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I don't own an akita but I do know of someone who has owned many akitas over the years and was very adamant that akitas should never be let off leash at parks.  They just don't get along with most dogs.  Shoda is now in adolescence so you may not be able to have him off leash anymore but that doesn't mean he can't met dogs on walks as long as he is under control and comfortable.

Some of your problems may be because he is intact but most of your problems are still going to be there even after you neuter him. 

Your relationship with Shoda should be based on respect.  If you don't treat him with respect he most certainly isn't going to respect you.  Do you have a command for when he's blocking the door way and you'd like to pass?  "Excuse me" is what most people use(I say "look out", myself.)  The best way to get him out of your way whether he's blocking the hallway or laying in front of the fridge is to teach him commands than to physically remove him.  Does he have a command to get him to stand from a lying down position?  That one's always useful around here when someone is lying in front of the fridge.

Around here my dogs rarely get "disciplined".  I never understand what people mean when they use that word.  To me it means getting yelled at or hit or dragged into the crate for a time out.  If you can give more examples of specific problems maybe we can be of more help to suggest ideas.  For example: if my dog is barking in my face while I'm lying on the couch watching T.V. I either get up and walk away into another room and close the door behind me or I may give me the "quiet" command that he already knows and ask him to lie "down". 

If he's growling at you when you pet him then he's probably getting pet too much.  He's demanding to be petted.  Ignore him.  If you want to pet him call him over and ask him to sit before pet him.  I would cut down on the petting if you think you are doing it too much.  You can also use it as a reward for obeying a command.

As far as barking and snarling at your friends when you're not around that seems like a pretty normal guarding behaviour.  I don't think it's wise for your friends to be walking into your house without you there.  Someone could get hurt!

This age is sooooo tough but if you stick to it, keeping respect and manners in mind when teaching Shoda you WILL get through it.  I always have a tough time through adolescence until about 18-19 months when it just seems to click for the both of us.

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Interesting about how they are made.  Too bad they didn't explain though why they are so damn expensive.    

My obedience instructor calls them d*ck sticks.

Sorry to hear of your troubles with Sophie.  She may be showing signs of insecurity and needs some confidence building.  Do you take her out on her own to socialize?

I just dealt with this exact same thing with my Bosco who is now a year old.  He was barking and growling at other dogs around the neighbourhood(not in class or the park-??) after some not so pleasant experiences and who knows what else and why.  We started desensitizing at far distances.  Every time I thought we was going to react I shoved treats in his face.  If he did react before I could catch him I would either turn around and walk away or I pulled up slightly with the gentle leader and he'd settle and sit and I'd start treating him.  It took a few months but wow, what an improvement.  I also had to tell myself to relax, be calm and have a loose leash as I'm sure I contributed to his craziness.  He has also learned to watch me when he sees another dog on our walks.

I would be careful with the prong collar in that it *may* make fear based behaviour worse.

All of these management/training collars have their safety issues.  If you can have two hands on the leash and only giving her enough leash to walk beside you...like two feet of loose leash...the less likely she'll be able to lunge forward and take off dragging you behind. 

By the way...I have one of those newer designed Gentle Leaders.  Love it.

Good luck!!

Does your bag of Canidae that's making her sick have the old ingredient list or the now updated one?

Wow, I had no idea eating a high quality cat food could be a medical emergency.  Anyone have any info I can read up on?  I don't see a big enough difference between the evo cat and dog food that could cause a concern especially in regards to sodium.  Would like to know more....

Hope Tipper is feeling better.

Too cute.  Are you sure he isn't part leonberger???  Maybe he's been hanging out with Kate too much.