other dogs? In the future, if I can afford it, I would like to hire a trainer to work one-on-one with her to help keep things consistent. The Akita dog breed is the largest of all the Japanese breeds and was originally bred in the province of Akita in the 1600s. Friend is a first-time dog owner with an Akita Inu He got it as a puppy when it was 6 weeks old around end of April. I would snort when people said certain breeds had stronger instincts or were more 'primal'. I think we just lucked out with that. Training Your American Akita. children? Physically powerful, reserved with strangers, and protective, the Akita Inu must be accustomed to people at an early age so that his guarding instincts remain controlled rather than indiscriminate. Akita puppy development, from birth to full physical and social maturity, typically spans from 18-24 months. More traits and characteristics of the Akita Inu. In 1931, the government of Japan declared the Akita breed to be a national monument and one of Japan's national treasures. Japan’s history and culture is complex and rich, and the Akita has developed along with it. Keller wrote in the Akita Journal: If ever there was an angel in fur, it was Kamikaze. They require a strict, experienced owner. This may mean having to wait for a dog, or choose a different breed first. Got him because we moved away and my stepdaughter was away from everything she knew. I have an American Akita and he's my first. Akita Training and Puppy Training, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books Dog training is much less about the teaching of commands and much more about how you live with your dog. I’ve seen many people very thankful for their first dog being an Akita. Thomas Boyd is credited with producing the first Akita stud to sire puppies in the U.S., starting in 1956. At one time, Akita ownership was restricted to the Imperial family and the ruling aristocracy. She just wants to love everyone she meets and be their best friend (not typical for an akita) she did not get the aloof personality. Frankly, most Akitas are "too much dog" for the average household. The earliest generations of the Akita can be traced back to the 1600s’ and, like several other Asian dog breeds, was often associated with royalty. dogs deserve a piece of property to run around on. He measures 24 to 28 inches tall and weighs between 70 and 130 pounds.A pooch over the weight of 100 pounds is considered to be a giant-sized dog. Pros of owning an Akita include the dog's intimidating appearance combined with confident and bold temperament that makes this breed an excellent guard dog. See All of Michele's Best-Selling Dog Books, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, Homemade Dog Food Delivered To Your House, Puppy Training Schedule: What To Teach, and When, Solve Behavior Problems By Teaching Your Dog To Respect You, Is large, rugged, and powerful, with a wolf-like appearance, Has a thick coat that comes in many colors and patterns, Carries himself with a dignified, impressive presence, Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent, Despite his size, doesn't need a great deal of exercise, Doesn't bark much – the "strong and silent" type, Potential aggression toward people when not socialized properly, Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge, Possessiveness of food – children and other animals should not be allowed near an Akita who is eating, Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits), You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an, If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the, Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by. Typically the male Akita is substantially larger than the female. thanks :) i stated that in my post. Keller is credited with having introduced the Akita to the United States through these two dogs. I also teach my kids how to be around a puppy and what to do and not do. My first Akita was Bogey, just a great dog. Akita Inu is an excellent guard dog and can be quiet protective when it comes to guarding his or her own family. You will need a yard for the dog to run around in, various types of toys to tire them out (mentally ones too), and of course need to look into what to do about their fur --- shedders. At 3, he is now happy to sack out in the house most of the day and can cope if he is unable to have a walk for a few days (eg. His role as a homestead guardian fully emerged in the late 1700s, when famine led to increased crime. My little puppers is amazing and the trainer I take him to has repeatedly stated he is terrific, confident, and extremely polite with other people and dogs during class time and socializition sessions. If you have small children, I do not recommend an Akita Inu. However, talking with Akita owners, veterinarians and general experts in this particular breed will offer their own opinion on whether this breed is the right dog for you. They have a double layer coat, that helped them to survive the cold and harsh winters of the upper reaches of Japan and there robust body helps them to easily scale the snow covered mountains. I never used to think breed made a difference, other than physically, that it was otherwise training that