The End of an Era: Off Leash Dog Training Closes Its Doors

  • Turk Akbay
  • January 20, 2025
  • Blog

As the founder of Dog Owner’s Academy and the original creator of Off Leash Dog Training (OLDT), I recently received the news that OLDT has informed their trainers of the business’s closure as of last Sunday. This announcement marks the end of an era for a company that has been a significant part of my life and the lives of countless dog owners.

A Journey of Passion and Dedication – The Birth of OLDT

In 2007, I embarked on a journey that would shape my career and impact the lives of many dog owners. Off Leash Dog Training was my first dog training company, and I poured my heart and soul into building it from the ground up. For years, I worked tirelessly, often putting in 16-20 hour days, to establish OLDT as a reputable brand in the dog training industry.

Founder

A Labor of Love

My commitment to OLDT was unwavering. I worked every day in the business until I sold it in 2018 to Russ and Jan. Even after the sale, my wife and I stayed on for a few months to ensure a smooth transition and train the new owners on maintaining the brand’s integrity. My connection to OLDT ran so deep that I even continued to train some of their new trainers after my official retirement.

The Legacy Continues – Dog Owner’s Academy: A New Chapter

As mentioned in my bio on the Dog Owner’s Academy website, my experience with OLDT has been instrumental in shaping my approach to dog training. Dog Owner’s Academy represents a new chapter in my journey, built on the foundation of knowledge and experience gained from my years with OLDT.

Founder 2

Supporting the OLDT Community – A Gesture of Goodwill

While I don’t have any insider information about OLDT’s closure or their plans for existing clients, I understand that many dog owners may find themselves without the support they were counting on, particularly those enrolled in group lessons. As the person who created the strategy, marketing scripts, culture, and language of OLDT, I feel a sense of responsibility to this community.

An Offer of Support

In light of this situation, I’d like to extend a special offer to OLDT clients who may be affected by the closure. Dog Owner’s Academy will offer our repeat client discount to OLDT clients as if they were our existing clients. It’s important to note that we are not associated with OLDT in any way, nor have we received any payment from them. This offer is simply a gesture of welcome to those who have been part of a brand I created many years ago.

Looking Forward

While the closure of Off Leash Dog Training marks the end of an era, it also presents an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. To all OLDT clients who may be feeling uncertain about their training journey, know that the dog training community is here to support you. At Dog Owner’s Academy, we remain committed to creating an amazing community of supported dog owners, carrying forward the vision that inspired the creation of OLDT all those years ago.

As we move forward, let’s celebrate the impact OLDT has had on countless dogs and their owners, and look ahead to new opportunities for learning and growth in the world of dog training.

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