Is it a wise descision to get an American Akita?

I hear it's really really hard to train these dogs not to attack any person they don't know that walks through the door.I hear it's really hard to train these dogs in general.On the other hand everything else about these dogs looks great. Are my first…

    Is it a wise descision to get an American Akita?

    I hear it's really really hard to train these dogs not to attack any person they don't know that walks through the door.I hear it's really hard to train these dogs in general.On the other hand everything else about these dogs looks great. Are my first…...
    Dog Breed Discussions : Is it a wise descision to get an American Akita?...

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    • Is it a wise descision to get an American Akita?

      Is it a wise descision to get an American Akita? Dog Breed Discussions
      I hear it's really really hard to train these dogs not to attack any person they don't know that walks through the door.I hear it's really hard to train these dogs in general.On the other hand everything else about these dogs looks great. Are my first two points going to be a huge problem or no?

      Is it a wise descision to get an American Akita?

      Is it a wise descision to get an American Akita? Dog Breed Discussions
    • If you get a well bred, well socialized puppy from a good breeder, then it is unlikely that the dog will turn out aggressive. Let me tell you, these dogs AREN'T for the inexperienced owners. They need firm handling & training from a very young age. This breed isn't exactly very friendly towards all dogs, they tend to be possessive especially to food & toys but not saying that they aren't good dogs, they are. I have rescued one Japanese Akita more than 1 year ago & she had the typical Akita traits which was like I mentioned, possessive over food but maybe that was caused by starvation because she was incredibly emaciated when we picked her up from side of the road. She did have some kind of aggression towards other dogs but not all the time & not to all dogs. She did attack my Dalmatian twice over food but that was our fault for letting them be too close to each other during meal times... But let me tell you this, this does not only apply to the Akita breed. It can happen to ALL breeds including Mongrels even to one of the mildest, gentlest & friendliest breeds, the Golden Retrievers. I have seen really cracked ones that were not well bred & turned into aggressive monsters & some were not socialized enough or at all!Anyway, we managed to train & rehabilitate her within two months & she turned into a new leaf! She turned into a wonderful family dog although, I still didn't trust her being around young kids especially those that are on the same level as her mouth. But because she was rescued & we don't know her history, we didn't want to take any chances. But if you train & socialize yours with other people, kids, dogs & other animals from a very very young age, the dog will be a great family dog. Our Akita was never aggressive towards our cats & we never really socialized them together. She was quite a softy actually but just had a few aggression issues. Yeah, it might be a little hard to train this breed but it's NOT impossible at all. Heck, I've seen a trained Afghan Hound in one of the OB schools here in Malaysia & it was in Novice level at the age of 3 years. Okay, the dog was a bit on the dopey side but it still managed to learn all the commands & go off-leash & many people including researches say that this breed is one the dumbest. Not true. It depends from dog to dog. I have seen BCs that aren't bright at all when they should be! But anyway, please do more research on this breed online before getting one & make sure you are ready to take care of a that will grow big & strong & that needs firm handling & a firm owner. Hope this helped.

    • My major concerns would be:Providing enough socialization. Many Akitas have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting.If you have children, I do not recommend an Akita. First, young Akitas (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. Second, there are just too many Akitas who don't tolerate any nonsense. Animal aggression. Akitas were developed to hunt other animals. Most Akitas will not tolerate another dog of the same sex, and some won't tolerate the opposite sex either. Most Akitas have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures, including deer and livestock. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.To keep your Akita in, and to keep other animals and children out, fences should be high, with wire sunk into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Gates should have the highest quality locks. The strong temperament. Akitas are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Many Akitas are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.To teach your Akita to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Akita Training Page discusses the program you need. Heavy shedding. Akitas shed a LOT. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this.Legal liabilities. Akitas may be targeted for "banning" in certain areas. Homeowners' insurance policies may be refused or revoked if you are discovered to own an Akita. Your friends and neighbors may be uncomfortable around this breed. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog and big game hunter should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.Frankly, most Akitas are "too much dog" for the average household. Very few people really have the knowledge or skills necessary to manage this breed.

