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Canine Behavior/my dog don't trust me

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Expert: Sandra Case, MEd, CPDT - 10/24/2008


Question

Akita mix with german
I have an akita mix with german shepherd for about 10 Months his name is torch he was in the animal shelter for about two months when i adopted him he wasn't trained so now he runs away alot i can't walk outside with him or he's gone i walk him i try to train him but it don't work and i think we don't have a real strong relatoinship. so please help it will be great thank you

Answer
I wouldn't allow him off leash until he has a lot more training. A good positive-based class might be very valuable to you, and really help your relationship with him. He's young, he's been through a lot, and he's probably not even really sure that he's not just in an other temporary situation. Some dogs can take up to a year to realize that they really are "home". So be patient, be fair. Don't ask more of him than he's actually been trained to do, and he'll come around. Sandy Case BFA, MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com

Sandra Case, MEd, CPDT

Expertise

Dog training, Obedience training, competition dog sports with a positive training focus. Some behavior issues (though serious issues such as human aggression are best addressed by in-person help.

Experience

30 years of training my own dogs, 30 years of training for local obedience club, and as my own business. Owner & training director, Positively Canine, LLC. An all-breed, all level positive based dog trainer school in Oklahoma City. Past training directior, Oklahoma City Obedience Training Club (three times) and Sooner Agility Club. Have titled dogs (through Utility/ASCA OTCH. 4 timed Gaines regional competitor, 2 national specialty High in Trials, multiple national rankings) in Obedience, Rally (through EX) in herding/stockdog and Agility. ASCA Obedience judge, all levels, contributing editor on obedience to Aussie Times, behavior consultant and representative Second Time Around Aussie Rescue, behavioral consultant for two local vets, former shelter training volunteer

Organizations
APDT, ASCA, ITASC, OCOTC

Publications
Aussie Times

Education/Credentials
MEd, CPDT (Certified Pet Dog Trainer), have attended seminars and workshops with Suzanne Clothier including trainers intensive, Linda Tellington-Jones, Kathy Cascade - including 5 day practioner's introduction, Turid Rugaas, Kay Laurence, Sue Ailsby, Bob Bailey, Brenda Aloff, Chris Zink, Terri Arnold, Diane Bauman, Gary Wilkes, Job Michael Evans, Jane Simmons Moake

Awards and Honors
Multiple National Rankings, HIT 2 national specialties with two dogs, 4 Gaines qualifications

Past/Present Clients
Some can be seen on testimonial page of our website www.positivelycanine.com

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