I have two dogs, both are schutzenhund trained animals. There's no way I'd put those dogs on a leash in the back country. The dogs will respond to my commands, they will be at heal unless I tell them not to be, and off leash if I tell them to attack, stay, heel or run they'll do what I say -- making it safer for them and me.

On a leash they're in danger of choking should I fall, or something would happen to them where they got caught on underbrush.

Proper training is required. A leash is not.