    • Have you ever owned dogs before? If not, I would go with another breed for your first dog. That being said, Akitas are a fantastic breed. They are not vicious, attack-dogs, but they are protective and do require a substantial amount of training. If there are frequently people coming in and out of your house, a puppy will learn that is normal. However, those people should be aware that an Akita is a powerful dog that may demand respect. Also, visiting children should NEVER be left alone with an Akita (or any dog for that matter).The training of an Akita is a process, but it can be very rewarding. I have trained 4 Akitas from the time they were puppies, and also trained a 4+ old rescued Akita who had not had a good life prior to being adopted. Training a puppy Akita is tough, but also quite fun. As someone else noted, it is important that the Akita be trained with respect and learns above all else to respect you. I never found food to be the best way to train an Akita for the long term - they are too intelligent. Use food so they understand, but the primary reward should be affection. To give you an idea of time and effort, I worked with my most recent Akita puppy about 2-3 hours a day in short 20 minute intervals. The training sessions involved basics - learning to sit, stay, down, walking on the leash, etc., but also consisted of playing games with my nephew, learning not to bite and to "give kisses". "Working" with the puppy also meant playing a number of "games". I don't receommend tug of war, and instead strongly encourage you to teach the "drop" or "let go" command VERY early (later in life, this is tough one to teach). Games I recommend would be "soccer", fetch, etc. Soccer is great for Akitas, since they are catlike in their maneuvers and are effective "dribblers" (mine never understood the concept of a goal).As that puppy got older, he learned to go on walks, which just added to the training. He grew up in NYC, so he was introduced to EVERYONE. He now generally likes everyone - with limited exceptions. If he doesn't like someone, he stares (and I pay attention). He has "not liked" two people in 5 years... so I think he is a good judge of charater. He has dog walkers come in the house when I'm not home, and there is no attacking. He is comfortable that they belong there. If I am home -- there is never an issue with anyone walking into the front door. He is fantastic will children of all ages. My other Akitas who were not raised in the city were much less trusting of people and were not sufficiently socialized. They were much more protective. I would recommend bringing an Akita puppy tons of places with you, and to continue that activity as he or she matures. They can learn what is normal and do enjoy outdoor activities. They may never be overly friendly -- but consistently tolerant of people approaching and petting is a great result. The rescued Akita is a totally different story. Mine has come a long way, but is still weary of people on the street and will bark if she gets nervous. While she welcomes people who come in when I'm home, she would be likely to attack someone she doesn't know coming into the apartment (she is fine with her dogwalkers -- she knows them). I still do not trust her with kids - I don't know if I ever will.As a side note, dog aggression is common in Akitas, particularly same sex, as is a strong prey drive. The aggression can be controlled, but should always be considered. My male (the dog I had from puppy-age) went to the dog park 3 times a day until he was about 2.5 years old. At that point he started to show his "alpha" side with other males. He had a few fights (minor posturing) and we opted to just limit his exposure to other dogs to avoid liability. He did, however, accept a female akita into the house who was 60 pounds (she is now 80 pounds, and STILL thin), had fear aggression, and objected to him coming near her. In fact, he showed me how to give her space (and tolerated many growls and showing of teeth by the rescue). The two of them are now inseparable. Both dogs have been okay with the cats - but there have been moments of aggression, so again, something to always consider.

    • You've had some thoughtful answers. Regarding your questions specifically, the bit about attacking anyone who comes into the house is BS. An individual, borderline psychotic dog may do that, but that is aberrant behavior. Training an Akita is "different". They actually learn quickly, but become bored with multiple repetitions. Keep the sessions short and varied.

    • I have a male akita since he was 8 weeks old and is now 3 years old...the akita breed is not for inexperienced dog owners as they are a very dominant breed which need to be firmly disciplined....akitas are very suspicious with strangers especislly when they are visiting your home...they will respond by barking if someone new enters the property. for this reason it is very important to socialise enough as a puppy......my dog is very affectionate towards family members and close relations including small children that have been visiting since he was a pup....but now at 3 years old he will growl if a stranger approaches him in the incorrect manner.....if strangers look directly into the akitas eyes and tries to stroke him....he could potentially bite because they see this as challenge and akitas will not back down so easily because they like to be dominant...i would highly recommend a muzzle when introducing your akita to strangers (when they are older) because if a situation occurs...the akita is capable of serious damage........i keep my dog outside when strangers come into my house......please do a lot of research on the breed before u decide do go ahead and buy.....bare in mind akitas like to spend alot of the time outside aswell as inside and so they will do best in a large garden with secure fencing....by the way because the akita is so powerful......the owners need to be physically strong to keep the dog under control.....they will hunt small animals and will like to dominate other same sex dogs when walking so they will need to be kept on the leash at all times in public. If you need more information on the breed i will be happy to help...u can contact me.

    • Depends on how much time you will spend training your akita. They are very powerful, strong willed dogs and I had a neighbor boy long ago attacked viciously by one that got loose. He was hospitalized. I had a friend that had an akita and it would hump anyone that went into the backyard which was a form of aggression and boredom