Hi there. I was wondering if someone could give me some training tips on how to deal with a specific problem with my Akita.
Some background - Ive had him for just over a year.  He was 11 months, neutered when he came to me. He'd been in and out of dog homes and private homes for most of that time. The longest private home being 8 weeks.
Due to this, he developed very bad separation anxiety. He was also very dominating. Not in a nasty way at all, but because he really did not know any different. So basically, he had become a rather large bully.
Kumo is kept outside with a large fenced off yard with a kennel and run.  One of his problems is that he really was not very well socialised. For the past year, he has been attending dog club for training as well as to socialise. He is very good with other dogs. He is very tolerant of puppies leaping on him and likes nothing more than a play and tumble. He will quite happily be on his back and have a (known) dog jump over him.
I have another dog, a neutered GSD and my two really are the best of friends.  They belt round all morning whilst I clean the stables and have only occassionally have squables.  Which are more noise than anything.
With him being an outdoor dog, I make it a priority in my daily routine to tire him out with a long walk.  I alternate the routes frequently as he is a real 'thinking' dog and is easily bored - so I dont want to just walk him on the quiet of the moors. He is walked in a halti and extension lead, but is never let off the lead.  I often encouter other dogs out walking. Like I say, Kumo is good with other dogs- but he will defend himself effectively. He will not start trouble - but he will end it. When he see's another dog, he becomes a performing bear! He is on his back legs, punching the air and whining to get to the other dog. He is extremely hard to hold him.  I can not let him walk over to the other dog for a sniff because a) they are usually cowering at the sight of him and they could react defensively b)the owners are quite understandably wary of him.
Ive tried carrying favourite treats, distraction noise, getting him to sit/lie down - no chance!.  I know I could try a citronella spray collar on him, but because he is well socialised, I do not want him to associate something unpleasant with other dogs.
It is really taking away the enjoyment of walking him. Of course he will continue to be exercised, I would like some advise please.
BTW he is just under 60kg, I am female, 48kg. He was weighed at the vets last week - the vet said he is not overweight, but very toned and large for his breed.
Sorry it is a long post - thanks for reading.

Hi,we have 4 and my youngest is exactly the same,she is fine at the ringcraft and will be great with other dogs but during a normal walk she is a nightmare,she even wriggles out of the halti,which is why we also attach the halti to a half check choke collar.Perseverance is the only way forward.Stop trying to walk at the same time,stop your dog and make it sit,telling it firmly NO, NO.Make it wait and don't start off again until he is calm,your walks will take longer and the dominance thing outside with other dogs will improve but will never be 100%.Our first was a rescue dog and was no end of trouble,6 years on he is greatly improved but still terrible with other dogs outside his own pack,if you need to talk more just e-mail me,Sandra.

I quite agree with that advice, Sandra. One of mine used to be a right little sod when he saw other dogs (especially if they barked at him), but by making him sit whenever he reacted to them, I could then praise him. He has now learned to look at me for a treat rather than bark at other dogs, so I can praise and reward him still. It takes some months for this to sink in, but if you're consistent, it works.
:)

I agree with Sandra and JG and really feel for you, guest as we had the same issue with our dog who was a rescue at 6 months and desperate to see other dogs. It only took us about 2 months to teach him a calm approach to dogs, and now he is very reliable. We used the same method as JG and used to sit beside paths allowing other dogs to walk past, and it only took about 2 months for it to work ( and our lad is stubborn and wily about getting his own way). Your Akita has fallen on his feet getting a home with you, and Im sure it wont be long before you enjoy his walks again. :)

Thanks for the replies and encouragement. (I was the guest who asked the question, but have decided to register!).  Kumo is not 'gunning' for the other dogs - he wants to play with them. If a dog is loose and runs up to him in the park etc, he has never turned a hair and just sniffed, wagged and pawed them. Although he does not suffer fools. He really is still a large puppy in many ways.
It's just get very embarrassing when I am trying to control his exuberant nature and I have had the odd hurtful comment.  More through the bad press I feel the breed undeservedly receive.
I understand about getting him to sit and be calm, I just wish I could :( When he see's a potential playmate - it's all I can do to keep all fours on the floor. Do you think this is something that will calm down over time?
He really is a lovely dog - but I can't deny he is a lot of work.  His other 'issues' are resolving with time.  His separation anxiety really was more than I could cope with at times. Like when I popped upstairs to the bathroom and came back down 2 minutes later to find the stair carpet no longer was on the stairs but near the front door!
Sandra,  his Halti is attatched to a half choke also.  If you're OK with me mailing you - I will do so, thanks.

No problem Claire and stick with it,they are hard work but it is worth it in the end,Sandra.