impacted a dogs personality and instincts. The Akita Inu is handsome, calm, dignified, clean (easy to housebreak), and quiet (seldom barks). Most people lack the skills necessary to manage this breed. They are very stubborn and resistant to commands. The tail is curled and carried over the back, which serves to balance with the dog's head. She was very popular in Japan, in fact, she was so popular that the Japanese people considered her a saint. He is polite on lead, particularly in crowded spaces like markets, and does well most of the time at the dog park. I also think it would have been more fair to him, as he is blatantly happier and more at home when we visit my parents in the country. Interesting: The most famous Akita is a Japanese named Hachiko, who is respected in the country. Unlike many other large breeds, the Akita Inu doesn't require hours of running exercise. Akita temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. There is still debate as to whether the two dogs should be separate breeds. Fortunately, however, the ship was allowed to get through and the dog that Keller would nickname "Go-Go" arrived in July 1939, thus becoming the second Akita to reside in America. The American Akita was soon developed. He is happy to have other dogs in his home and is not food reactive. The Akita is designated as a national treasure in his native country. Nowadays Akita is used as a guard or police dog. I didn't have the ability to stay consistent with training, but for the most part, I don't mind her as is. I would wait until you have the time, land and money to be confident you can give your dog the best chance in those first years. Dog training videos. He may use his intelligence in ways that suit his own purposes. The Akita can thrive in the right household, showing affection and great loyalty to its family. She is still a puppy but she is so smart and picks up things quickly as long as we have lots of treats. Helen Keller was the first to bring the Akita dog to the United States. My girl is my first dog, and there are some hiccups, but those hiccups are due to me becoming disabled shortly after getting her. This said, I have a bird that flies free and I have no concerns about his safety. Helen Keller was the first person to bring the Akita to the United States. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. I can no longer believe that, as my experience owning an Akita says there really is a difference, and being unprepared is a risk to your dog. This breed must be treated with respect – absolutely no teasing – but you must insist that he return that respect, or he will walk right over you. Thank you for sharing. So it's understandable that he might be viewed as a desirable pet! They have personality traits that I want in dogs. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Continue browsing in r/akita r/akita The subreddit for owners, fans, loyalists, and lovers of the Akita breed to share photos, videos, experiences, or ask questions about their dogs, whether they're Japanese Akitas, American Aktias, or any Akita mix. He slept beside her in an open kennel. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. In retrospect I wish I would have waited to have land and more income. Akitas are not a good choice for a first-time dog owner. Copyright © 2000-2020 by Michele Welton. He does well with long brisk walks and an occasional vigorous run, especially in cold weather. Edit: he's learning to get along with my children, all three under age of 7. Unfortunately, in the Second World War, many Akita were killed because of the fine hair, but the breed survived and was popular among US soldiers who brought more puppies to the states. The problem is that this breed can be difficult to "read" – often he does not "posture" (display obvious signs of aggression) – instead, an Akita may co-exist peacefully with another dog until suddenly, apparently out of the blue, a minor disagreement occurs, or perhaps the other dog pushes the Akita too far or approaches the Akita's food bowl or favorite toy, and then the Akita may attack with ferocity. He is excellent with kids and puts up with being pet constantly by them. She has been around older kids 8-9 years olds. I traveled and we had my son so my wife liked the big dog with two kids. The Akita is a medium sized domestic Dog breed, first bred in Japan in the 1600s. Onlookers shouted in … I foster kittens and my dog is so good with them, as well as my parents cats. In most cases, an Akita will not do as well as other breeds in a family. not in the financial situation NOR the housing. I have wanted an Akita since childhood and knew pretty much all there was to know about them. The first Akita introduced in the United States was a dog named Kamikaze-go, who was given to Helen Keller as a gift after she visited Japan in 1937. The males range in weight from about 100 to … I have always wanted an Akita but am currently in no financial situation to own a dog nor does my housing allow dogs. First being actually being responsible for and not simply growing up with a dog, that my parents or other relatives were taking care of. Akitas LOVE snow and cold. Akitas can be so aggressive with other dogs of the same sex that two males or two females should never be left alone together. As we mentioned above, Keller was well-traveled and when she was in her fifties, she visited Japan on a speaking tour. This breed regularly clears 100 pounds and is considered a large dog. The Akita is a very balanced looking dog, being only slightly longer than it is tall. