Comments for The Way of the Akita 秋田 http://www.akita-blog.com AKITA BLOG - about a truly fascinating dog breed Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:18:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= Comment on The Legend of Hachiko – The Most Famous Akita in History by AK http://www.akita-blog.com/about-the-akita/akita-history/the-legend-of-hachiko-the-most-famous-akita-in-history/#comment-41 AK Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:18:15 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/the-legend-of-hachiko-the-most-famous-akita-in-history/#comment-41 I watched the movie Hachiko on HBO it was aired in INDIA in Jan 2011.It wrenched my heart out.I immediately googled n wikied "hachiko".I had a pair of dogs which passed away 10 years back and couldnt stop my self from writing these words as a tribute to my wonderful dogs and to hachiko. I watched the movie Hachiko on HBO it was aired in INDIA in Jan 2011.It wrenched my heart out.I immediately googled n wikied “hachiko”.I had a pair of dogs which passed away 10 years back and couldnt stop my self from writing these words as a tribute to my wonderful dogs and to hachiko.

]]> Comment on Cat-friendly Akita by Marisa http://www.akita-blog.com/akita-media/akita-videos/cat-friendly-akita-dog/#comment-4405 Marisa Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:05:52 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/?p=399#comment-4405 Thank you so much for posting this video. I've been researching the Akita breed for personal reasons; my husband used to raise them before we met and we were considering adopting an Akita some day in the future. Everywhere I look online I read about how Akitas are aloof, aggressive and have a strong prey drive. What a joy to see a video of an Akita lovingly cleaning up his kitty friend. I also saw the video of the children playing with the Akita and Husky, so heartwarming! So now I see that Akitas can be a loving family pet. Thank you so much for posting this video. I’ve been researching the Akita breed for personal reasons; my husband used to raise them before we met and we were considering adopting an Akita some day in the future. Everywhere I look online I read about how Akitas are aloof, aggressive and have a strong prey drive. What a joy to see a video of an Akita lovingly cleaning up his kitty friend. I also saw the video of the children playing with the Akita and Husky, so heartwarming! So now I see that Akitas can be a loving family pet.

]]> Comment on Akita Character ‘Riku’ in Japanese Anime Novel by Freiden http://www.akita-blog.com/akita-media/akita-videos/akita-character-riku-in-japanese-anime-novel/#comment-132 Freiden Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:34:29 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/akita-character-riku-in-japanese-anime-novel/#comment-132 Hey!Riku could also be an Samoyed and he's more fluffier than an Akita so it fits better but are there anything written in the novels about the breed? Hey!Riku could also be an Samoyed and he’s more fluffier than an Akita so it fits better but are there anything written in the novels about the breed?

]]> Comment on Are Akita’s More Aggressive Than Other Dog Breeds? by Hawk http://www.akita-blog.com/about-the-akita/akita-breed/are-akitas-more-aggressive-than-other-dog-breeds/#comment-4143 Hawk Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:25:29 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/are-akitas-more-aggressive-than-other-dog-breeds/#comment-4143 Daniela, It truly is a case of one Oh @#$% wipes out a hundred Atta' Boys. No one ever hears about the good dogs, only the attacks. Akita's are fantastic dogs but they are very smart, proud and strong. They need to be handled properly, but if they are they will be the best friend you have ever had. Unfortunately More people than not haven't got a clue how to train, communicate with, or handle any kind of dog and the dog always pays the price. One month is WAY too young to take a pup from his mother and litter. He will not learn certain things that pups do in that setting. Dogs naturally play roughly and they learn from their littermates, manners and how much is too much while their mother supervises and scolds as necessary. Since you already have him you will need to teach him these lessons yourself and he will need to spend as much time as possible with puppies his age. As I said above consistent obedience training started at an early age will teach him his position in the family and and this will make him calmer and happier. I would suggest working with a professional trainer. Just so we are clear, pet store puppy class is not enough. It's a great way to socialize a puppy and start on training but a good professional trainer trains YOU how to handle and communicate with your dog. The Akita's intelligence is a double edge sword. They are smart enough to do whatever you, or they want, if you don't step up and assume the leadership role it'll be whatever they want. harness that intelligence and the sky's the limit. Keep in mind that a baby is no match for even a Chihuahua. Training and control are the key. If He-ju knows that the house is yours, the toys are yours, the food is yours, and the baby is yours then he will respect all those things. BTW, 99% of all dogs give many warnings before they bite but most people miss them, tail position, ears, hackles, stiff body, eyes, lips, growls, when all the posturing fails then they resort to force. Even then people screw it up, a dog will use only as much force as necessary, usually one bite. It the threat stops then the dog will stop but if the person tries to fight back the dog will use more force until the threat stops. Daniela,

