> "As soon as our kids could walk we started teaching them how to stay out of the street. This was some work, but when we fully trusted that they would stop at

> "As soon as our kids could walk we started teaching them how to stay out of the street. This was some work, but when we fully trusted that they would stop at the corner they gained the freedom to run ahead on their own. When they were little I couldn't let them get too far ahead, though, or other adults who didn't know that these particular kids knew to stay out of the street would get worried and try to protect them." i did this with my dog, largely for the same reasons cited: > "Not only does it make their lives better, because they can meet their own needs how they want, but it makes my life easier, because they can handle more on their own." also, to give her a measure of freedom and develop self-confidence. she's a rescue, likely abused by her previous owners, and had lost all confidence in herself and trust in others. it's been great for the both of us.