[Gidzmo]

I have some questions re: my brother's 7-year-old Akita, Kiyi.

Kiyi's been with us for several years (he was only supposed to be with us for a few months). Since then, I have been buying his food, his shots and his license. Right now, even though I've bathed him, it wasn't a week before he needed another bath (northern-breed dog in a southern climate). My brother occasionally paid attention to him.

Now my brother's claiming he's suddenly allergic to Kiyi. But I've been taking care of him, even though I'm also allergic to him (and I've known about my allergy for several years before Kiyi came). My brother CLAIMS that he'll pay me back for Kiyi's care and that he'll eventually take him to his place.

My thoughts after all this time: Yeah, right!

Am I being unreasonable in thinking that my brother should contribute something to Kiyi's care? Or should I just deal with it?

[Lostime]

....He should do his deal and pay up! No you are not expecting to much of him.

in an ideal world...yeah he should pay & contribute for HIS dog & thank you for it. & an akita no less..they certainly are not tiny little dogs.

honestly..if you have been taking care of him for a while & no money has come forth yet..do i think you will see any in the future? ah probably not...

what i would do is draw up a budget showing what you spend on the dog...food, vet care, lic. etc & send it to him...show him what the yearly/monthly costs are...

a large dog like an akita will begin to need more vet care as it ages..so really if he is on board with wanting to help out that is great since that will be a need.

maybe suggest that for now he can send gift cards for where you buy dog food (like petco/petsmart or where ever) or send $$ to your vet so you have credit ahead of time for shots vet care...

this way you are kind of pushing the issue somewhat...chances are if it has been years you are more than likely never going to see any $$ & he is just feeling maybe a little guilt..

as for the bath thing..well ya know...ya really can't hold that over anyone's heads...dogs & kids get dirty. maybe try baby wipes or brushing between things...l that's one of the "joys" of dog ownership...some breeds just needs it more than others

if it is more of a smell issue..it might be the food you are using...sometimes a lower quality food can result in an odor on the coat....changing to a higher quality one might help with that.

& as a bit of trivia..helen keller owned the 1st akita in the us..it was a gift from japan.

good luck.

stumpy

[Gidzmo]

He already knows that Kiyi's due for his license renewal (since my brother never had him neutered, it's $53.00).

I also have let him know on a few occasions about the food. "I'll pay you when I get the money"--which, with his child support, back bills, and his girlfriend not working....
Yeah, you're right, it may be a while--if ever.

I ask my brother for help when it comes to walking Kiyi. His response is that I should watch "The Dog Whisperer".

[Fresia]

It sounds like in name, it is his dog but in every other way, the dog is yours. From what I have read, your brother keeps doing less and less to contribute while taking even less responsibility for what is supposedly his dog and making it even more your dog in the process. As far I can tell, he's your dog, that your brother has given you to at one point thinking he might take it back but there is nothing in what you have written that gives any indication he'll be responsible and can take the dog back.

I would evaluate if you want the dog for yourself and if you do, have a talk with him about it instead of having to go back and forth all of the time over who is doing what, with whatever. Save yourself this. So you can make decisions about the dog for yourself if you want him. Your brother can come visit etc but a decision needs to be made for all involved, everyone's well being.

Akita's are lovely, I miss mine, great pets. I hope you will find some closure so you can enjoy the dog without all the strings that came attached with him, so you can just enjoy the dog.

[Gidzmo]

Originally Posted by Fresia

I would evaluate if you want the dog for yourself and if you do, have a talk with him about it instead of having to go back and forth all of the time over who is doing what, with whatever. Save yourself this. So you can make decisions about the dog for yourself if you want him. Your brother can come visit etc but a decision needs to be made for all involved, everyone's well being.

Funny thing about Kiyi is that he still loves my brother, even though he's hardly ever around. But the dog knows who feeds him and cares for him....

I'm the only one who talks to my brother about the dog. And I've hardly done so this year. I've pretty much figured that Kiyi will end his days here. I'll just have to work with him on the walking, as he does pull me along..... Other than that, he's incredibly good-natured--but fiercely protective.

[Fresia]

Dogs are so loving, their devotion is endless. They don't know about the discussions that go on, of course, but do appreciate the one who feeds, interacts, and engages with them usually more as you have seen, fitting right in. Some bonds will never be broken no matter where they are, spanning great lengths of time, even without frequent contact.

It would be nice if your brother could contribute to Kiya's care, but it does not appear it's going to happen. In the meantime, enjoy the lovely member of the family.

