We almost nicknamed our current male 'Dozer'. It would have been appropriate. It amazes me how much dirt a motivated Akita can move in less than a minute. And I firmly believe that they just plain do it for FUN a lot of times.
Just teach him to dig in appropriate places. I teach my dogs early that digging is OK, but NOT near the fence. Digging to get out is swiftly punished (and yes they remember digging that hole this morning when you show it to them) and digging in the middle of the yard is tolerated to slightly praised (if you are teaching the difference).
The trick with an Akita (most dogs really, imo) is to show them what you want of them. All an Akita really wants to do is to please you(and maybe kill a few dogs) and it is up to you (the suppossedly smart one, to teach them exactly what that is.
Posted on Jul 13 1999, 10:11 AM
Digging objectives
It took me a couple of years to figure out that my current Akitas like to dig for ground dwelling beetles. I guess they emit an odor that is interesting.
And they like to dig over the septic tank (go figure).
Fence digging
Well, SOME dogs will respond to training. My current pair don't dig at the fence because I worked them a lot young. Caught them digging a few times (watch for a pattern of when they dig. there is always a pattern) and hollered NO. Praised them when they moved away from hole. Then led them back to the hole (no verbal commands here), and said no again (softer, just so they get it). This will also work (sometimes) when the hole isnt freshly dug. BS to those who think a dog doesnt remember digging that hole this morning. They know (use a videotape if you have 2 dogs to pinpoint the culprit).
But my 1st 2 , well, they dug to try and get at the neighbors animals. So I burid cinder blocks under 8" of dirt. She dug those up like they were pebbles (i watched, it was impressive. wish i had it on tape.). So then i placed steel pipe thru the cinder blocks, placed 1' from the reinforced wood fence all around the perimeter, even cementing weak spots so the whole thing acted as one unit. That way if they wanted out, they'd have to start digging several feet from the fence and dig a tunnel. And , of course, Akitas dont think in curves. Straight lines to kill another dog is the way that brain works.
Admittedly this was overkill, but it DID work 100%
. An electric fence will knock you flat on your face if you raise up into one.
Plus, a canine's blood has more salt or something that conducts the electricity better and they feel a bigger jolt than us humans do.
I like electric fences, but they do hurt.
(remember to bury the blocks and pack the earth to slow your Akita down at least a little)
Posted on Jul 15 1999, 5:04 PM
I never got into one that I considered low amperage. My first experience was scooting under one while hunting with my dad. I lifted up too quick and next thing I knew, I was flat on my stomach. All this thru heavy winter clothing, including a coat. Still missing that 1/2 second of my life, but I vividly remember that the next 1/2 second was painful. That episode has stayed with me 30+ years.
I have seen a malamute puppy on an electric fence, and it appeared that the current stuck him to the wire(this can happen too if a human grabs a wire. always test a fence with the back of your hand or better yet talk your buddy into doing it). Owner had to kick the pup off (it was the right move).