Yeah I agree. As soon as I had the most important command 'wait' nailed down I had mine off the lead where appropriate like the beach or fields. He stops dead on that command so after that get the recall sorted with treats. There are still the rare times where I have to go and fetch him but he never runs off anywhere. Generally bang on with it now.
Mine is 18 months now and he demands exercise and is busy. He had the chop this time last week, and the change in the dog is incredible already. He has a lovely temperament anyway but he is so much more settled and calmer now