Akita Lee
what do you intend to do if your bitch is in whelp??
Archer

Well I'll ask the vet's advice first off - see what they say - obviously I'm praying to god she's not - though I'm confident she isn't - I just wanted to know the immediate signs of pregnancy just because - as mentioned months ago - my bitch was very nervous when I first got her - but she's come on leaps and bounds over the past month or two - I just knew that behaviour changes happened with pregnancy?? am I right ??

It may simply be that I've done what breeders books and behavioural tutors have told me what to do to good effect - and she os now coming good - which I'll be happy within myself for - and the discharge - which was on one occassion - is the normal post-season discharge....

But as I said - I'll be going the vet

Lee, it might be for the best all round if you get her to the vet before Friday?  Would you ever forgive yourself if something happened to her before then?

I'm not taking sides - I've been reading this thread all evening and I have to say that if I had asked the original questions way back when .... I don't think I'd have the nerve to come back on here and ask more questions having not taken the first lot of advice.  Nor would I be on here asking if I can a certain book in WH Smiths!!! - I'd be down the vets with my dog, although having said that I hope I wouldn't have allowed myself to get into this situation in the first place!  and if the earliest appointment I could get with the vets was genuinely on Friday, I'd be on the internet doing as much research as I can into the conditions other more knowledgeable posters have spoken about rather than risking another slating for NOT LISTENING IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!

calm, calm, deep breathes, calm (climing down off my soap box).

Lee you were told all of this long ago.
The problem is that people worry about your dogs for you while you dont take the advice given.
I hope she is ok and NOT PREGNANT!
Please consider having her spayed, surely having the worry over the possibility of Pyomerta has shown you that its the safest bet for her. Especially since she doesnt have the temperament to be bred from to begin with.

What did the vet say????

Hi.

I've been the Vets this morning. No pyometra - an not pregnant - far's he thinks.

Maybe a phantom pregnancy might be on the cards if I'm worried about behavioural changes etc....or maybe she's just coming out of her shell finally (as I suspected)

The discharge would have been normal as she had just came out of season.

Thanks :-)

Explain to me why she doesn't! an why u think u have the right to come on here an tell me 1. What to do ? an 2. What my dog's like?

If u read back I  admit I've painted a very wrong picture to everyone on here in the past. My bitch was very very nervous when I got her - but that was because she was 4 months old when I got her and hadn't been away from her mum.

I've worked countless hours, takin advice from 2 breeders who I'm close to, taken advice from behavioural experts and worked my ass off training her - and now she's a totally different dog - with a lovely temperament thank you!

Asked what the vets thought of some of these comments made - he didn't agree - after actually seeing / handling my dogs so I'll listen to him - an the 2 breeders I know....

As I'm obviously never going to get past that first stage of posting on here so...

Glad to hear your bitch is ok still keep an eye on her tho'as phantoms can be a difficult time for bitches as phantoms are a relic of the predomestic days when the Alpha bitch in a pack had a litter & the other bitches had phantoms to feed the puppies if the Alpha bitch was unable to feed for any reason

I nearly lost my first BC with a closed Pyrometra & had I not seen a bitch with a closed pyro before I would not have known

I know diddly squat about Akitas except what some of the early importers told me & that was they are not a novice owners dog in the same way that Mals, GSDs & other high drive dogs may not be suitable for Novice owners & that they should be bred with care & understanding, as you are intouch with experienced breeders thay at least you have taken one step in the right direction.

Yes I'm interested in breeding Akitas - as to be quite honest I love them to bits....I want to LEARN before I get into it tho - an I'm in touch with various breeders but I'm really close to 2 - one living locally.

I've been there for matings, births, numerous times rearing - I'm eager to learn and my determination just will not allow these idiots to shoot me down! Just because they've had '25 years experience' - 25 years ago they had no experience - like me!

I can see where they're coming from - as I may have sounded like the typical idiot with 'fighting dogs' who wants to make money - but I'm really not - I'm willing to learn - and I have a lot to learn I know - another reason why I'm on here - trying to learn.

Make a mistake and it seems to go against u forever on here ..... :-(

Lee
You were advised moths ago to have your dogs and bitch nutered and start again. You will not go anywhere with the Nikasuko line, believe me!
Go to a good breeder, preferably someone who has been in the breed more then 15 years and get on a waiting list. You will have to wait a while but then you can sae up for your good pup.

Yes you made a mistake, you were also advised on how to get out of the hole you dug for yourself and you clearly ignored it, hence this thread!