It truly is a case of one Oh @#$% wipes out a hundred Atta’ Boys. No one ever hears about the good dogs, only the attacks. Akita’s are fantastic dogs but they are very smart, proud and strong. They need to be handled properly, but if they are they will be the best friend you have ever had. Unfortunately More people than not haven’t got a clue how to train, communicate with, or handle any kind of dog and the dog always pays the price.

One month is WAY too young to take a pup from his mother and litter. He will not learn certain things that pups do in that setting. Dogs naturally play roughly and they learn from their littermates, manners and how much is too much while their mother supervises and scolds as necessary. Since you already have him you will need to teach him these lessons yourself and he will need to spend as much time as possible with puppies his age. As I said above consistent obedience training started at an early age will teach him his position in the family and and this will make him calmer and happier. I would suggest working with a professional trainer. Just so we are clear, pet store puppy class is not enough. It’s a great way to socialize a puppy and start on training but a good professional trainer trains YOU how to handle and communicate with your dog. The Akita’s intelligence is a double edge sword. They are smart enough to do whatever you, or they want, if you don’t step up and assume the leadership role it’ll be whatever they want. harness that intelligence and the sky’s the limit.

Keep in mind that a baby is no match for even a Chihuahua. Training and control are the key. If He-ju knows that the house is yours, the toys are yours, the food is yours, and the baby is yours then he will respect all those things.

BTW, 99% of all dogs give many warnings before they bite but most people miss them, tail position, ears, hackles, stiff body, eyes, lips, growls, when all the posturing fails then they resort to force. Even then people screw it up, a dog will use only as much force as necessary, usually one bite. It the threat stops then the dog will stop but if the person tries to fight back the dog will use more force until the threat stops.

]]> Comment on Are Akita’s More Aggressive Than Other Dog Breeds? by Daniela http://www.akita-blog.com/about-the-akita/akita-breed/are-akitas-more-aggressive-than-other-dog-breeds/#comment-4142 Daniela Sun, 26 Dec 2010 03:09:12 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/are-akitas-more-aggressive-than-other-dog-breeds/#comment-4142 Hello, my boyfriend and I just got a Akita puppy, one month old, and named him He-ju. I love dogs, but I´ve been bit by dogs three times, once by my own springer spaniel, once by a friend´s cocker spaniel, and once by a stray rottweiler. So i know perfectly well that dogs of all breeds can be dangerous. My boyfriend and I have done a lot of research and there is by far more positive info on Akitas than negative, and we are willing to put a lot of work into training Heju. We intend to take him often over to see my boyfriend´s mother, who owns 5 other dogs of different breeds, and have him socialize with a lot of people. The thing that worries me a bit -or a lot really- is that we also plan to have children at some point, and I understand he will probably see a new child in our household as a stranger. Being so territorial, I´m scared he could be aggressive towards them... Any suggestions or feedback on this, please? Despite my worries I am absolutely in love with this puppy, he´s adorable and we can already tell he´s amazingly intelligent. Thank you and wish me luck! Dani Hello, my boyfriend and I just got a Akita puppy, one month old, and named him He-ju. I love dogs, but I´ve been bit by dogs three times, once by my own springer spaniel, once by a friend´s cocker spaniel, and once by a stray rottweiler. So i know perfectly well that dogs of all breeds can be dangerous. My boyfriend and I have done a lot of research and there is by far more positive info on Akitas than negative, and we are willing to put a lot of work into training Heju. We intend to take him often over to see my boyfriend´s mother, who owns 5 other dogs of different breeds, and have him socialize with a lot of people. The thing that worries me a bit -or a lot really- is that we also plan to have children at some point, and I understand he will probably see a new child in our household as a stranger. Being so territorial, I´m scared he could be aggressive towards them… Any suggestions or feedback on this, please?
Despite my worries I am absolutely in love with this puppy, he´s adorable and we can already tell he´s amazingly intelligent.
Thank you and wish me luck!
Dani

