Ocala, Florida, United States
The American Akita
Facts You Must Know About the Akita
Don't judge a book by its cover
If you have made the decision to buy an Akita there are few things you need to know. The Akita is not a dog for everyone. Don't assume anything, especially with large breeds, but you cannot judge the Akita based on its cute teddy bear appearance. Regardless of where you get your Akita, a reputable breeder will require you to read and understand exactly what that ownership means. You generally will also be required to sign a commitment to responsible ownership.
These beautiful Japanese dogs possess a majestic presence with their beauty and strength. Their teddy bear appearance often cause incorrect presumptions to be made by people who do not know the breed. Akitas are a primitive breed and there are things you need to know before considering this breed.
Akitas are naturally dominant and do not tolerate other dogs well, especially those of the same gender. Socialization from a very early age is extremely important to accustom the dog to its surroundings and other members of the family. The more your dog interacts with two legged and four legged friends the better it will be when grown. Akitas build their characters well after adolescence. A puppy or young dog who willingly played with other animals can simply stop one day without warning and no longer tolerate any contact with them. The Akita is not fearful and can attack. Never leave your Akita unattended.
Positive education, patience, socialization and love
It is necessary to raise an Akita with gentleness, patience and a lot of love. Positive education is paramount with them. We educate but we do not train an akita … The Akita does not obey perfectly, but we can achieve harmony through smooth and regular training sessions. The Akita wants to make its family happy. Rewarding good behavior results in positive outcomes.
The Akita is primitive - Closets to the Wolf - Hunting instincts are very present
A recall will never be one hundred percent reliable when an Akita decides to go hunting. Many owners use large lanyards to let them sniff and hunt in peace but especially safely. You should know that Akita owners often keep their dogs on a leash because of the risk of crossing other dogs or if they decide to go hunting . They are relaxed without leash in safe places and clear to see a potential danger. If you have the habit or the desire to have a dog without leash and without constraints you will be disappointed as the Akita is not going to be a suitable breed for you.
Codes very different from other dogs
Akitas command respect. This is a proud, strong breed that closely imitates the wolf in instinct and carriage. With erect ears and a high set tail, the Akita's posture remains very forward. This transmits signals to other dogs and when other dogs reciprocate that signal to the Akita, the Akita will not back down. The more domesticated the breed the less the canine primitive signals remain. Sheepdogs are very sensitive to the Akita's canine codes and always back down. The German Shepherd however will generally reciprocate, that is why it is very important to be careful when introducing the Akita to other breeds.
First time dog owners
Akitas are generally not recommended for first time dog owners. I do believe however you can own an Akita if you are willing to devote time to researching the breed, educating yourself, socializing the dog and you are an Alpha type person. You cannot "baby" this breed. You must be gentle and kind, but firm in your interaction. Sometimes not having the confidence of owning other large breeds might be an advantage. Those who have owned large dogs before sometimes feel their past experience gives them the assurance they can handle the requirements for owning an Akita. You cannot change the instinct and behavior of a primitive breed.
An extremely wonderful breed
These facts are necessary in an effort to minimize abandonment or accidents. The Akita is not a monster, but rather a loving, loyal breed. We would rather you be prepared and able to meet all these conditions if you are going to accommodate a dog like this. Once you have had the privileged of an Akita as a family member you too will be hooked. The Akita is loving, loyal to a fault, and protective of their people.
The American Akita
responsibility
10 Things about owning an akita
They are Big Dogs
They can weigh as much as 140 pounds. It’s important that you know this because the Akita puppy is small and cute and cuddly. But this puppy will grow into a very large dog, so you should know this is going to happen and your dog is going to be quite large. It’s not a good idea to bring home this breed if you live in a small home or apartment and you have no yard.
They’re Quiet Unless They Have Reason to be Otherwise
The good news is that this is not a dog that likes to bark. Some Akitas – not all of them – are talkative in that they will groan and grunt and make noises to carry on a conversation with you, but they do not bark. If you hear an Akita bark, you should be aware that something is amiss. There could be another animal in your yard, a person that the dog does not know coming to your home, or something else. They’re just not barkers.
They’re Temperamental
These are not mean dogs and you should not assume that all Akitas have a temper. However, the breed does get temperamental from time to time, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. This is a dog that likes to be in control, so it’s a bit stubborn. And they can become temperamental when they feel that they are being challenged or threatened by others. In fact, they can become quite aggressive if they feel
threatened.
Small Animals are Often Prey
If you have a cat or another small dog or a yard full of squirrels, you might worry with an Akita present. This is a dog that is bred to chase and prey on small animals, and it’s a good idea not to have any in your home if you have a dog like this. Just so you know – not all Akitas will eat the cat or the hamster, but do you want to take that chance?
They’re Known for Their Aggression
This is an aggressive breed by nature. This does not mean the dog is going to go out and eat people or dogs or whatever, but they are very threatened by other dogs. They can become aggressive if they feel they are being threatened or treated unfairly. It’s something you have to watch for with this breed.
They’re Not Big on Sharing Food
Akitas are very loving, very friendly animals, but do not expect this dog to share its food. They are quite possessive of this, and it’s a good idea to keep the dog’s food away from that of other animals. There is no telling how angry this dog might become upon seeing another animal munching on its lunch.
They’re Alpha-Dogs
You have to be a very firm, kind and patient owner to have an Akita. They are alpha dogs, and they require this type of alpha dominance to keep them in line. Additionally, they do not do well with other dogs of the same sex. However, you can have a female and a male Akita or other dog breed in the same house and never have any issues. Put one the same sex in the same house and watch the fighting begin.
Akitas View Eye Contact as Aggression
The Akita Rescue group recommends that you never, ever get down on eye level with your dog or maintain eye contact when disciplining the dog for longer than a few seconds. This is something the breed views as highly aggressive and it’s a situation that could become dangerous. Please note not all Akitas will be like this, but the breed is known for it and you just don’t know.
They Are Very Family Oriented
These are wonderful family dogs. They love the people with whom they live. They are highly protective, very loving and they are very loyal to their family. The issue is that they do not do well being away from their families for long periods of time, which could mean you have some destruction on your hands if this dog is not taken care of while you’re gone.
They’re Very Calm Dogs
Despite their reputation for being protective, aggressive and dominant by nature, they are dogs that don’t have a ton of energy. They are sweet and they are loving; they are calm and gentle. They are a breed that is happy to be home cuddling with you and happy to be in the yard having a good time with the kids.
The American Akita
Initial Application
In addition to the application you will need to do a phone interview
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