I have an Akita that I got as a rescue at appx. 3 months old. Being a questionable breed as it is, and not knowing the parents, we were very diligent about socializing her. We have kids, so we took her to every soccer and baseball game and practice. Of course the kids all mobbed us! We brought small treats that we gave to the kids to give her. Now she loves kids!

Akitas are also known to be dog-aggressive. We took her to the dog park as soon as we were able (shots completed). We try to go a couple times a month. She is now 2 1/2 and we have never had a problem with her and other dogs.

She has also been to several obedience classes where she is exposed to dogs and people. She will still bark at most men, but after a few minutes she will come to sniff them and then she's their best friend.

I am a HUGE advocate for early socialization for any breed, but especially for those with a bad reputation. Socialization goes a long way in improving the image of some breeds.