wvvdiup1 wrote:[
Sandy,What type if dog is Karma? Karma must be quite friendly.
Our Sandy would get me fired.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
as he is so reactive.
Diane
Diane, Karma is a purebreed American Akita. She's friendly with people, but not with other dogs. The reason for this is that Karma wasn't socialized much when she was a puppy by her original owners, which is a shame, since the puppy stage is the most formidable time in a puppy's stage of learning. I've been working with Karma to other dogs by first introducing her to other dogs but from a distance so that she doesn't attack them. So far, this has helped her get along with a lot of other dogs, however, there are certain dogs she won't get along with, and I think it is how the dog approaches her in which she sees as a potential attack. She has come a long way since I first got her from her original owners almost 4.5 years ago. Yesterday, while during our morning walk, my one neighbor's dog was loose and came running towards Karma and I which sparked a fight between the two.
![Evil or Very Mad :evil:](./images/smilies/icon_evil.gif)
To keep her "anti-social" behavior from re-appearing, I've quickly began working with her and taking her around other dogs we know, but keeping it at a distance, to make sure she hasn't regressed. But, when I take her with me to work, I will be doing all kinds of precautions until Karma is used to the other dogs and the environment.
Speaking of Karma, I need to update my profile picture with her picture.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Sandy,
Akitas are beautiful dogs. Yes, please update your photos.
We got Sandy from the shelter when he was one year old. We believe that he had been in the shelter twice. He also was never socialized as a puppy. He is fear aggressive towards other dogs. (Read my thread under training about our experiences in hotel rooms during our last drive from Maine through Philadelphia and across on I-81 to I-40.) It was tough.
He has to have a large distance between him and other dogs. The last night in Amarillo where there were 10 dogs in one hotel row on the first floor was a nightmare.
It is hard to know what his past experience was. Even stopping at a rest stop, we have to choose an area where we don't see or hear other dogs. My husband wears short sleves and his arms are all cut up from scratching when Sandy freaks out. I usually have a lightweight jacket on during those times.
As to people, there are some he likes and gets along with and others he barks and tries to attack. We never know who. But, i think even though he doesn't like dogs, he seems to be more friendly with people who have their own dogs. Maybe he feels that if the smell like dog, they must be good. So, going through hotel hallways, I often have to carry him, especially since many of the maids cleaning the rooms show real fear which fuels his aggression.
He hates cats, and we know one of the home he was in had a cat. We can only guess as to what happened.
Sandy has been with us nearly 3 years, but I just discovered this forum in May so it is like starting over.
I read your posts on the What are your dogs doing today and it looks like Karma is getting back to normal again. Great news!
It has been a lot of work, but I don't think Sandy will ever make it to be social with other dogs. I just want him to be able to tolerate being near other dogs without reacting. I did read that chihuahuas usually get along better with other chis than with any other dogs. I and husband have friends with multiple chis and they get along. It might have to do with their size.
Our chi is more a deer chihuahua as he has the elongated face and the longer body and long legs. His weight at 11.5 also doesn't fit the AKC norm. So, that is why we call him a chi mix. Those who know chihuahuas say his personality is totally chi. He barks as our "early warning system". It is a bit funny, but annoying, but he knows the sounds of the FedEx and UPS trucks. So, even if they aren't coming to us, he starts barking thinking they are going to bring a packaged. He is freaked out by the garbage trucks, though, so we have to wary when we take him out. No morning walk on trash collection day.
Talking too much as usual. I am just curious as to what part of Penn are you located? We have been all over the state including my recent convention in Philly. We have been through the state on interstates 95, 76, 81, 80, 84. It is absolutely gorgeous. I grew up in New Jersey, and went to girl scout camp in the Poconos.
Once again, best wishes for your new job and career. When do you actually start?
Diane
Sandy, Chihuahua mix b. 12/20/09