IS AN AKITA THE RIGHT DOG for YOU?
Akitas are ADORABLE as puppies, and look oh-so Regal and Majestic when they become adults. But what do you really know about the Akita breed? They are known for being stubborn, aloof to strangers, protective of their family and home, and can often have a high prey drive.
You think buying a puppy means you'll never have challenges or issues, and you'll "train" the Akita to accept all the other small animals in your house?
Again, they are adorable when they are 8-12 weeks old. But what will you do when that little fluffball grows into a 100+ lb dog?
TRAINING & BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
Before you hire a trainer or drop your Akita off somewhere for an extensive, lengthy and very expensive "Board & Train" program, check out the book written by Patricia McConnell entitled "The Other End of the Leash." Better dog behavior begins with YOU and we believe it is the Human who needs the Training First.
Most dog owners WANT their dog to behave and be a good K9 member of society. Many dog owners, wanting to do good, will hire a "dog trainer" who has no experience with Akitas and/or who views Akitas as "just another dog breed" and tries to "train" your Akita to "behave", "be compliant", "do tricks", or "get along" with another dog. Big Mistake. Anyone who truly knows the Akita breed knows that conventional "dog training" methods are most often not effective on Akitas.
This female American Akita puppy was 4-months old and weighed 72lbs
at the time this photo was taken!
RESOURCES & REFERRALS
Akita-Experienced
VETERINARY
Akitas can have health issues that are common to the breed so be sure you use a veterinarian that is knowledgeable with the breed AND experienced handling a large, primitive breed dog such as yours. Contact us for a referral to an Akita-experienced vet for routine care or a specialist.
BOARDING
If you need to travel and can't take your 4-legged family member with you, do not just drop your dog off at just any facility that doesn't have experience with large, primitive breed dogs and/or thinks that "all dogs are the same." Need a referral? Just ask!
ATTORNEY (ANIMAL LAW)
Animal Laws are complex. If something has happened (whether it was you/your dogs fault or not) you will need an attorney who has the education, experience, credentials and proven track record of resolve matters while protects your rights and your dog's life.
INSURANCE (HOMEOWNER'S)
Many insurance companies have a list of dog breeds that are banned or will be excluded from your policy. If you need a referral to an insurance company that does not ban certain breeds of dogs - like Akitas (or Alaskan Malamutes, Rottweilers, etc.) and does NOT charge higher rates for you having one of these types of breeds, then reach out to us. If your dog has been involved in an incident and your insurance may (or will) be cancelled, we can refer you to companies that will provide coverage.
ANIMAL INFORMATION QUESTIONAIRRE form
If you own an Akita and need Advice/Coaching, or wish to Discuss Rehoming
your Akita or Relinquishing to Rescue, please complete the Animal Information Questionairre --------->