akita getting nervous...

jo06555

Hi I have a 12 month old female Japanese akita and lately she has started getting nervous of everything again . She is great at home with 3 kids and with people calling to house but lately when I go to likes of parks or busy areas she seems very nervous of everyone and barks if she sees a big groups of kids (not good) I know . I know she is not aggressive and it seems to be her being afraid more than anything but now I am fearful of letting people come to pet her . Anyone any ideas to get her back happy with strangers ?? I do get down to parks about 2 times a week as I live further out in country so it's quiet enough on her regular daily walks but she gets all excited when she sees people walking on the road then my worry is with groups of kids really as sometimes she looks out the window of our house and sees kids coming in and out of our drive calling for our kids so I'm guessing she is bein territorial and protective and now thinks this of all groups of kids . How do I go about sorting this out in safe way ...thanks

jo06555

Anyone???

Outkast_IRE

try to get the dog used to the idea of groups of kids being ok.

Personally i would try and acheive this by showing the dog they are nothing to fear, when your kids friends call to the door or whatever and give the kids a few small treats the dog likes, then bring your dog out to see them , and let them give her the treats. If you are nervous have the dog on the lead so your in control, and hopefully after a few goes the dog will start to think these kids are ok and they have treats sometimes .

That would be my approach anyway, you have to change your dogs perception of such groups.

DBB

A lot of young adults go through a leery phase at some point in their teenage months, coinciding with a time in their ancestral past when they were cutting the apron strings with mam and dad, and had to be ultra cautious of things that might harm them now that they didn't have mam and dad to look out for them.
You've probably also got a genetic influence going on here, her ancestral "aloof with strangers" tendency starting to show itself, as it does with many a breed bred to guard and defend.
Outkast is certainly on the right track... This is a phase you need to work through whilst minimising any potential damage. However, I'd also add that I wouldn't put your dog under any pressure to meet kids. Instead, let her look at kids in the park and thereabouts, but YOU dish out the treats, not the kids. Yet. If she likes a ball or other toy, start playing with her only when she sees kids. If there's a little spot she melts at when you scratch her there, then scratch that spot when she sees other kids.
I suppose I'm saying that for now, control the access she has with unfamiliar kids so that (a) she doesn't have to confront them head on, and (b) from a distance, for now, make sure she gets lots of good stuff happening when kids are about. You will know when she starts to mellow out yourself, and then, you can start to close the distance, and get kids to feed her, maybe with familiar kids with one or two unfamiliar kids at first.
This one of those things you need to live with but work through. And don't forget to have little parties with her when she does well! She's absorbing so much about the world around her right now, you can't go wrong if you stay cheerful and make her feel fab when she gets it right.
Good luck!

jo06555

DBB wrote: »

A lot of young adults go through a leery phase at some point in their teenage months, coinciding with a time in their ancestral past when they were cutting the apron strings with mam and dad, and had to be ultra cautious of things that might harm them now that they didn't have mam and dad to look out for them.
You've probably also got a genetic influence going on here, her ancestral "aloof with strangers" tendency starting to show itself, as it does with many a breed bred to guard and defend.
Outkast is certainly on the right track... This is a phase you need to work through whilst minimising any potential damage. However, I'd also add that I wouldn't put your dog under any pressure to meet kids. Instead, let her look at kids in the park and thereabouts, but YOU dish out the treats, not the kids. Yet. If she likes a ball or other toy, start playing with her only when she sees kids. If there's a little spot she melts at when you scratch her there, then scratch that spot when she sees other kids.
I suppose I'm saying that for now, control the access she has with unfamiliar kids so that (a) she doesn't have to confront them head on, and (b) from a distance, for now, make sure she gets lots of good stuff happening when kids are about. You will know when she starts to mellow out yourself, and then, you can start to close the distance, and get kids to feed her, maybe with familiar kids with one or two unfamiliar kids at first.
This one of those things you need to live with but work through. And don't forget to have little parties with her when she does well! She's absorbing so much about the world around her right now, you can't go wrong if you stay cheerful and make her feel fab when she gets it right.
Good luck!

Good advice thank you and to outkast too . Il keep working on and I think I may get to the park a bit more too as it can only help.. it really has me worked up as she is a great dog at our house so playful and happy so I don't want this fear of groups of kids continuing... thanks again

dodderangler

At 12 months old your Akita is supposed to be muzzled
I had to muzzle mine at 1year old And it seemed to make him worse when it came to strangers as if he felt unable to protect himself and me
He also goes mad at kids and people near the garden

cjf

+1 DBB. At this age their breed characteristics can begin to come through as they move out of the puppy phase. Just keep socialising and exposing her to different social situations. You don't have to let anyone touch your dog to socialise - when up at the park you could watch a local football game taking place it's safe and your dog will learn that even if there are groups of people around they aren't paying her any attention and therefore nothing to worry about. I went through something similar with my dobie when he hit about 18 months I just made an extra effort to get him out around people in different situations. He's nearly 4 now and I'm still making sure we get out socialising. He is relaxed now and while he won't be instant best friends with new people he will behave and tolerate new people talking to him and petting him no bother. He's like yea yea I know I'm fab pet me if u must! Good luck with her :-)

jo06555

Just came back from 1 hr walk and 2 kids jumped over a wall gave her bit of fright she started barking again and would not move eventually she moved on past them . So by that I take it she is just scared really?? I will need to up the socialization
Again as I taught she was bein ok but as of lately she's getting worse it seems as for the muzzle will that help??? Yes I know akitas should be muzzled !!!! Thanks for the help much appreciated ...