]]> Comment on Warning – Think Twice Before Adopting an Akita by Kensho http://www.akita-blog.com/about-the-akita/akita-puppies/warning-think-twice-before-adopting-an-akita/#comment-14 Kensho Sat, 25 Dec 2010 12:28:28 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/warning-think-twice-before-adopting-an-akita/#comment-14 Hi Hawk, I have a rather small garden and a sandbox would not fit, so I let Kensho dig whenever possible. When on a walk outside, he enjoys it so much! He's now 5 years old and the digging problem in the yard just faded, without much training. He just know it's not allowed there and 'just' doesn't do it. It took some time to raise him the proper way but he's a perfect Akita today. Hi Hawk, I have a rather small garden and a sandbox would not fit, so I let Kensho dig whenever possible. When on a walk outside, he enjoys it so much!

He’s now 5 years old and the digging problem in the yard just faded, without much training. He just know it’s not allowed there and ‘just’ doesn’t do it. It took some time to raise him the proper way but he’s a perfect Akita today.

]]> Comment on Warning – Think Twice Before Adopting an Akita by Hawk http://www.akita-blog.com/about-the-akita/akita-puppies/warning-think-twice-before-adopting-an-akita/#comment-13 Hawk Sat, 25 Dec 2010 11:36:54 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/warning-think-twice-before-adopting-an-akita/#comment-13 Dogs are naturally diggers so.... give then a big sandbox and teach them that it is OK to dig there and your yard will thank you. I built a 10 x 30 foot sand box on the north side of the house from timbers and filled it with sand. First, it is easier to dig in so they can get the satisfaction of a REALLY big hole, and get praised for it too. Second they love to make a nice cool soft bed in the summer. Sarutobi loves to drop one of his toys in a hole and then chase it around in the sandy bottom. Dogs are naturally diggers so…. give then a big sandbox and teach them that it is OK to dig there and your yard will thank you. I built a 10 x 30 foot sand box on the north side of the house from timbers and filled it with sand. First, it is easier to dig in so they can get the satisfaction of a REALLY big hole, and get praised for it too. Second they love to make a nice cool soft bed in the summer. Sarutobi loves to drop one of his toys in a hole and then chase it around in the sandy bottom.

