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The Training of Jade

Just about 4 months ago I adopted about a 9 month old Akita from Wayside Waifs (http://www.waysidewaifs.org/). I got lucky, Wayside transferred her from another shelter right as Midwest Akita Rescue was looking at her (http://www.akita.org/). So I consider her both a rescue and a shelter dog. I also have 2 old shibas, 12 & 13, so getting everyone to adjust was a little work. Jade was a little possessive of her toys and food around them, but has gotten much better. Since she's just a year, I need to keep working on her dog social skills. I don't really by in too many Akita myths, but they do have some dog aggression and stranger aggression in the breed. Other studies , Steven Lindsey, show that dog aggression can increase and become evident up to two years or age. Luckily, I have Wayside and I've been taking Jade there every Saturday when I work with the shelter dogs. It's been an interesting ride. Jade had pretty good dog skills to begin with, but I have seen her really improve while at Wayside. The playgroups I put together are very controlled, but on average day Jade will meet about 14-18 dogs of all sizes, ages and temperaments. Of the 100+ dogs she's met there have only been two fights, with no blood. She did not start them, but true to a fighting dog she was willing to scrap it up.

Interesting observations with Jade. . I know that I avoided the obvious fighters, but assuming most of the play yard dogs are normal. Then again, I used Elsie, Rodeo, Boo Boo and other "aggressive" dogs with Jade with absolutely no reaction. I say these dogs are aggressive, only because they were labled that at Wayside. She did not start any of the fights, but nor did she want to back down. What I have noticed with her extreme socializing is a much quicker recovery time from play to calm, over-stimulated to calm, and even fight to post-fight recovery. She can adapt to a small dog playgroup, young dog and special needs group faster than 12 weeks ago. I can take her from one to another and she immediately adjusts. Her play skills are better and I've noticed her repitore of play initiation signals has grown. She now trys a few behaviors instead of rushing into play, while keeping the 18 inch cushion. I think given enought time from a client and even starting with a muzzle a person could rehab a pretty aggressive dog with time. I may have Jade take 3 weeks off from Wayside and see if see a lapse in her dog skills. She was easy to teach the basics to and I have about an 90% recall with her right now and most of her commands are verbal. Like I always say, pick the temperament you want, you teach any dog the basic commands.

Two paws up!

KC Dog Guy
http://www.gilbertsdogtraining.com/

I'll keep you all updated on Jade's progress

Want to learn more about Akitas? Go to http://www.akitas.org/
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