Well - without being argumentetive - Nikasuko line will not go nowhere because??

And says who??

I'm sure the Nikasuko affix would argue your point??

There are other lines involved ie Redwitch / Riylyn / Armadar

This may be your opinion but then again your opinion may be worthless to somebody else?? - as Nikasuko's is - according to you??

Please advise me as I DO understand what people tell me - I just DON'T understand why somebody has to go with somebody else's ideas????

Cheers

thedark,

The OP has just said

>Make a mistake and it seems to go against u forever on here ....<

why keep picking away at him?  The advice has been given, OK initially ignored, the latest situation has been resolved with, thankfully, a preferred outcome.  Give Lee a break now and - more importantly - a second chance!

Regards, Teri

well said teri

:-))))

:-)))

well done for going to the vets ALee,bet thats put your mind at rest!
phantoms p can be very stressful for bitch & owner though,you can see a total charatcter change in some bitches

The Vet just told us to keep our eys on her - as she's only been out of season 2 weeks he claimed that he wouldn't be able to tell us for definite is she is pregnant or not - but claimed she didn't look it....

And that the behavioural change was 99% more than likely mine/my girlfriends constant efforts with her - as she was an extremely shy nervous and fearful dog when we got her .... now she's completely different! :-)

my friend has a very out going young collie,who since her season & ppreganacny,has been a totally changed little bitch,shes "flat" & nervy & just wants to hide all the time, 6 months on shes JUST starting to return to her old self now. of course not all bitches will be like this,but it is just something to be aware of. she will have her bitch spayed this year as she cant bare to put her through it.

well done on your good work with the bitch so far though

I feel she's coming on marvelous - she has no faults re the breed standard her temperament is fine bar the bit of nervousness left in her and she bares the most sort after marking in an Akita - URAJIRO

This is why it annoys me (it wouldn't if I understood WHY) when people say 'oh get her spayed' 'u can't breed from her' - she's got LOADS - more than most pathetic examples I've seen bred - to offer the breed - and I WILL be breeding from her - so long as she keeps coming along fine temperament wise.

Oh an the health checks at a later date too - of course.

I am interested in researching her lines etc - see the pros and cons etc - but she's only one and my dog  near two - so this shows how new I am to it - although I've loved them all my life - and have known breeders for a good while - I've never delved extremely deep into it before bar the past 2 years - surely you've got to start somewhere - I tell you, some people on her must have had their '26 years experience' even before they'd popped out of their mothers' womb!!!

<<<<<<<<I feel she's coming on marvelous - she has no faults re the breed standard her temperament is fine bar the bit of nervousness left in her and she bares the most sort after marking in an Akita - URAJIRO >>>>>>

Lee....a little nervousness means she is not breeding material...your breeder freinds should be telling you that.To breed from a nervous dog is one of the biggest sins IMO.
I'm afraid you show your lack of understanding by this statement too...ALL dogs have faults and until you can recognise and asses her faults you are in no position to breed.
Can I please ask ...the breeders you refer to ? What kind of experience have the had? Do they produce show winning dogs?

Archer

No actually - This place is no place to be - I wouldn't wana bring the breeders I know into this - they'd probably be sl*gged off because their ideas don't match yours or somebody elses!

And by 'faults' - I apologise - I meant major faults ie light bone substance / loose tail / harsh coat - everything about her looks right - at the moment - sure she may have a 'slightly small head' little things like that but I believe u have to wait until they're 3 years old to judge them!

She's in good proportion at the moment that's what I meant - she certainly doesn't look like a German Shepherd - or a tiny akita which u see stolling the streets these days.

And as for 'show winning dogs' - I know this may open new doors...but it doesn't interest me - I don't like it....although I do want to create something great for Akitas ... help out or woteva - surely to become a decent respected breeder u don't need to be interested in goin to the dog show??

I love training tricks and obedience to my dogs but I'm afraid it stops there - I mean no offence to anybody but the thought of running through hoops and jumping over fences just doesn't seem to appeal to me - though my girlfriend is looking into all that, I will not be....

I take it that this is another opinion which is ridiculous an deserves a slating because it doesn't comply with others'

>surely to become a decent respected breeder u don't need to be interested in goin to the dog show??

Whether people show their dogs or not, it's the best place to see good dogs in quantity, and to get an unbiased opinion about potential breeding stock. This is vital, because hopefully everyone thinks their own dogs are the bees knees, and it's incredibly easy to become 'kennel blind'. It's also incredibly difficult to be objective about your own dog. Shows are also where you can see what sort of animals are produced when various bloodlines are crossed - whether one particular stud dog excels in passing on a desired quality without slipping up too badly in other areas.

