Akita attacked my collie-need advice!

[MFGUSA * SNA * (714) 434-2086]

My 2 and a half year old female collie was bit by a 3 year old female
akita that lives next door. We live in a gated community apt. complex.
The incident which happened last week, was a shock to the owners. Lassie,
was a few feet in front of me as we were going for our walk when the akita
saw her, and bolted through their locked screen door and attacked her.
Lassie never fought back. She just tried to get away. Fortunately the owner
bolted out after her quickly enough that she was only able to get in one
good bite.

Since neither dog is litter box trained (and probably never will be) it is
necessary that we take them out for their walks. Last night, we met with
one of the owners and the akita. The dog weighs as much as her and if it
tries to bolt toward another dog, it is questionable whether she will be
able to restrain the dog. Last night she almost lost the dog but managed to
hang onto her till we got well out of sight, but not without a REAL FIGHT!!
Lassie is a very sweet, friendly natured dog and appears to have no fear of
this dog even after her attack. This concerns me. The akita is fine with
people but does not like other dogs and cannot be taken out of their apt.
unless held by the owners on chains.

Does anyone have any suggestions how I can chase the other dog off (short
of using mace or something like that) should she break away from the owner?
I don't want to do any permanent damage to the akita, just want to disable
her till I get my dog back in the house or out of sight. Also, I heard mace
is only effective if your upwind from your target.

Also, it concerns me that Lassie does not seem to have any fear of this
dog. Does anybody have any idea as to why she doesn't seem to realize this
dog (or any other dog for that matter) would harm her?

Appreciate any advice with this. I can be reached directly at:
"bever...@sfov1.verifone.com"

Thanks!
Beverly

[Patricia W crowe]

mace does not work on dogs, as dogs cannot cry. Pepper spray does
work on dogs, so if you do resort to something make it pepper spray.
Will the akita listen if you yell its name, NO, and stare at it?
If not, when the dog attacks, go behind it and life its hind legs
straight up in the air. Or carry a walking cane.
Maybe you should talk the owners into serious obedience work with
the akita. I know how annoying it is to walk a friendly dog and encounter
those that are not. At least the akita is on lead.