Akitas ?

[candy37]

I used to have an Akita. With proper training and lots of attention they are a pure pleasure.
However, they are extremely protective (that would be why it isn't wise to approach one, even leashed or behind a fence), loyal, and have an extremely high prey drive. Mine loved to stalk and chase the critters out here...if it was moving it was fair game to her.
I would reinforce whatever protection you currently have for the chickens. Whatever you decide to do, do a little more. Akitas are VERY smart and amazing problem solvers.

If the neighbor's Akitas come onto your property I would immediately call the owner. If they don't seem to care, I'd call animal control. I hate to admit this, but once my folks' had a problem with the neighbor dog. It was always digging up their lawn, tearing up patio furniture, stealing shoes off the back porch, etc. The owners didn't do anything after repeated talks so Dad took the dog out to the country. There were some kids playing out front of a house...he stopped and asked if they wanted the dog. The parents said yes, so he left it there with them. The neighbors got another dog, but only after they put a fence around the yard to keep it on their property. It is an alternative to shooting it...

 

[LynnGrigg]

For what it's worth. I love dogs but have found anything chow-like(akitas) or pit-bull-like as a rule to be one owner dogs and not trustworthy socially with other people or other animals. Fence your stuff and politely request the owners keep the dog on their property for the safety or your pets and your guests. I like to try and be a good neighbor. I hope and in fact have encouraged my neighbors to report a problem to me so I can correct it before it escalates into a huge problem. I have kept dogs, chickens, livestock and my own unrully spawn on my property. I have had issues presented and have taken them in hand rather than to let my neighbors stew in resentment or take further action. I would hope that your neighbors feel the same. At least give them an opportunity to contain the dog.

 

[speckledhen]

Sound advice, Lynn.

 

[banditgin]

I have 2 akitas. It is a breed that in the wrong hands will give the breed a very bad name. The owners of the dogs who attacked the goats are a prime example. I can walk my dogs and have people come up to them and pet them. We have a cat - inside cats are fine, a cat comes into their yard, not fine. They are good around my kids - when they've had enough of the kids, they get up and leave.

I don't work extensively with my dogs anymore but they get a few minutes almost everyday of obedience (usually just sit and come). They got out a few weeks ago, and came right to me once I called (the male could have caused some damage but once me and a neighbor trapped him, he came right to me - he probably would have come to me sooner it just took me that long to catch up with him after catching my female). Also, they ignore my chickens when they walk by the dog yard - well, after the first glance. They don't try to get through the fence to them.

Anyways, the point being is this is another breed that gets a bad rep from bad owners. this breed is not for everyone.

 

[chickbea]

Quote:
This says it all!
A dog is an intensely social animal. Unless its owner spends huge amounts of time with it, especially during initial training and obedience, the dog is going to be unruly, unhappy, unpleasant to be around, and potentially dangerous.
Many communities are putting restrictions on owning Akitas, Pits, Rotties, Staffs, Chows, Dobies, etc. because of all these troubles. I think it's a tragedy that these fine breeds are getting such bad reputations.

 

[southernsibe]

I own two akitas. The breed has a high prey drive. If an owner does not take responsible measures to control and properly maintain their dog, they will do what they were bred to do. In the wrong household, they can be an extremely dangerous dog, in the right household, they are an extremely wonderful dog. Don't villainize the dog, it is the owner's responsibility to give the dogs the proper environment.
Rachel