RESEARCH

Know the breed you are interested in acquiring... Do as much research as possible before you make such a large decision for your family.  This will prove to be the BEST advice anyone can give to a new potential pet owner.  Many breeds have traits/characteristics common to the breed!  People have learned these characteristics over their years of experience, use their knowledge to determine if this is a breed for you!  Do extensive research before you buy a dog, find out what breed is best for you and your family. The number one thing people say when hearing of a trait in a breed that is not preferred; “Well if I train my dog, he wont be like that.”  This is absolutely WRONG.  Breeds carry traits, and these traits are often seen throughout the breed, this is why we call them “Traits” …. So when your potential breeder explains their breed, and possibly the breeds short comings, Listen and Learn.  This will help you to determine if this breed is right for you.  With this in mind, if you are looking to purchase an Akita, this breed is "known" to be a dominant breed and doesn't always do well with other animals!  This does not mean an Akita can't live with another animal, but be prepared.  If you are prepared before you purchase this breed, hopefully you will acquire a life long companion. Akitas/dogs in general are NOT babysitters. DO NOT leave a child alone with a dog ever! This is for the safety of the dog as well as the safety of the child.

HEALTH

• Spay or neuter your dog at the earliest possible opportunity. There is no reason not too, an altered dog can be medically healthier and happier. • Keep your pets on a feeding schedule and try not to change their diets.  Find a diet that works best for your pet and stick to it.  Changing foods can create a finicky eater. • Feed a nutritious diet including supplements when needed. It makes cleaning up stool a lot easier.  If your dog looks healthy, he probably is. • If you see any distressing medical signs, it is often much easier and cheaper to make that call or appointment to your vet, before the situation worsens and costs a lot more money/time. • If dogs don't get enough exercise they get bored.  Akitas that are bored destroy things. Not out of spite, but because they need something to do.  Exercise is healthy for you and your pet, walks keep nails trimmed, muscles toned and that bond strong. • Keep up with a yearly vaccination schedule (per your vet).  In the long run, this will be more effective then curing an illness.  Rabies Vaccinations are a State Law.

GROOMING

Akitas shed/molt/blow coat (whatever you want to call it) and it can be overwhelming for some.  Be prepared for fur. Be prepared for fur in your foode prepared for fur on your clothes, be prepared for fur in your bed.  The best thing to do, is brush, brush, brush, until its all gone.  A bath also helps loosen the coat a bit quicker, and to get the top coat off, use a shedding blade.  Warm water always makes it easier to rinse soap out of the coat, soap can be an irritant if left on the skin. Long toe nails can eventually cripple feet.  Walks on asphalt help to keep nails short.  You can also use a Dremel Tool to file nails, as not to have sharp nails to scratch or snag carpet with. (Early training may make this task easier :)  Please visit our page on Grooming for more information on the akita.

TRAINING

• Buy a crate. Crate Training is NOT cruel for a dog. Coming home and yelling at them for an accident they have long since forgotten IS.  That and many dogs like their crates, it is their own space in the home. • Do obedience training with your dog. Not only will you both learn a lot, you will have FUN. • All dogs make noise. Not necessarily when you want them to. • Don't leave food out on the counter/table unattended, most likely it will be gone. • Train your dog with a positive attitude.  If you are frustrated with training, your pet will surely feel this frustration/confusion.  He will not be able to learn from a teacher that is impatient. • Please visit our Training's Page for more information.

RESOURCEFUL HINTS

• In order to have two Akitas together you must make sure their temperaments are compatible.  Spaying and neutering at a young age may help matters. • Make sure to have a six foot fence, secure on all sides.  With adequate shelter. • Buy sturdy water buckets, dogs love to chew and play in water bowls.  • Learn to laugh.  This is a learning experience both for you and your pet. • Pet tags work wonders for animal recovery :)  Hint.. Hint.... Have REWARD engraved on the tag can be a sure fire way of a safe return of your loved one.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

Remember that nobody loves you more than your dog does. No matter who you are, no matter what you do. Try to be the person that your dog thinks you are.  This is an unconditional love.

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