Don't want to freak you out... but the only person Remy has had a really strong reaction to was later thrown in jail for attempted rape and breaking and entering.

I trust my dog's opinion of people more than I trust my own. I love that you want to take her to a behaviorist because it shows how committed you are, but I would also hesitate to control those extreme reactions... I WANT my boy to be protective of me, and if he is uncomfortable, there's probably a reason.

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Remington Byrd's Golden Shot - "REMY" - CGC, Therapy Dog, Service Dog
Collier's Freedom's Avenger - "Caira"

In theory I agree with you, if she was a golden I'd probably let it go the first time however, two Akita's are powerful enough to bring down an adult bear. I can never pretend to not know that so it's my responsibility to have her under my control at all times.
Normally, under any circumstance she will obey me even if she disagrees with my decision. Last night she not only disobeyed me, she completely ignored me. I just can't have that happening.

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Exactly! I think the behaviorist will be able to shine some light on the situation. I don't mind the protectiveness, but not having any control over her is a big no-no. Your amazing, Joyce!


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Follow Bear on Facebook!! He's Growing Up, Bear!

Think of it this way, though...if Ky had wanted to hurt him she would have. You would not have been able to stop her. Truthfully, I think she showed restraint. We often forget what dogs are capable of doing. Even a Golden...if they want to cause harm, they will. I read somewhere that, "You could walk through Hell safely if you had an Akita by your side." That says it all about her breed.

There was a senior Dane that an article was written up about in a past issue of a Dane breed magazine. This dog was the most gentle of any dog out there. He was a very, very famous Champion. He was around 11 years old and retired from the ring. He was completely grey in the face and had a difficult time getting around except for very short and slow walks.

His owner was walking him one night around her block when a man came walking quickly in the opposite direction toward them. As he got closer, her dog started to growl. She was shocked because he had never ever growled in all his years. Then as the man went past them, her dog went crazy. He lunged at the guy and bit him hard on his arm. Then the man broke out in a run with blood dripping on the sidewalk.

She tried to yell at him to stop, she wanted his information, but he kept running. A few minutes later a cop car came up to her and asked if she had seen a guy that fit the description of the guy that her dog bit. She told them what had happened and the cops said, "We'll just follow the blood then." They found him a couple of blocks down from where he was bit hiding in some bushes, holding his arm.

The woman found out later that the guy was a wanted child molester and had just raped a little girl. The police honored her dog and said if it wasn't for him, they probably would not have caught the guy. They had been looking for him for months.

So you never know what these dogs feel or sense. I'm not saying to not go to the behaviorist, I'm just saying that sometimes they know way more than we do. I also still think she showed restraint.

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Karen, Chance, Lucy and Savanah RB



“Everyone needs a dog to adore him, and a cat to bring him back to reality”

Karen I know what you're saying and I certainly hope my daughter pays heed and stays away from that guy but for my own sanity I want to hear what Steve has to say about her actions last night. Then I will feel better about Ky...the guy...not so much

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I think you are doing the right thing! Better safe than sorry! You are the best dog mom!

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-Valerie

I'm not saying he's a criminal or anything, just that if Ky wanted to do harm to him she would have. I agree that taking her to your behaviorist is a good idea for you to feel better about your control over her, which is very important, especially for her breed.

I hope that your behaviorist can shed some light on her actions for you. Please keep us posted on her visit with him. I very curious to hear what he says.

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Karen, Chance, Lucy and Savanah RB



“Everyone needs a dog to adore him, and a cat to bring him back to reality”

Joyce I agree with what you're doing completely and for all the reasons you've mentioned. It's too bad more dog owners don't show the concern and sense of responsibility you portray. Not being able to redirect Ky upon command would concern me as well. As you say a dog like Ky could do some real damage and not only jeopardize somebody else but jeopardize Ky as well.

You've worked wonders with Ky coming from her abused back ground. She didn't make contact which I think is a BIG positive in her favor. Hopefully the behaviorist will be able to put your mind at ease and give you the tools needed to have complete control over your and our special girl.

Pete

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Sonny, the black lab, ran ahead to make sure there were no gophers or jackrabbits in the way. If you don't give a dog a specific job, he'll improvise one for himself and it will invariably be fun. There's a lesson there.
John Gierach

Dogs always seem to know the intentions of people...quite amazing really. I hope your daughter's new BF isn't a shady character.

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Thank you Pete! The reason that she behaved that way doesn't concern me so much as the fact that she didn't back off when I told her to. Her body language was intense.
I believe she did a great job of holding back because I could see it in her eyes that she really wanted a piece of him, thank God she didn't carry through!
Who knows, this guy could be a great guy but something set her off and I just need to feel 100% confident in her like I did prior to last night. We have had instances in the past where she gets her hackles up but all I have to say is "Thank you Ky but I have this" and she will sit beside me and let me be in charge. I need it to be that way always for my own peace of mind.

Thank you for your kind words, I can't imagine having any dog and not being responsible with them, although I know some people are not. They give the rest of us a bad name.

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