OT- I need to find a new home for my dog

Sorry to tone in on this one but people need to learn to do research BEFORE they get a dog! These are normal traits of an Akita and the whole situation of the yard and time and the dispostion of the dog should have been considered before you brought Kita into your home. I know people's situations change, but an Akita is a high maintenace dog no matter what. Did you ever find out why the first family got rid of him? That may well have been a good hint of the animal's temperment etc before you took him home. I have to say that it drives me nuts when people get a dog on impulse and have no idea what they are getting into with that specific breed. Now the poor dog has to start over again for a 3rd time in his life. It does sound however like you have an idiot for a Dog Warden. Heather

We were told the previous owner's were going to have a substantial ($5,000) increase in their homeowner's policy if they kept the dog. They also had to get rid of their trampoline and fence in the pool. Kita has been through some obedience classes when he was a puppy, but needs some "re-training" on a couple issues. Unfortunately no amount of research will tell you how other people are going to act. There was no way of us knowing how irrisponsible the other pet owner's in our neighborhood are. I would never have thought a dog warden would try to put an animal down for acting on instincts and holding the owners of the animal responsible when everyone else lets their dogs roam freely despite numerous complaints. I do love my dog and I understand the maintenance involved, but I don't want to see him put down for being a good guard dog! If I had the money needed for a fence it would be up! Unfortunately life happens and situations change. I am sorry, I thought I was trying to the right thing! I guess I made a HUGE minstake thinking that there may be someone who can provide a home where there no one has to worry about coming home to a note stating your pat has been confiscated because someone else's animal roamed into our yard!

Carmen, The fence would be the best answer. It's too bad we don't have the dog park in Norwich (yet)....watch the papers, it will be coming out next week. I know fences are expensive-we put up a picket fence around our quarter acre property before we got our first Jack Russell. We did it in anticipation of getting the dog-because we knew that's what Russell's need. Contact Akita rescue and see if they can help you find someone who has a fenced in area that can offer your pet a chance for an appropriate home. I know trainers, but the comments about "natural instinct" are more right on...training isn't going to help that. And a trainer will tell you that the dog needs a fenced in area and lots of exercise. Good luck with this...sounds like the dog is a nice pet and would do well in the right cir****tances.

I adopted (and now volunteer) for a Boxer rescue. If you MUST give the dog away, then please, do a rescue. A shelter is a death warrant, especially for a dog with a "history". As far as obedience, you owe it to yourself, and your family, and most importantly, to Kita to give it a shot. There are a ton of affordable, credible trainers out there...even PetSmart & PetCo offer it at incredibly reasonable rates. Crate training isn't cruel, it's a necessity, and unless Kita has separation anxiety (doesn't sound like it) than he should be fine. Good luck, and please keep us informed. -Deb

Thanks Deb, I have been thinking about this alot today and think we will do our best to keep him. We were awoke this morning to him growling and then pinning down the neighbors dog. After the way the dog warder responded last time, I kinda panicked thinking she was going to come and take him. There is no way I could watch that happen.... It just makes me so angry that we have such lousy neighbors. Regardless of our requests, they just let their dogs run wild, and I don't want Kita to suffer if they were to call the warden. Finances are tight, especially after taking time off after surgery and now the holidays. Once I went back, my boss has been cutting my hours again which makes a tough situation tougher. I don't mean to whine, but things are stressful right now. Carmen

I am glad you are going to keep him....but if something is not done about the backyard situation it is only a matter of time before there is a disaster with the tie out business,,,,he will bite again as sure as I am sitting at this computer...defending territory from another animal and then he will be killed....whether your neighbors are lousey or not..(and it is a given that their dogs should not run loose,,etc)...you have to protect your dog and your property...you are going to be ultimately responsible... for the other dog's vey bills and God forbid he kills it...God forbid some kids come along and tease him....or worse yet..some spiteful neighbor poisons him. If you don't want Kita to suffer you will get a dog run built and put his dog house in it...that is cheaper than fencing a whole yard...the length is more important than the width....having a dog is like having another child at times...I work for a living too..but if my dog gets sick..she goes to the vet...and I do without. it is part of the commitment I took on when I got her. I hope nothing else bad happens...but it;s going to.....if nothing changes, nothing changes...I kinda hope you call Akita Rescue..they might be able to foster him...Good Luck!

We do have a run in oor yard (about 40-50 ft). The kennel and his dog house is near the end so he always has access to that. When I say tied up, I mean on the run. He has pleanty of room. He is great w/ people inculding small children. My daughter was 3 when we got him, and they love eachother. Other than him trying to jump up on her, he would never hurt her. She has poked him, pulled his tail etc and he didn't care in the least. He just doesn't like other animals.....

I meant a fenced in run..but no matter...of course he is good with your daughter...Akitas love their own children..the Japanese used to leave them to babysit...it is STRANGERS that one has to be careful of..strange kids potentially and strange dogs..but you know that. Anyways good luck and best wishes. Later, Sher'

Carmen, First, I want to start my post by saying that I just read the responses to your post and I understand all sides, but I feel like you are being ganged up on a bit. Never EVER judge unless you walk a mile in someone elses's shoes. Regardless of the situation. That is a pet peeve of mine. People can post about you needing to have done more research, not being ready for a pet, etc., but the bottom line here is that you are in your situation, and came here to ask for help. Hindsight is 20/20. If we were ALL born with hindsight, wouldn't we all be perfect? You need to do what is best for everyone involved. Yes, research should be done about getting an animal, but often all the research in the world cannot prepare you for what can actually happen. It's like having a child (although not the same for some of us who have both). Of course your pet is part of your family, but at the risk of hurting neighbors and others animals, you have to figure out a plan B because plan A ain't a workin'. You got some TERRIFIC advice from this post, and need to really take it all in. We all love you and know you are smart, kind and loving and will make a good decision. Love, Tammy

Thanks Tammy, I certainly did not make this post so everyone could tell me what a terrible person I am!!! That is how I feel after many of these posts. I came here because (prior to this) people have always been supportive, helpful and non-judgemental. I understand everyone's strong feelings for their pets, but I doubt they would leave their pets in a potentially harmful situation. I cannot afford to fence in my yard at this time, nor can I sell my home and buy a new one just to have a fenced in yard. As difficult as it would be, if my child was in a situation where I worried about her safety, I would have to consider finding her a safe place to be if I could not provide that! I pray that would never be an issue, but life changes!!! Thanks again Tammy, I know everything will work out for the best and there was alot of good advise here, Carmen