A reader recently asked this question about puppy training:

“Anyone know of any puppy training classes for larger puppies going on? We adopted two Akita/Wolf hybrids. They are only 8 months old and we would like do some basic training, but when we looked at a class at a local store, the other puppies were so small we decided not to take our rambuncious ‘little ones’ there. Please let us know. Thanks, Bridget”

For an answer, we went to Thom McKinney, who owns Dog Day Adventures. His business offers training services in addition to outings for dogs.

These are some of his thoughts:
“Wolf hybrids are controversial; mixed with Akita, a breed generally categorized as strong willed and independent, can make for a dog that needs an alpha owner able to provide lots of structure, pack discipline and of course, as always, exercise.

“Owners of wolf hybrids are always challenged to deal with the negative stereotypes associated with these dogs; the more the dog looks wolf like, the more
apprehensive people are toward the dog. I imagine that these akita-wolf mixes look wolf like.

“At eight months, it is appropriate to have the dogs neutered or spayed. That will help with behavioral issues and public perception. I support neutering and
spaying simply because there are more wolf hybrids than there are responsible owners to adopt them. It is the same issue we have in the general dog population.

“As far as puppy training classes, these dogs are no larger than any other large breed, or large breed mix, dog. Any of the the training services in Tucson,
from the Humane Society, to corporate or franchise, or private, have classes to accommodate all sizes of dogs. However, some training services do not accept
certain breeds; for instance pit bull terriers and pit mixes are sometimes not accepted. Wolf hybrids could face similar problems. Again, neutering and spaying,
combined with already being well socialized to other dogs, can help gain entry into a training class. I am sure that the owner will be able to find a training service that will meet her needs.

“I strongly encourage the owner of these puppies to consider neutering and spaying. I think she will be much happier and have greater success in raising the puppies into dogs that are good canine citizens.”