My husband and I regularly dogsit my neighbor's akita, Jake. In January, my neighbor will be deployed to Kuwait for four months, and he asked if we could take care of Jake for him. Jake is the best akita I've ever met in regard to temperament. He has absolutely no aggression towards strangers, has wonderful manners, and loves playing with Zeus. The problem: Jake HATES cats. He has even killed one in the past. We have two cats, and I do not want to risk them around Jake.
When we watched Jake before, it was only for a couple of days. He was always kept at my neighbor's house or out in the yard. But I'd feel horrible leaving a dog outside or alone in an empty house for 4 months. My neighbor is heartbroken at the idea of leaving his dog, and he said that he doesn't trust anyone but us to dogsit his baby.
Any ideas? Would it be all right to leave Jake strictly outdoors for 4 months? Or should I try teaching Jake to tolerate cats? I figure I have a couple of months before this happens, so I have time to think.
When we watched Jake before, it was only for a couple of days. He was always kept at my neighbor's house or out in the yard. But I'd feel horrible leaving a dog outside or alone in an empty house for 4 months. My neighbor is heartbroken at the idea of leaving his dog, and he said that he doesn't trust anyone but us to dogsit his baby.
Any ideas? Would it be all right to leave Jake strictly outdoors for 4 months? Or should I try teaching Jake to tolerate cats? I figure I have a couple of months before this happens, so I have time to think.