WEENIE, WEENIE, WEENIE
Actually, I don't think I would have done it unless I KNEW ABSOLUTELY that the Akita would like it. Some dogs just don't know what fun is. For others, it is a great game, trying to pounce on and bite at a stream of water, on a hot day it is even better than a kid tossing a ball or frisbee.
Hunting is a completely different thing than shooting a dog, even if it is just a water gun.
I don't think you will have any problem shooting a deer (unless you've watched Bambi too many times) as long as you can keep the adreniline rush, shakes, heart rate and breathing increases that often accompany one's first time under control. Nah, when that big buck strolls into range, completely unaware that there is a human in the area, I bet you won't even be able to hold that darn heavy old Enfield steady, forget to take the safety off, and almost straighten out the curve in the trigger trying to pull it as your sights wobble back and forth across the length of his body.
When you do get off the first shot - which will go about five feet wide, you will short stroke the bolt and jam up your rifle, accidently drop the mag and lose it while trying to clear the jam, all the while the buck is standing there wondering what is going on until he hears you swearing up a storm and disappears into the trees. After this happens you will either give up in disgust, or become totally addicted. (Been there, done that, anybody that says they haven't is either a better man than me, or a liar, I vote for liar) Nope, the deer don't have much to fear.
Sounds like I missed a lot of fun.
bergie