About Wendy Grudin Expertise I will answer any general or specific questions regarding Australian Cattle Dogs(conformation, behavior, showing in either obedience or conformation). I cannot give any comments or recommendations re:AKC judges,as that would be considered a conflict of interest.
Experience I have owned, bred and shown ACDs for the past 13 years, and I am a licensed conformation judge (AKC) for the breed. I have owned and operated an all breed training center for the past 22 years.
Publications Dog World magazine(cover article on the Australian Cattle Dog, March, 1995)
Expert: Wendy Grudin Date: 4/13/2008 Subject: adopted 5 yr old red heeler shepherd mix
Question Hi- Eight days ago we adopted a red heeler shepherd mix (neutered male) from the Animal Shelter. He is affectionate and friendly. Not hyper. Great in every way, except he takes off running when his leash is taken off and he does not look back. (I work with him 2 -3 times/day. I reward him when he does return to me when he's on a long leash.) Is this case hopeless, considering his age and the fact that he wound up at the shelter was because he was a runner? We have a 1/2 acre backyard. Thanks for your help!
Answer This is a hard question to answer without knowing why he is running off. Because of his age and without knowing more re: his past, why not look for a dog park where he can run(they are fenced in), and just enjoy him also in your fenced backyard. So often when dogs run off like that , terrible results can come of it.The other option would be to employ a trainer who can work with you on this issue, but there are never any guarantees he will not return to this habit. Hope this info. helps. Wendy