[Gidzmo]

Originally Posted by Fresia

Dogs are so loving, their devotion is endless. They don't know about the discussions that go on, of course, but do appreciate the one who feeds, interacts, and engages with them usually more as you have seen, fitting right in.

Oh, yes--Kiyi does "tell" me every day about his appreciation. He licks my hand when I let him in, and he's overjoyed when I feed him (it's ALL about the food!).

Now if I can learn to walk him without him pulling me.....

[Fresia]

Always love the kisses.

I know how much fun pulling can be. The type of collar can make a difference, not sure what you are using but real quick though, this website had some good tips in the meantime:

http://dogs.about.com/od/dogtraining...h_training.htm

Don't hesitate to to PM me too, glad to help!!!

martingales are good...but with something like an akita you might want a training course. a martingale won't act the same way as a "choke" collar or a "prong" collar...it's meant to give a gentle correction & to help keep the dog's head from slipping out of the collar..

akita's are big strong guys. what isn't helping your cause is that he is intact too. he feels he is king of the world.

you can work with him using the "nothing in life is free" method. want to go out..gotta sit. want to eat..gotta sit or lay down etc. go for wlk..same thing. remind him that he isn't large & in charge.

enroll him in a class..some county parks offer them..look around see what is available. with an older intact male you need something better than a collar at this point..

they do sell no pull harnesses..which might be a good start.

i don't mean to imply he is a vicious dog but that he is huge more than likely...& that in itself can be a problem if he decides it si time to go one way & you not so much. plus with hormones...that is a whole 'nudder issue....

stumpy

[madisgram]

Originally Posted by Gidzmo

He already knows that Kiyi's due for his license renewal (since my brother never had him neutered, it's $53.00).

I also have let him know on a few occasions about the food. "I'll pay you when I get the money"--which, with his child support, back bills, and his girlfriend not working....
Yeah, you're right, it may be a while--if ever.

I ask my brother for help when it comes to walking Kiyi. His response is that I should watch "The Dog Whisperer".

imo this dog is yours. if you want to be it's owner so your heart won't be broken later, i'd request this from your brother. the dog is not his in the literal sense anyway.

[madisgram]

akitas
Hypothyroid disease affects 70% of the breed; however, it is treated by twice daily hormone replacement therapy. A blood test, including T3 and T4 thyroid levels will determine the existence of the condition. The symptoms include skin and coat problems, sudden onset aggressive behavior, itching, lethargy, musky odor, and many more.
and another site
Akitas like all Spitz breeds have a thick double coat that is supposed to be easy to maintain but often is the exact opposite.
The first thing that jumps out at me, Patricia is your last sentence “she is often really doggie smelling too”. Although the Spitz breeds have a thick coat, they are known for their lack of doggy smell as their skin does not tend to release as much oil as a shorter or thinner haired dog. If she has a strong doggie odor, there may be some underlying condition that needs to be addressed such as food allergies that is causing her to produce more oil then is normal for her breed. Have a look between her toes and around her pads as well as in her ears.

thyroid meds aren't too expensive either..i had a chessie on them & it wasn't too costly..plus you can have your vet write the script & then go to a regular drug store to fill it..much much cheaper...

sometimes also the food itself can cause the smell..with hounds crappy food can cause the smell...altho hounds have a slightly oily coat to begin with as it helps them in their original function of hunting but some foods make their coat oilier & smellier. good quality food can almost eradicate this.

there are sites on line that rate dog foods..i have one stored someplace on my computer & can dig it out for you if you want...

stumpy

[Gidzmo]

Originally Posted by stumpy

thyroid meds aren't too expensive either..i had a chessie on them & it wasn't too costly..plus you can have your vet write the script & then go to a regular drug store to fill it..much much cheaper...

sometimes also the food itself can cause the smell..with hounds crappy food can cause the smell...altho hounds have a slightly oily coat to begin with as it helps them in their original function of hunting but some foods make their coat oilier & smellier. good quality food can almost eradicate this.

there are sites on line that rate dog foods..i have one stored someplace on my computer & can dig it out for you if you want...

:-) As long as I've been buying food for Kiyi, he's had either Pedigree or Beneful dry food. On weekends, he gets canned food (usually Pedigree, but found Iams on sale recently).

