I don't think he is ready to come off lead. You can train with a long training lead (20-30ft). This way he feels like he is off lead but you still have total control. I would work on basic commands outside and especially recall, use a really good treat and lot's of praise. Do this everyday maybe 4 to 5 times from different distances. When he get's good at that, start adding distractions. I think you could do this all on a flat collar. And don't fret it, recall is a command that takes lot's of work to get to the point where he will come back everytime...keep him on lead!!
