Akitas with other dogs
When we got our akita (he was 2.5 years old when he came to us) the one we bought him from told us that he was very aggressive to other dogs. There for we should _never_ let him loose together with other unleashed dogs.
Today we proved them wrong I'm attending a search course with him on saturdays. After we finished a coupple of tracks we had some social practicing with the other dogs. Suddenly our instructor told us to let the dogs play around for a while. After a while I thougt that what the heck... Just let him loose and see what happens. He was perfect! So nice seeing him playing around with the other dogs
So my question to you here is: How are your akita's together with other dogs?
Today we proved them wrong I'm attending a search course with him on saturdays. After we finished a coupple of tracks we had some social practicing with the other dogs. Suddenly our instructor told us to let the dogs play around for a while. After a while I thougt that what the heck... Just let him loose and see what happens. He was perfect! So nice seeing him playing around with the other dogs
So my question to you here is: How are your akita's together with other dogs?
Comments
I mean, he's pretty tolerant, even with other dogs crap, but if they push him, it's like "it will start fast, end even faster, and you won't like the outcome".
However Jiro + me holding the lead is not a good match. I get really nervous approaching other dogs and this always causes Jiro to react badly. He goes straight into protection mode. I've spent a lot on trainers, behaviorists and dog psychologists, they all give practical advice but telling me relax just doesn't work! I suffer from an anxiety disorder too which makes it really hard. We can do really well for a few months after seeing a trainer, then one dog will set him off and that's it I'm right back at square one. I really want Jiro to be shown more but I know I can't take him. It really upsets me, I know it's not him! Besides for that he's 100% wonderful but it is a big problem for me, I can't take him to the park unless it's quiet for fear of an off lead dog running up to him (my worst nightmare!).
I don't have this problem with Kinu at all, she has never attacked another dog so I have no fear of her doing so and I'm much more confident handling her.
The next step is obviously someone who can sort my head out!
Anyway, yapping, biting at their feet, obnoxious or aggressive dogs are best kept away from Akitas.
Tasha used to be dog aggressive, but we worked with her and she became perfect. No problems at all. Not even a reaction. But now she's 10 and a little cranky at times with other dogs if they're too close. Not aggressive, just bitchy.
Telltale signs in an Akita? Ears perked, I mean really perked. Their mouths are closed, eyes focused, stance is slightly forward (more weight on front feet), everything posturing upright - telling the other dog to mind their p's and q's. There's very rarely any growling or barking. In fact, neither of mine ever barked or growled at an obnoxious dog. Only ones that growled and were known to be aggressive.