read an answer to a question now im worried about friends dog?

Question

my friend adopted a Japanese akita, the owner just gave her away, at the time my friend didn't think anything of it. she has had the dog treated at the vets, and plans to take it training as she pulls n the lead. I read that they can turn on people, i know they don't get on with other dogs but my friends previous dog did and we just dealt with it, we didn't let him off the lead, but with the akita she is 15months old been treated badly from her other owners, not used to human contact. what are the signs of her turning? my friend is now worried, she loves her to bits and doesnt want to give her up, but is worried that when her back is turned she may attack guest she has over. all ive heard is negative comments. 
any advise?
only helpful suggestions and information please,

oldakitagal · Accepted Answer

Akitas are smart; if she has been treated badly it is important she learns how to trust again. A good trainer will be able to assess her temperament and suggest proper training methods. Having had Akitas myself, they are not excessively affectionate - they should be calm, dignified and not always be looking for a human to touch or be near. 
The smart thing would be not to leave her with a stranger (guest) unsupervised, until she has shown she knows the difference between an invited guest and an intruder.

watercurves · Answer

There will always be people with negative comments about any breed, and in most breeds there are some dogs that aren't great examples of their breed (or maybe too much of an example of what the breed was at one time bred for).  All dogs of all breeds are capable of biting, but most dogs of most breeds don't, even when they have had a rough start.  

Either way, if the dog is going to be seeing a trainer soon, then get your friend to ask the trainer what they think of the dog's personality and temperament.  If the trainer thinks the dog is going to be a problem, or even too much for a certain individual to handle, they will let the owner know.  Hopefully your friend is taking the dog to a trainer who uses positive reinforcement.  Some trainers try to use overt dominance to control dogs, but in doing so they can also train out some very important social cues such as growling or lip curling.  Both of these behaviours are warnings from the dog that they are uncomfortable with the situation and if they are pushed may attack.  When these behaviours are (accidentally) trained out of the dog (often by positively punishing a growl or other warning sign) the dog learns not to give the warning signs and goes straight to biting or another line of defense.  I don't say this to scare you or her though.  Work with the dog for a while and have a temperament assessment done by an animal behaviourist before you start to worry about what 'might' happen. 

Good luck!

read an answer to a question now im worried about friends dog?

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