What does my mixed akita/mutt get aggressive toward young children under 7

You'll also want to avoid any situation where you feel that you must jerk her around with a leash when children are present. A Gentle Leader will help you to control your dog, and they come with directions on a DVD so that you'll fit it properly for your dog. A head harness gives you much better control, which you sorely need. Take a pouch full of treats with you and practice keeping her at your side, and rewarding her heavily for staying with you and looking at you.

Please treat your dog with kindness, and be fair. You must manage this situation and you must keep children away. Please seek the help of a positive, reward-based trainer and do not use punishment (hitting your dog, using a shock collar, etc are NOT appropriate responses to this). Thanks for listening and good luck.

The Akita is very aggressive to other dogs and animals and should therefore never be allowed to run off its lead around other animals. It should definitely be supervised with other household pets and children. Although the breed may tolerate and be good with children from his own family, he may not accept other children. If teased, Akita's may bite. Children must be taught to treat these dogs with kindness. This breed can be very food-possessive and willful. They are capable of ferocity, but with firm training, can make a fine pet. Obedience training requires patience, as these dogs tend to get bored quickly. The Akita needs to be with its family. It vocalizes with many interesting sounds, but it is not an excessive barker.