Kiyi already figures I'm one of his humans....at least I'm the human who provides the food!

those are both low quality foods..sorry..it is like eating capt crunch with out the benefit of the nutrition of milk...

that could be why his coat smells & is oily. chances are with a good food his thyroid will be just fine.

look for a food with the 1st ingredient is a protein (lamb, chicken, fish, duck, venison, etc) prferably not a by product. not corn, rice etc. dogs have a hard time digestion the corn & tend to poop it out. on most dog food ratings beneful is rated about a 10/100 if even that. & pedigree isn't much better.

with a large breed dog such as akita you want a good quality dog food...

you can check out the whole dog journal site or even just search "dog food ratings"

but really get a good quality food for him...it will help some some of the behavioral issues...it's like feeding a kid pure sugar...it makes them hyper..plus weight gain issues.

stumpy

[Gidzmo]

Originally Posted by stumpy

those are both low quality foods..sorry..it is like eating capt crunch with out the benefit of the nutrition of milk...

that could be why his coat smells & is oily. chances are with a good food his thyroid will be just fine.

look for a food with the 1st ingredient is a protein (lamb, chicken, fish, duck, venison, etc) prferably not a by product. not corn, rice etc. dogs have a hard time digestion the corn & tend to poop it out. on most dog food ratings beneful is rated about a 10/100 if even that. & pedigree isn't much better.

with a large breed dog such as akita you want a good quality dog food...

you can check out the whole dog journal site or even just search "dog food ratings"

Behavior hasn't been a problem with Kiyi, except when it comes to walks. He wants to check out everything, and I'm just along for the ride.

His coat isn't oily-feeling, but we've been giving him the fishoil capsules. Also trying Dinovite--try getting that stuff out of the tube when it's cold out.

I just tried giving Kiyi a bath (multitasking--my shower and his bath). Found out that he's not fooled by a treat in the shower....he trounced on both of my feet as he headed to the garage!

sorry my bad..i thought i recalled you saying he had a doggy smell...& an oily coat..(i am on a couple of forums..sometimes they run together)...

either way..those foods aren't real high quality...you feed a better food you won't have to worry about supplements...& he will poop less since he will be using all of the ingrediants & not pooping them out..you don't have to spned a fortune to get a quality food..there are plenty of mid level foods that are good.

he's a big guy...you want the best that will support his bone & muscle structure & offer him the best quality of life health wise.

you are a brave soul...bathing an akita in the tub with you. i am impressed. try an old basset trick...peanut butter on the tub wall...keeps them busy...might work for an akita...most bassets would sell their stumpy souls for the stuff...akita's??? don't know..but it is worth a shot. you smear it on the tub wall & it keep them occupied while you do your bit..or look for a self serve dog wash place..those things are great...i used to take a friend's 140 lb rottie to one.

stumpy

[itsuno]

ask that you should get paid for the money he owes, if he refuse then tell him that from then and onward that Kiyi should be given to you, as either you keep him or find a new home where he is loved

let a friend watch Kiyi and hide anything Kiyi uses in your home, now test your feelings for your brother and say that you gave Kiyi away. watch your brothers reactions, those are proofs that he either loves Kiyi, wants your money, really cant handle Kiyi or cannot pay. from there have a talk with him and hopefully you will find what is the best solution for Kiyi, you and your brother

animals will mostly be drawn to those who love them the highest (who doesn't want to be loved) so maybe that is the reason why Kiyi seems to want to be with your brother

they also tend to become really really happy when they haven't seen someone for very long time, this can be changed by isolation (not prison isolation, but just doing ones regular stuff, not letting the previous owner meet the dog)

[Gidzmo]

Originally Posted by itsuno

ask that you should get paid for the money he owes, if he refuse then tell him that from then and onward that Kiyi should be given to you, as either you keep him or find a new home where he is loved

they also tend to become really really happy when they haven't seen someone for very long time, this can be changed by isolation (not prison isolation, but just doing ones regular stuff, not letting the previous owner meet the dog)

Kiyi loves me because I bring the food.

He was a gift to my brother from a previous girlfriend. Kiyi was just a pup then; my brother was his first human. Might explain why Kiyi goes nuts when my brother comes after an extended absence.

Found something that might help his flea situation (besides fish oil): brewer's yeast/garlic tablets. Unlike other pills (that I have to cover with peanut butter), Kiyi cheerfully gobbled down 10 of these!

Kiyi eats funny things--he doesn't mind eating what my birds toss out of their cage. He also likes noshing on koi fish food (we have a small bucket of this near the back door).