Introducing a new Akita member to the household
- by Jodi Marcus, Akita Rescue Mid-Atlantic Coast, inc.
Fights:There are some other factors that come into play which could cause fights when they are inside or out. Another dog passing by causing displaced aggression in one of the dogs, "running the fence" with a neighbor's dog, a cat in front of the house or fence, a wild animal such as a squirrel, bunny, possum, or wounded bird in the yard are just a few. So check the yard daily before letting the dogs out together. Do not feed the dogs together. Make sure they are in separate rooms or one dog is crated while eating, the other in another room. Don't get lazy and let a moment's carelessness ruin months of work. Remember they are affected by the weather also. In the summer they are hot and uncomfortable, and more likely to take offense than they would in the cooler weather. In the winter, when it is really cold, they feel very frisky and play can escalate into a fight very quickly. Constant monitoring is the price of having a multi-dog household.
Fights disrupt and set back the introduction process. If there are injuries, do not initiate any contact between them until all the injuries are healed. If there are no injuries, give them a week or so to calm down before re-introducing them. Once again there should be no contact in this cooling off period. Start at the beginning, with one dog in a crate and one out. Any signs of aggression should be severely disciplined. If they show signs of aggression, wait for another week. Once they appear to be comfortable in each other's presence, you may begin the process all over again. Remember that one fight may make them enemies for life.
This document is the sole property of Jodi Marcus and Akita Rescue, Mid-Atlantic Coast, Inc. | Permission is given to reproduce and distribute with proper accreditation to the author.