Out of curiosity has anyone found hand reared pups to be more wary of strangers than normally reared pups ? I know that Akitas can be very stand offish, but my 17 week pup will not suffer new people gladly at all, She is walked most days and I take her into my shop a couple of days a week, puppy classes start next week. Because she is a bundle of white fluff everyone who sees her stops and admires her only to be met with a growl ( very embarassing I can tell you) and if they speak loudly she barks then howls at them. Has anyone had this before please
cheers Lorraine

your her mom lorraine and she is like a human baby . dont touch my mom. best thing is to hand her over and walkaway for awhile .then when you come back act all pleased . well thats how I managed with one I hand reared . she got to learn from that . her own mom would have chucked her away long ago . mari

Did you hand reare her yourself, and if so was she introduced to lots of different people and dogs and situations? Pups who are especially solo and hand reared can be very difficult if not given lots of contact and handling from a young age, also given situations which slightly frustrate them too, to help them cope with life as they grow. They can also suffer from a dislike of other dogs if not previously introduced, and also separation anxiety!

Just relax when out and about with her, make it really pleasant when she meets people, but don't force it as she will dislike others if they are force upon her!!! She will take her cue from you hopefully.

Good luck!

Thanks as always Mari, will try leaving her in shop with friend for a while, and Lindsay thanks, we hand reared 4 pups, three gone to new homes, annie has been brought up with 2 rotties and a cat but not met many strange dogs, will see how she goes on at classes as I really want to try and show her, I suppose at least she ll be happy showing her teeth to everyone !

cheers Lorraine