>I take it that this is another opinion which is ridiculous an deserves a slating because it doesn't comply with others'

Not at all. Everyone has their own opinion.
:)

>she has no faults re the breed standard

She'll be in the big ring on Sunday taking Best in Show, then. Because every single other dog at Crufts will have at least one fault.

See what I mean - you're the exact type of :

'I know more than you - I'll shoot you down' idiot - loser - pathetic - sad fool on here!!!!!!!

This is meant to be a place for chat and advice - I freely admit to knowing not very much - especially about CRUFTS etc - though I like to watch it - I wouldn't like to participate!

If I knew loads - I wouldn't be here asking your help for gods sake - and if I knew loads - and I was here - I wouldn't be acting the bully because I knew more - so sad! :-(  A life is needed here I think....

I've helped a number of people put on this site - not once have I tried to be intimidating and plain nasty because they didn't have the knowledge which they needed and I did

>'I know more than you - I'll shoot you down' idiot - loser - pathetic - sad fool on here!!!!!!!

I would never dream of even thinking such a thing, never mind put it in print - I'm not that sort of judgmental person, I'm afraid. I freely admit I know zilch about Akitas (they're not my type of dog at all), but I'm learning from the experienced people on this thread that they're a very difficult breed to get right, and breeding them has to be approached very cautiously.

I read your post on attending the shows - am I right on thinking you can attend and mingle WITHOUT entering a dog? I would absolutely LOVE to do that - I just wouldn't want to show my dogs to be honest !

I stop people in the street and judge theirs against mine etc - and I do find it difficult to criticise my own - but I DO - I see dogs with better qualities than mine and would be interested in taking 'that better head' into mine or whatever - but I wouldn't begin to think of that - as I know it's FAR more complex than just putting a dog with a huge head and a tight tail together to produce a dog with both qualities :-)

This is why I want to learn the 'bloodlines' side - and from what u just told me about attending shows for this I am very excited about it.....and I thank you for the good advice - and apologise if I offended - but it wasn't directed at you personally....just some people on here seem to be like that - though they may be very knowledgeable - they're certainly not very helpful!!

People have told me I'd encounter a lot of people like this at the shows as well tho - which is also a deterant for me - I just wouldn't be able to control myself - there's nothing worse than wanting something so bad (advice and success) and being denied it - simply because u don't know much!

I phoned a woman in the early stages of finding my first dog - and was basically told to go away - because I diodn't know much about the purchase/standard/lines I should be looking for.....

Yes, dog shows are open for spectators as well as exhibitors. They're an excellent place to go to learn; just hang around the ringside, watch the dogs and eavesdrop on conversations!
:)

That's exactly what my breeder friend told me to do :-)

He was going to take me down on Friday - as the Akita is there then - but he's working and can't make it :-(

I really would want to do something like that - and will

I attend a lot of shows without showing,  I did show my bitch when she was younger to get the opinion of others but I never enjoyed the competitive aspect, I don't think it brings out the best in some people :)  Sometimes I wish shows were different and rather than saying 1st, 2nd, 3rd that a judge just gave their opinion as to the breeding value of a dog and perhaps awarded an honour to especially good examples whether there were 1, 2 or 3 there fitting that catagory, but it could never happen as I know many do enjoy the competition :)  I still attend though as you can never stop learning about a breed.

I always try to remember that the quickest way to the top of the mountain is to start as high as possible! To put that into dog-breeding terms, the quickest way to becoming a successful breeder is to start with as good a specimen as you can possibly afford, and only use the best, most suitable mate. That way you've let other people make the early mistakes in establishing type, so you don't need to repeat them. Like tends to beget like, and it takes many generations to get consistently good results from a less-than-great starting position.
:)

Hi Lee.

OK, some replies have been a bit rude :rolleyes:  but others are simply trying to help.  Things are way overheated so perhaps sit down with a mug of coffee and forget about this thread for a while.  Later sift through it and you will find there is actually some very good advice for you and not only that, it is *well intentioned* advice - not people having a pop at you.
I have several friends with your breed so am fairly familiar with their characteristics etc - but NO WAY an expert ;)  One of my friends has 3 of them, his first was stunningly beautiful, showed lots of promise and had a temperament to die for but never made size.  His second was a beautifully bred puppy - who turned out to be a long coat (serious fault) and his third, and now final Akita was diagnosed with OCD at 6 months :(  All were bred from established and well respected lines by caring and knowledgeable breeders - I only pass this info on to forewarn you that the complexities of breeding are huge for any breed and that your chosen one is not without it's difficulties for those who have owned and studied them for many, many, years.  So, please, for now, go grab a coffee and when you re-read here, keep an open mind.
Regards, Teri :)

I'm super - calm now anyway cheers teri :-)) really - not mad no more!

as rather than bringing up threads from 7 or 8 months ago and basically telling me off - somebody's actually TALKED to me :-)

and offered advice, advice and nothing but advice - not advice mixed with a pop and a telling off!!

