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I just wish someone with a lot more expertise would tell me what else to do with them?

Johnny,
You may need to keep wishing. You said you read articles about introducing dogs, but then went ahead and introduced them in your home (I *know* that no experienced authority on this subject would recommend doing so).

Why would someone take the time and care to give advice that will just be disregarded?

T

Johnny,
I know all dogs are different, but maybe the GSD has not had sufficient time to make an adjustment to you and his new "pack." Do you have any knowledge of his past??
Linda

The only known facts of his past are a bad owner who bought him and put him on a chain. No socialization, not around any people, other dogs on chains doing nothing but showing aggresion.

From leerburgs articles, home is fine if the dog is in the crate and new dog is let around him. Let them get familiar and work the new dog with obedience. Which I have done. Some of us don't have the luxury or the time to go elsewhere.

I may never post a question on this site again, I have trained a lot of horses over the years, 1000's. I have owned and trained a lot of dogs. Anyone can read a book or article, but you know what the same rules don't apply to every horse or dog, only experience can show you the way. If everything was as easy as reading a book or article none of us would be on this site or asking for any information. I have published quite a few articles on horse training, but the one thing I alway regret is that one person out there with that one horse that the general rules don't apply to. Thats why you then ask a professional because of their experience. Maybe they have dealt with it before. If a book or an article is the answer then maybe we all would be experts raising children or solving the worlds problems. There are always intangebles and thats what people with experience are for. They have seen it or done it, priceless!

If you are determined to make this work (rehoming would be easier, but I understand your reason for not choosing that option) here is what you are looking at. Most puppies under 4 month have a "free pass" meaning most older dogs will tolerate them and their craziness without trying to seriously harm them. This rule is in NO WAY SET IN STONE, but in most cases, is ok. After 4-5 months of age though, all bets are off. The akita is now, in the GSD's mind, a teenager and we all know how agravating they can be! I would be a little concerned about one thing: You said that the akita doesn't do anything to get the GSD riled up, yet he is clearly trying to show dominance through body posture (head over GSDs back). So, you need to decide which of the dogs will have dominance over the other and then enforce it. Dominant dog gets playtime first, gets to go outside/inside first, gets treats first, food first, everything first. Then you make sure that the other dog respects that. If he tries to steal food, break rank, etc. put him into submission. I do not recommend that very often, but if you are determined to keep these dogs together, you'll have to go outside the lines a little. Keep in mind too that things must go on as normel for your GSD. He should get no less attention, but not very much more than usual either. Dont let the akita harass the GSD by posturing, etc. If he starts that crap, remove him from teh situation and cage/kennel him. Again, I would rehome one of the dogs, but if you want to keep them both, this is all the help I can give.

I appreciate your input, you obviously know dogs, I will try what you have said, already I can see an improvement. I will definately try, they are worth it. But I do no if it doesn't work I will find a new home for the akita. It makes sense to make sure the akita knows he is 2nd in the pack. kind of odd he doesn't show aggression, but puts his muzzle over the gsds back at 8 months old? After their romp they are all asleep on the floor together. It kinda seems they only have a problem with each other when I'm around?

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After their romp they are all asleep on the floor together. It kinda seems they only have a problem with each other when I'm around?

First of all, thank you for your compliment. I do spend alot of time on dog behavior, as I do help teach obedience at our club as well as help my aunt with her breeding facility. The akita wouldnt need to show aggression to show dominance. I have a VERY dominant male that shows no outward signs of aggression at all. He MAY occassionally lift a lip or give out a low growl, but with him, it is all body posture. I've seen dogs twice his size back down before even getting near him. Its all in his posture. Im assuming your akita may be the same. Very dominant, but not outwardly aggressive. Its possible that since your GSD is attached to you so deeply that when you come around, he feels the need to put the akita in its place. In effect, telling teh akita that you belong to him (the GSD). Also, with you there, the akita feels comfortable enough to try and assert himself as well. When you are gone, the item of contention (you) is gone, so they can go about their regular doggy lives. Let us know how it goes. I wish you luck.

Ian

I hope we can talk again, I will definatley keep you posted, I have always firmly thought anything is possible if you want it bad enough. Understanding these dogs gestures helps me tremendously. I didn't even realize the akita was showing dominace at such an early age. People who have never been around a great akita should read up on this breed before ever buying one. They are exceptional dogs, their peircing glare, their arrogant attitude, you think you are controlling them and I believe they it is just the opposite. Truly a great dog. Putting the gsd and him together probably not the best ideal but what ever is. I think they have hope, and you know once you rescue a dog the thoughts of ever putting that dog in a bad home is enough for you to go to any means of making something work.

3:20, dogs have been out playing in snow, all came in and are in kitchen laying together, happy, no agression!