Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Akita Attacks Woman At Dog Show

The decision on whether to euthanize an aggressive Akita could come within weeks, as investigators try to learn why the sturdy dog attacked a 70-year-old woman at a dog show competition Sunday, leaving her ankle mangled.

Who knows why these types of attacks occur. When I evaluate dogs for biting, there are times when the only way to know what happened is to spend some time with the dog. Most of the biters I encounter are insecure.

In addition, some Akitas don't like strangers petting them until they have had a chance to get to know the person. I am working with an Akita right now, and the dog doesn't like strangers to just come up and start "lovin'" on her. Once she has had a chance to get to know you, especially after a day or so, she remembers you and is quite friendly and playful. She also remembers if you aren't friendly with her, and the next time she sees you she will be unfriendly to you. Many dogs are this way, and I don't consider it to be a fault. However, if you know your dog is this way, you shouldn't let strangers come up and be overly friendly with your dog. In addition, this is also why you should be kind when you are training any dog, especially an Akita. Rough treatment makes many dogs into biters.


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