Get his on lead obedience down before going off lead. This means, make sure he will heel, sit, sit/stay & recall. Build on the sit/stay and recall by going the length of the lead, then building to where you can drop it and back up a few feet, then a few feet more. When you can reliably walk a good 20 yards from pup and he will maintain a sit/stay until you recall, you can work off lead.

This drill is also meant to overcome his tendency to become distracted. He should be learning focus and patience... in EVERY aspect of his life. Maintain control at all times. For example, pup must sit/stay until released for his food bowl, to pass thru a door or a gate, to be leashed. If pup isn't practicing patience as a way of life, he will develop a life long habit of impatience and being distracted. Nip it in the bud and you will have a patient, focused and obedient dog.

x2 If the pups not doing it perfect on leash they will never do it off..I never give a command off leash while the pups just out and about if I know they will not carry through..It' kinda easy to get a pup back to you if you have used que words while throwing bumpers and or toys while very young..That noise or que word should stop them in their tracks and be looking for something to retrieve from you while bolting back