why are people scared of my Pit/Akita mix dog?

Question

My dog is a pitbull/akita mix she isnt big just skinny and medium height and my friends say she looks like a hyena cause of her brindle color and the way she drops her head sometimes when she walks. But when ever i tell them what she is people either back up or leave. sometimes i dont even tell them and they just avoid me and tell me to leash the dog. And to make things worse alot of the time when people try to pet it she snarls or barks at them although she has played with 3yr olds and is really calm. But people are usually scared before they find that out.

The dog is an alpha female. I was told that she was a pack leader of stray dogs in new york before she was rescued.

here is a link to the pics of the dog
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14187253@N02/

Answer 1

that's quite a combination,both breeds are seen as dangerous, but if u can train her to not show the dangerous traits (snarl and bark) some people will except her.but then if my dog snarled and barked at someone i wouldn't trust that person.she's just doing what her breed is supposed to do and that's protect.

Answer 2

Akitas were originally bred as hunting dogs, not fighting dogs. In fact, the breed was nearly wiped out in 19th century Japan when they used them as fighting dogs. Nor are they a "bully" breed - that refers to American Pit Bull Terriers, Am. Staffordshire Terriers, and similar breeds.
"Pit Bulls" are the current breed of choice for those idiots that want a big, bad dog. Before that, it was German Shepherds, then Dobermans, then Rottweilers. Also unfortunately, there are those who are willing to breed for aggression to supply the demand, however, reputable and ethical breeders of all these breeds work to have stable temperaments, and not develop aggressive animals.
Akitas can be very protective, they are also as a breed very dominant dogs. When your dog growls at people, it could be either from fear, or because she feels that she is the alpha and needs to protect you. With Akitas, and generally with mixes, you have to establish yourself as the leader, using very positive, consistent, but firm methods. Obedience training and socialization is a must for this breed, and I suspect the same goes for pit bulls. You should read everything you can find about the structure of dog packs (like it or not, your dog sees you and her as a pack) and the social lives of dogs. There are lots of resources on the web, and a little searching should find a lot. You could begin by going to the AKC's website and looking at the information for both breeds as a start.
Anytime a large dog injures someone, it tends to make the news, and the news is more often than not sensationalized and distorted. This is not to minimize the pain of someone who is attacked, but sometimes people do really stupid things around dogs, and it's not always the dog's fault. If someone is attacked by a cocker spaniel, no one pays attention. And good news about these dogs tend to not make the news - when is the last time you heard a story about an Akita therapy dog, or a pit bull service dog?
It all boils down to being a responsible owner, knowing your dog, and providing the proper training and leadership. Unfortunately, both these breeds have suffered from bad publicity due to bad owners - any breed can be made aggressive if you try. I've met quite a few Akitas over the past couple of years, and a number of pit bulls. The only one that gave me any concern was an abuse case.

Answer 3

Pit Bulls have that reputation unfortunately and Akitas are not far behind them. Both dogs have strong muscular builds and media portrays them as monsters.
That said, if your dog is with you unleashed in public, especially if she has a habit of snarling, you are being a VERY irresponsible dog owner. YOU have the power to make a difference in the public opinion of these dogs. By allowing a dog to snarl and bark at people, UNLEASHED, you are doing either breed no good.

Answer 4

I own Pit Bulls, and foster bully breed dogs for our local shelter... I love these breeds, but I'm not dumb enough to stand there and continue patting a dog that is barking and snarling at me.

Your dog needs training, structure and lots more socialization. I rarely have people back away from my dogs and they are pure bred Pit Bulls. If someone asks to pat them, I put them in a sit or a down-stay and they stay there quietly for attention.

Enlist some friends or neighbors to practise with your dog, have her sit or be in a down to greet new people, fill their pockets with treats so your dog associates strangers with good things. Start socializing her more.

I don't blame people for being afraid of a barking snarling dog, and although stereotypes exist against these breeds most people are receptive to a quiet, well-trained, and well-behaved dog.

Answer 5

Those People are just naive or ignorant one or the other about the breeds.
I know that both the Akita & pitbulls
were originally bred for fighting. But I believe any breed can make a good pet with the proper training & socialization.

Edit: you sir need to leash your dog when in public!

Answer 6

If the people that are trying to pet her are strangers that is just ignorant. My kids even know you NEVER pet a dog you don't know. If you have her in public you should have her leashed though. I'm not saying she is mean, but just to cover her and yourself! I too have people act that way around my dog, even though he does not show aggression, but because of his breed ( Am Staff/Rotti). He is around kids All the time, including my 3 and their friends. Dogs sense fear from people and that may be why she snarls. Good Luck with her though.

Answer 7

People are scared cause she's a mix of two dogs with possibly the worst reps going. And anyone with a brain backs away from a snarling, barking dog.

Answer 8

Pit Bulls and Pit Bull crosses are banned in England you can go to prison for owning one. I think the fact that she snarls or barks is probably something to do with peoples fear also someone who knows dogs may be concerned by her body language.

Answer 9

I think so. I was debating on getting an alarm system for my house last week and decided to get a Doberman instead! Actually, I've wanted a big dog for the longest time after growing up with toy poodles. He is going to get really big, probably 75-100 pounds easy. I would say to go ahead and adopt him. He will deter anyone trying to get into your house, I just know it.

Answer 10

Pit/Akita mix dogs have a bad reputation ...news stories of people young and old being mauled to death by them . Insurance company's will drop your insurance on your home if they find you have one.... they are know to be vicious attacking people and if your dog snarls and barks it really doest put peoples mind at ease around your dog ....they think he/she is going in for the kill .

Answer 11

Both a pit and an akita are fighting dogs. Both are good guard dogs. It would be normal to be uneasy around a strange dog (strange to them) of those breeds. Its not like its a Chilhuahua/Beagle mix or something.