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. All rights reserved. We have spent thousands of dollars in city fines, fencing, and kennels because our Akita can pretty well get out of anything...he just wants to get out and sit in the front yard lol. Husky vs. Akita has been a hot debate in the recent past, as both are often the first choices of many people. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. What’s your personal experience with getting an Akita and integrating them into your home with cats? The history of the American Akita (Great Japanese Dog –obsolete) began with the famous author, lecturer, and humanitarian, Helen Keller. Things depend very much on the dog's personality my Akita (Japanese Akita for americans) goes along well with cats, is enthusiastic about other dogs, but is wary of children (Too noisy and fast for her comfort). There are pros and cons associated with owning an Akita dog. The larger dogs, like the Akita dog, hunted deer, elk, boar, and small bears. I also want to add that my boyfriend and I live in an apartment with our Akita, and she does great. American author Helen Keller brought an Akita Inu to the US upon her return from a trip to Japan in 1937. I'm thankful but there are times he can be a handful. She does love a long walk when we can give her one, but she's also a very chill dog. There are just too many Akitas who don't tolerate any nonsense. But I've done my research for years and had to be realistic. The Akita origins were in Japan and in 1937, the first Akita set foot in America although he unfortunately died when he was only 7 moths old. A puppy of this breed will grow extremely quickly in height and length for the first seven months or so, then the growth slows as the puppy enters adolescence; it will also gain weight as it "fills out" during this adolescent period. The Akita—a large, dignified dog breed—has roots in Japan, where it is considered a national treasure. The Akita is not only a symbol of protection, but also one of health, happiness, and long life. In general, it is simply safest to keep this breed as an only pet. I’ve seen some people advise against it. The first Akita Inu's were exported to England in 1937, that same year the first Akita dog arrived in America with Mrs. Helen Keller. We don't have cats. First and foremost, Akitas are guard dogs. Some believe the dogs were originally bred for hunting wild boar, deer and black bear; others believe they were bred for pit fighting. Key Breed FactsBreed CharacteristicsBreed HighlightsIntroductionHistoryAppearanceTemperamentIntelligence / TrainabilityChildren and Other PetsHealthCaring for a AkitaGroomingExerciseFeedingAverage Cost to keep/care for a AkitaBreed Specific Buying Advice Originally trained to hunt wild boar and even bears in the mountains, the muscular Akita is … He does best when he has a large backyard as his territory. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. A friend of mine has a nice big yard, and I am excited to have some days where she can go there and hang out. They are super wonderful and special animals, but they can and often do require extra attention. These dogs are not good for first-time owners or those who are not used to … I finally broke down and welded him together a custom cage out of 1/8" angle iron and expanded metal. The Akita is the largest of the Spitz-type dogs. Got an Akita as my first dog in college. Whether you plan on using your Akita as a guard dog or not, you will have to train them to react appropriately to people and animals they do not know. I’m that kid in college, who wants their first dog to be an akita. This dog breed was named after the Akita prefecture – a cold, rugged and mountainous region located in the island of Honshu in Northern Japan. Owning a large dog such as the American Akita is not for everyone. So far she loves other dogs but that could change from what I have read on the breed. As you might guess, cats and other small animals are also at risk around an Akita. This is not a dog you take to the dog park. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. She is my first dog and is the sweetest goofball ever. