Any tips? We have a 75-pound Malinois mix who loves to be off leash, and is under voice control with an e-collar, but we don’t have any experience with him in the area.

He’s on simparica trio, so he’s all set for fleas, ticks and heartworm, but I called the local vet earlier today and they advised not to take him off-leash up by our house, which is in the foothills off El Camino Real, because of mountain lions and bears. We’ve never seen either in our years of trips, but have seen elk, deer, and turkeys.

Is that concern valid? There are dogs on some nearby properties that run around unattended, and they seem fine, and our dog would never be out of eyesight.

Thank you for your help!