Hi there, A friend moved in last June with her beautiful 1 year old long coat Akita and her 7 year old, who the Akita is strongly strongly bonded to. Initially the dog was very placid and friendly although she's always barked and growled when people come to the door. My housemate had given me and my 10 year old daughter lots of information about the dog, but she'd missed out vital bits and fudged things a bit. I knew about the mammoth amount of fluff , that she couldn't go outside or off lead, and that the children shouldn't be alone with her. The trouble is, the well trained dog that my friend had raised in a remote location is now a difficult adolescent who hasn't adjusted well to town living. She is constantly chewing things - mostly mine - has no interest in following any of my instructions (because of course it's my housemate who has trained her and is "alpha") and even went into my room and peed on my bed! My housemate fibbed that she would have her "done" before she came to live here, but she is now in season and has become impossible - when the children have a disagreement (rare) she has started to growl at my daughter, and when anyone comes to the house, no matter how many times she's met them, she growls and barks and frankly looks terrifying and my housemate has to physically restrain her (badly - the dog will drag her across the floor). My daughters friends no longer want to come over because they are (understandably) frightened. I'm starting to wonder if it's safe to have the dog in my home - not just for my child but for visitors. I dearly love my friend and the dog has lots of lovely traits, but suddenly getting growly and barky with people she knows is scaring me. Any advice?
The only advice I would give is, if you are unhappy / worried about this dog, then I give your housemate 2 options, rehome the dog or move out , if the dogs temperament has changed, and you are worried about your children and other children, then you have to address this now,
I agree with Jackie. Whether you own the house, are the sole named tenant, you were obviously living there before your friend moved in. Therefore she should abide by your rules, and having a dog you are concerned about in your home, is something you should not have to cope or put up with - especially where small children are concerned.
I have to say that I agree with the comments above. A cranky hormonal Akita, is not the same as a growly Pekinese. She could very easily snap at you or a child. In the very least, I would have her muzzled.
Not had any experience with Akita's but as with all breed of dogs, they do try to rebel when they reach between 12 -24 months old & will need a firmer hand [not hitting dog] but just by the tone of your voice.
Thanks guys, it's reassuring to hear that other people would find the same behaviour concerning. Hopefully we can find a good solution
@Coppercoffeepot Hello, Just wondered if there have been any new developments with the hormonal Akita and your friend? I hope all is well. ~Elana~
After a long chat I said I wasn't happy to have the dog in the house when my housemate isn't there, so I've emptied the shed and taken the door off and we will be putting in a post so she can be tied up outside while my housemate is at work or out but still have shelter of she needs it. I feel bad for the dog, but at least she won't be too hot in the house - she hates me putting the heating on! Then my housemate will look for somewhere else for either her family or just the dog in the new year. It was a hard conversation, we both got very upset because obviously she adores the dog and I felt so bas being critical - it feels like being critical of someones kids. Thankyou to everyone who shared advice, it helped me feel more confident in addressing the issue.
@Coppercoffeepot Sometimes you gotta say what you gotta say, sigh.... Not the best solution for the dog, because being chained up will make her even more aggressive, so watch yourself and the kids around her. Hopefully your pal will find different accomodations soon. And hopefully this will not be an end to your friendship. Years ago I lost a very close friend, when I hinted (in a very subtle way) that her son was a tad spoiled. In reality, he was a whiney, extremely annoying, spoiled brat..... Well, our friendship fizzled out after that and we have since lost contact altogether. So yes, our dogs ARE most definitely a touchy subject, just like our kids, lol. ~Elana~