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. He's polite and personality is absolutely wonderful, but you will need to put in effort and time to train. However.... the Akita Inu has a complex personality that makes him very challenging to raise. She wants to be friends with the cats but they do not want to be her friend. The American Akita can be difficult to train. By 1939 a breed standard had been established and dog shows had been held, but such activities stopped after World War II began. Akitas can be very possessive of their food – keep children and other pets away from them during mealtime. The subreddit for owners, fans, loyalists, and lovers of the Akita breed to share photos, videos, experiences, or ask questions about their dogs, whether they're Japanese Akitas, American Aktias, or any Akita mix. I got an Akita as my first personal dog, but after having several family dogs I was heavily involved in training etc. However, this may not be the ideal breed for the first-time dog owner. My Akita Training Page discusses the program you need. … Press J to jump to the feed. I would occasionally go to his house to try to train the dog (I have zero experience) from reading guides online. Training can be a challenge, for the Akita Inu is assertive, strong-willed, and bores easily. The cause was expected due to unsuitable living environment, food and weather conditions in a new land. Great points. The exact reason for their initial creation is still disagreed upon, as to whether or not they were first bred as hunting or … His literal only flaw is wanting to be around me all the time, I am his person and he has pretty bad separation anxiety when I'm not around. Yet owners who know how to lead will find him eminently trainable via praise and reward methods. In 1934, the Japanese created the first Akita Inu breed standards. Helen Keller is actually credited with bringing the first Japanese Akita into the United States in 1937. Unlike many other large breeds, the Akita Inu doesn't require hours of running exercise. Akitas are not a good choice for a first-time dog owner. Please dig deeper in this sub as many have previously written about this exact topic, Now is not the time for you...risk for a poor outcome too high. The Akita originates from the Akita Prefecture in the north-east of Japan, hence its name. Bloodsports are forbidden in most parts of the World, yet the problem remains and dogfighting is illegally held in many places around the World. About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. Makes training hard. It's being raining heavily for 4 days and he is only a little restless-compared to going stir crazy if not walked twice a day when under 18 months). I have been in love with the breed for years and got my girl earlier this year. Akita can be a good family dog in the right hands. If I was considering an Akita, I would be most concerned about... To teach your Akita Inu to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. A VICIOUS dog attack has left a two-year-old girl nearly blinded after a Japanese Akita savaged her face when she tried to stroke it. This breed must be treated with respect – absolutely no teasing – but you must insist that he return that respect, or he will walk right over you. The first dog I raised as my kid was a white Akita.” Born in Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan, and relocated to Akita Prefecture with his family during his elementary school days, Motose said, “Akitas are the only large dogs among all the Japanese dog breeds. The breed may get along well with children if carefully socialized, and it will grow quite protective of them. I would really love to do it myself, but I can be fine one day, and in so much pain I can barely move the next. Dogs take up a lot of energy and time, so if you want to buy a dog, you should know all the basic information about him/her. After world war 2, they were brought to the USA by American soldiers as they loved the dog. I had to put in a lot of time, money and effort training and working him to ensure I can trust him in most situations. Grouping these breeds are a smart choice because of their ability to live in a cold climate and thick coats. This came right after the Japanese government declared the Akita Inu as one of Japan’s Natural Monuments. And ours is a super well trained and well behaved Akita. I love my dog and he is so good, but no matter the training he can be reactive, struggles with recall and is a risk to unfamiliar small animals. Everything is going well :). She is credited with introducing the first Akita to the United States in 1937 when she imported it from Japan. Are Akitas Good Family Pets? If you have small children, all three under age of 7 training videos that are based respect., this may not be the ideal breed for years and got my girl earlier year! In general, it is tall might guess, cats and other pets from... Where it is tall dog with two kids when he has a dog... Bores easily brought to the United akita as first dog in 1937 when she was very popular in Japan where! 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Makes him very challenging to raise about 100 to … this breed as an only pet of! Be viewed as a guard or police dog just too many akitas who do n't tolerate nonsense! Training Page discusses the program you need are also at risk around an Akita since childhood and pretty! Does well most of the keyboard shortcuts be around a puppy but she 's also a very chill.! Discusses the program you need Hachiko, who is respected in the recent past, as both are often first. Pros and cons associated with owning an Akita the cats but they can and often do require extra attention native. Training techniques in action States through these two dogs should be separate breeds of Akita in the.. Personal experience with getting an Akita as my first personal dog, but after having several family i...
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