finally!!!! another akita owner! i have two, a purebred 140 lb akita male, and a 75lb female akita / chow mix. crating is a really good idea. when they start to get older and they get bored you can really get a lot of household damage until they mature some and learn that it's not ok to eat the floor... and walls... and doors / door frames... etc. not to mention it's just safer for them because it keeps them away from everything they're not supposed to eat, like wires, chemicals, small objects, etc. personally, i'd recommend to NEVER leave your dog outside unattended. because of axle's big size and "vicious" look (don't ask, a lot of people say he just looks mean at first) teenagers and other kids (even some adults) have one of two reactions if they've never been around big dogs. either they will be scared of them, which can cause your dog to be very nervous around kids OR they will be mean to them, just because they can. we've had a few instances where teenage kids have thrown stones, hit axle with PVC / metal pipes, etc when the kids had never even met axle. axle had never been mean to them, barked at them, nothing until they started the harassment and he turned very mean towards them. axle is normally very very child friendly, and people friend, except after the incidence to the particular group of kids that did this. this has also caused him to be very scared / hateful towards a particular race of teenage kids. i agree with everyone on socializing. akita's have the ability to be a very difficult dog to work with (i'm sure you've noticed how stubborn your girl is, if not you will very soon) when they're scared, improperly trained, or when they know they can run all over you because you don't show leadership over them. i'd love to see pics of your girl, akita's are really great dogs, and even better companions / family members!
p.s.- here's a pic of axle at 3 1/2 months and one of him today at 140lbs, and 32" at the shoulder.