The Akita is a special breed. Did you know these three remarkable facts before visiting Akita Blog?
- The Akita is one of seven breeds designated as a National Monument in his native country of Japan.
- There is a strong spiritual significance attached to the Akita. In Japan they are affectionately regarded as loyal companions and pets, protectors of the home and a symbol of good health. When a child is born, the proud family will usually receive a small statue of an Akita signifying health, happiness, and a long-life. If a person is ill, friends will send a small statue of an Akita to express their wish for a speedy recovery.
- At one time, Akita ownership was restricted to the Imperial family and the ruling aristocracy; caring and feeding of the Akita were detailed in elaborate ceremony and special leashes were used to denote the Akita’s rank and the standing of his owner.
For more historical information see ‘Akita History‘.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful statue. I wish I could have one.
Hi. I have an Akita. I named him hero.
I have been trying to get him to do as we say but he is a bit boystrous. He is approximately 16 months old and I thought this madness would have left him by now. Its not that he is a bad dog and I do not believe he has it in him to harm anyone, but he loves human company.
When I take him out he walks at heal until he sees another human then he goes berserk wanting to jump all over people to be petted. He is no danger but those he lunges at do not know this! At home he is a great dog until the door goes and we have visitors. He then goes mad jumping all over them as if he is starved of affection. I can assure you he get more than enough affection from us… We love him like one of the family.
He also has this habit of following at my heal every where I go. He also does this with my 2 year old… he follows him around the house and lies were he plats as if looking after him.
I love this dog to bits but neighbors and family members are worried by the way he lunges at people to be petted. It is also embarrassing as I feel people think he is not loved and the dog may feel this himself hence why he jumps all over people.
Can you give me any tips on how to stop him doing this or will it go in time?
I would appreciate some help… As I said he is like a best friend to me but is the first Akita I have had. I have read loads on the net but the problem being everyone seems to have different experiences with them and I don’t know whose advice to follow.
Thanks
Babs
Hi Babs, Your story sounds very (very) familiar as Kensho is always flirting with people too. He seeks eye contact with strangers on the street. Then when some one responds by saying something like ‘hey, what a cute dog’ or ‘he’s very pretty’ then he takes that as an invitation to play.
And it’s not because he doesn’t get all kinds of attention and hugs at home. It because of that! A lot of Akita’s are aloof and very reserved to strangers, so I made a strong effort to socialize him at an early age.
Now he thinks all people are fun, and all people are just as fun as the people living in his home.
So change the direction of your thoughts.. when your dog would not value you as a person, he wouldn’t value other people as well. You have set the standard
, and now he expects that everyone will love him to bits just like you do.
Can’t change that. Don’t think you want to either.
Just manage the situation! That’s possible. You could ask a professional dog trainer for 1 or 2 house visits to guide you through this. Perhaps just 1 consultation is enough.
Good luck with your friendly Akita!
Best regards,
Barbara