f you read Akita rescue sites (and other breed sites), they are so black and white. I don't think any dog that does not have the temperament, training or social skills should be off leash , but to lump Pits, Akitas and other breeds all together is silly. It would be as foolish for me to say that since you have a Lab or Golden Retriever you can let them off leash, around kids and pretty much take them anywhere since they're "non-aggressive" breeds. I've ran across Labs that are horribly dog aggressive and Akitas/bully breeds that are just wonderful around other dogs. My prior Akita mix and Jade have great dog skills. As with any prey driven breed (insert all Terriers, Shepherds and just about all dogs) you need to realize they will chase animals smaller than them. Sure, I consider my self a pretty good trainer, but to tell every Akita owner not to have the dog off leash , around kids, other dogs, in public blah, blah, blah. If I had not already owned a prio