[sandy]

I had an aga years ago, lovely it was, when we moved I popped into the aga shop in Glasgow (they had to unlock the door) and nearly fainted at the prices of the frying pans...talk about an arm and a leg!!!! I bought some budget ones from Aldi and they are still going strong, but an AGA!!! love one again....

[Wizard]

If wishes were horses even peasants would ride and I would have the ultimate kitchen tool an AGA

[doganjo]

Just come online so didn't see messages till now, and am looking forward to lunch with you two! See you in about an hour

[Wizard]

Hey up you 3 I'm all hungry now I shall have to make Kath and I something nice it's peeing with rain I have the room lights on so I can see the Saitek.Wot a rotten day but there is no snow any where now here in Gy I've been up town with my friend Pete.What about Pot roast pheasant with smoked bacon and cream from Mat Tebbuts Cooks Country.Shall I post the recipe tell me.

[sagehen]

So Annie, you wouldn't recommend Akitas then? This one is from a rescue centre, so no chance of seeing any of the parents. I know they're guarding dogs, as are others like rottweilers, but they still make good family pets though, don't they?

[Wizard]

Not really into dogs they always seem to want to bite me.Is it they know there is a bone inside there?

[smiffy]

we have an akita and he is great with our kids all older teenagers, however if any other kids come to the house i put him in the cattle trailer. Very loyal and would protect his own family, but i would not trust him with anyone else!! You must be firm with an akita, however never hard or cruel, they have a funny tempremant, and need to be dominated or they will take over the household.

I love great danes, but the tails are like whips!!!!

[sagehen]

Cheers for that smiffy. We haven't got a lot of kids coming round to ours, but there's always a few, so that needs thinking about. Maybe I won't go for one, but I hate the idea of not considering a dog just because of their breed, if you see what I mean, although I realise dogs were bred for different jobs. Back to the drawing board then - at this rate I'll end up with something like a poodle or a bichon frise or something 

[doganjo]

But that is the PRIME reason  for choosing any dog!!!  You must choose the breed attributes that suit your lifestyle!  Check the KC website for information on all breeds in the UK.  http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2102

[smiffy]

sagehen, they are a wonderfull dog, but like all gaurd/working dogs they need handling with respect, i just ensure no accidents can happen by keeping him out of the way!! our other dog is a rotty x german shepherd, he has been fantastic, but again i am always aware of his breeding. he is nearly 16 now and doesnt do much, the highlight of his day is running up the side of the fence when the posty comes, then he has to sleep for the rest of the day!!!
dont be put off akitas, they are very intelligent, ours can open doors both inwards and outwards, hence i put him in the trailer as he cant get out. they are loyal and loving, and trained well make super pets. just ensure it is well socialised with other dogs and humans, also if male castrate as early as possible.

[doganjo]

I wouldn't have one for a pension!  Give me a nice gentle gundog anyday! At least I know my grandchildren are fairly safe with them. jmho

[sandy]

Akita's are very similar to Inuit dogs, I had a cousin who had sledge dogs when he lived with the Inuit and he said they are so loyal they will protect their pack, e.g family, but ANY other threat, they will kill, he lost ALL his 35 other dogs to one lead dog but would happily trust him with children.
Akita's have not been bread as family pets for so long as other dogs so still have a wild strain but I do believe any good trainer with a strong personality could train and socialise most dogs but just a bit harder work. We had an German Shephard and I never fully trusted her with other people, she never did bite but she also was protective of her pack and territory, we were careful not to let he get dominant as with any bread of dog....Just weigh up  your options, they are stunning to look at and will protect your family, after several different breeds I have gone back to the good old Lab.....a bit like me, tolerant of loads but can be tough if needed

[smiffy]

our smallest dog rules the pack!!!! not really sure what she is, but she snavels and the big dogs run for cover!!!

[doganjo]

One of Sandy's black lab puppies maybe   Only joking - no offence to either pig or dogs

[smiffy]

One of Sandy's black lab puppies maybe   Only joking - no offence to either pig or dogs