If you can, take some pictures and in any event let us know how it goes.  The only one who will like the hunt day more than you it your Tessa.