Just something for you to think about..... Since you have had Bentley you have at times let Ky be Bentley's (trainer) mother figure. Having Bentley may have put her more on guard in protection mode (in her own home). You have said yourself you have let Ky handle it. (not in this type of occasion) but she may have felt since she is sometimes in charge she needed to be in charge in this situation as for her he was a real threat (even if he wasn't).

I would mention this to the behaviorist she/he may say don't worry this couldn't be it but then she/he may say that you need to not let Ky be in charge at any time so she knows you will take care of it. (whatever it is)

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Thank you, I hadn't thought about that but you're absolutely right. Ky has had much more "control" in the past 5 months than she has ever been allowed before. I'm glad you mentioned this, I will write it on my notes so I remember to mention it to him.

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I can't help but wonder if the guy in some way reminded Ky of the man who beat her? I guess there is no way for you to know that, but maybe something in his mannerisms or voice scared her.

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Liberty - 10 months




Kim - Mommy to fur-baby Liberty and 2 human daughters 12 and 14 years old

At the least she can proceed with caution. That must have been quite upsetting.

If you have the man's full name, you might do a Google search on him. Interesting things pop up when you do that. It's pretty common nowadays for dating people to look into backgrounds. Sad but I guess it's not such a bad idea.

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Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

I suggested that to Kim, she said she already does that I wouldn't do it for a guy she's seeing unless she asked or I had a deep suspicion about him. She has a good head on her shoulders.

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Joyce, I am very glad you are seeking a behavorist to discuss this with. I love Akita's and even spent a wonderful day at a kennel when we were in Germany many years ago. The breed is facinating but they will protect to the death, it was what they were bred to do. It takes a special family to understand and train the dog to override her instincts and live in a social world..and you are doing this. I agree with you the gut problem is that you didn't feel you had control of her for that short time. I agree with other posters that if Ky wanted to, she would have attacked..but she didn't. So part of your telling her was registering.

You take your responsibilities with her so to heart, which is what a good owner should do. I will be interested in what suggestions the behaviorist tells you, because Ky will always want to protect - to keep her family safe, but she must learn when to ignore her instincts and let you handle. I wish I could offer some advise, but can't but I admire and respect so much that you are going the extra mile to find alternative ways to handle this. You have made Ky a special member here & we all care for her.

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Thank you Deb! Does this mean Ky is now an honorary Golden Retriever?

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Steve (the behaviorist) just called me back. I will be taking Ky and Bentley to our appt next week. He will evaluate Ky alone then the two together.

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Just a quick thought for you. My sister rescued a lab years ago and one day her daughter's friend came to visit and the sweet usual lab fell apart when the friend tried to pet him. He dropped to the floor and rolled over and looked terrified. They learned later that the perfume the friend was wearing was the same as the woman who had owned him before and obviously abused him.

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Dis is da gamboi an da Gussee an angels BoBo an Emmikins

"What we have enjoyed we never lose. All that we loved deeply becomes a part of us." Helen Keller

Thanks, you're quite possibly right however I don't really care what set her off, my concern is that she made a decision on her own and ignored me.

I've spent a lot of time over the years teaching her everything and that includes the fact that I'm in charge. I need help with her reaction because it's above my paygrade. I need to get to the root of it with a professional so that we can get back to our normal life.

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