I'm sure people must think I'm a right git - coz I've only been on a few times and it's ended in argument all the time :-)

But I really am not all that bad - nor somebody who's just after money - I guess I'm just eager to dive in at the deep end ..... stupidly

are you going to crufts,to watch? ullility day is on friday i think

Yea it's Friday - but I won't be going as I won't be able to get the day off work now - plus I have no transport

But I will be making arrangements to go from now on......

Surely you could get a lift with your breeder friends?

hes just said he cant get the day off work!
sometimes we ALL need to "listen" :) ;)

Theres no such thing as can't. Not when it comes to education.

I suppose there are plenty of breed shows comming up.

Ill have to leave this thread, this kid makes my blood boil.

Talk about THEDARK - that where u just creeped from..??

The breeder I know who lives local doesnt really attend them (I don't know why) - the other does all the time - but as I said above :

That's exactly what my breeder friend told me to do

He was going to take me down on Friday - as the Akita is there then - but he's working and can't make it

Where abouts in the country do you live Lee?  I can tell you when the shows are on nearest to you then.  We are beginning to approach the show season, so you shouldn't have to wait too long before you can get to one.

Sandra

Are all the shows the same as crufts? seperate breed groups etc - as I wouldn't want to attend one with no Akita's ? Not being ignorant haha - I just don't like any other dogs - I'm sure everyone's the same?

:-)

I live in the North West - Liverpool area

im sure wed be able to find you one with ALL atkitas!!!!

Heaven

:-)))

The Championship shows are your best bet, they are in separate groups like Crufts. 

There is Birmingham - Stafford - Friday 7th May for Akita's
Border Union - Kelso - Sat 19th June
Blackpool - Sunday 27th June

For the first half of the year.

Give the Akita Club a ring as they will have the details of the club shows which would be well worth you visiting.
JAPANESE AKITA ASSOC. Sec. Mr Clark. Tel No: 01748 812741 (Number taken from the Kennel Club website)

You may not want to show your dogs, but you will learn a lot about the breed and its standard from visiting the shows and talking to owners.

Sandra

;-)

cheers sandra -

really appreciate the help I'm back learning to drive (again) and hope to have passed my test soon - can't wait - it'll be a new bout of independence for me - I have no transport u see ....

I'll probably get lost like on the way to see the shows :-0

have a look out for other shows - I've learned loads by going to watch and listen, some folk are really keen to talk to newcomers!!!! :)

:-)

what a relief - because from my experience any newcomer who makes the slightest mistake or has the difference of opinion just isn't welcome...

it really is not any wonder that there are so many bad examples to specific breeds out there.....

I show my dogs, but find I have more time to talk, watch, listen and learn when I only go to watch. There are plenty of Champ. shows that you can attend just to watch.

Lee
the only reason I mentioned showing was because it is very hard to understand a breed standard(by which we shouls ALL be breeding) without seeing many dogs and learning what each part means.
I have been showing for 3 years now and and am still elarning.By sitting at the ringside and trying to undersatnd why the odgs are liked or/ disliked it brings the standard to life. When not sure I ask.I also 'eaves drop'...its a great way to learn.After a while you start to build a picture of what a breed 'should' look like and you can then look at your dog and say....could have a shorter loin, would be better with more hind angulation etc etc
You also need to understand movement and angulation...different breeds should move in different ways and require different degrees of angulation.
I can see you are looking to do the best you can....spend the next 12 months researching your breed.Go to shows and talk to people...you may be pleasantly suprised.
Archer

>.I also 'eaves drop'...its a great way to learn.

Try putting OH or an unknown friend by the ringside when you are in there to eavesdrop.  It is a great way of finding out your own dogs virtues and faults LOL

Just wanted to say I have just boarded a nervy Akita and my god I never want to board another!   They can turn in a flash, never any warning.  What happens when you breed a nervous bitch to a bold outgoing dog?  welll just sometimes you get REAL problems.  Think very carefully Lee before adding to the Akita population.
Dawn.