]]> Comment on Are Akita’s More Aggressive Than Other Dog Breeds? by Hawk http://www.akita-blog.com/about-the-akita/akita-breed/are-akitas-more-aggressive-than-other-dog-breeds/#comment-4141 Hawk Sat, 25 Dec 2010 10:54:54 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/are-akitas-more-aggressive-than-other-dog-breeds/#comment-4141 It can't be emphasized enough that Akita's must be trained well and by their own family, if you don't spend the time to do this then they WILL take the time to train you and you will find out just how smart an Akita is. Solid obedience training reinforces in a constructive way that you are the leader and if consistently done for the dogs ENTIRE life (it's not 8 weeks and you're done) the dog will be happier and better behaved. This doesn't mean beating the dog but it does mean that you go for regular walks and on these walks you tell your dog to sit he sits, down he downs, stay he stays. This applies to ANY breed, so called "small dog syndrome" is simply an out of control small dog. This is not the dogs fault but the owners. By not properly training their dog the owner has created what can best be described as a brat that will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. A dog that "protects" it's owner is very dangerous no matter what breed, this dog is the leader of the family and feels he is responsible for protecting all members of the family from a world that he does not understand. What many people do not realize is that this same dog who would die protecting them will direct what ever force is required to control them should they not recognize his authority in a matter he feels is important. A properly trained dog will recognize his position in the family and expect you to protect him, only becoming physical if you have clearly lost control of the situation. Leonardo, Achilles is in his teens, at about 9 months puberty kicks in and dogs start to push the boundaries to see if they can move up in the order of their world. It should only take one word firmly spoken one time to stop a dog. My Akita caught a baby rabbit in the back yard one day while I was cutting the grass. I heard the squeal and told him "OUT", he dropped the rabbit and watched as it ran under the fence to safety. I strongly recommend you find an experienced trainer that you can work with to get control, each time Achillies acts out he gets stronger and the way back gets tougher. A properly trained dog should NEVER under any circumstances go through a door without your permission, you should be able to simply walk to the door, open it and calmly walk out without even looking at your dog and he should stop and watch you leave unless you tell him he can come with you. In the advanced obedience class he attends about 2-3 times a month my Akita works off leash in a training hall with 15 to 40 other dogs. Occasionally a squabble will breakout between a couple dogs, if he gets up to go join in, one firm "SIT" and he sits where he is. I regularly give him cross shank bones from the butcher with about 5 or 6 oz of meat still attached, a couple minutes later I will say "OUT" from another room and then walk in to the room where he is and he will be sitting patiently over a piece of raw meat waiting for me to tell him he can resume. This all may sound strict but it is what a dog wants and appreciates and in the end the dog will be happier and everyone, including the dog, will be safer. It can’t be emphasized enough that Akita’s must be trained well and by their own family, if you don’t spend the time to do this then they WILL take the time to train you and you will find out just how smart an Akita is. Solid obedience training reinforces in a constructive way that you are the leader and if consistently done for the dogs ENTIRE life (it’s not 8 weeks and you’re done) the dog will be happier and better behaved. This doesn’t mean beating the dog but it does mean that you go for regular walks and on these walks you tell your dog to sit he sits, down he downs, stay he stays. This applies to ANY breed, so called “small dog syndrome” is simply an out of control small dog. This is not the dogs fault but the owners. By not properly training their dog the owner has created what can best be described as a brat that will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. A dog that “protects” it’s owner is very dangerous no matter what breed, this dog is the leader of the family and feels he is responsible for protecting all members of the family from a world that he does not understand. What many people do not realize is that this same dog who would die protecting them will direct what ever force is required to control them should they not recognize his authority in a matter he feels is important. A properly trained dog will recognize his position in the family and expect you to protect him, only becoming physical if you have clearly lost control of the situation.

Leonardo, Achilles is in his teens, at about 9 months puberty kicks in and dogs start to push the boundaries to see if they can move up in the order of their world. It should only take one word firmly spoken one time to stop a dog. My Akita caught a baby rabbit in the back yard one day while I was cutting the grass. I heard the squeal and told him “OUT”, he dropped the rabbit and watched as it ran under the fence to safety. I strongly recommend you find an experienced trainer that you can work with to get control, each time
Achillies acts out he gets stronger and the way back gets tougher. A properly trained dog should NEVER under any circumstances go through a door without your permission, you should be able to simply walk to the door, open it and calmly walk out without even looking at your dog and he should stop and watch you leave unless you tell him he can come with you. In the advanced obedience class he attends about 2-3 times a month my Akita works off leash in a training hall with 15 to 40 other dogs. Occasionally a squabble will breakout between a couple dogs, if he gets up to go join in, one firm “SIT” and he sits where he is. I regularly give him cross shank bones from the butcher with about 5 or 6 oz of meat still attached, a couple minutes later I will say “OUT” from another room and then walk in to the room where he is and he will be sitting patiently over a piece of raw meat waiting for me to tell him he can resume. This all may sound strict but it is what a dog wants and appreciates and in the end the dog will be happier and everyone, including the dog, will be safer.

]]> Comment on Are Akita’s More Aggressive Than Other Dog Breeds? by Leonardo http://www.akita-blog.com/about-the-akita/akita-breed/are-akitas-more-aggressive-than-other-dog-breeds/#comment-4140 Leonardo Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:41:32 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/are-akitas-more-aggressive-than-other-dog-breeds/#comment-4140 Hi All, My dog Achilles is a male Akita who just turned 9 months. Inside the house and with humans he is great. He never shows aggression, and he is very well balanced. We also have a cat and he seems to get along with him great. I have taken the time to train my Akita using dog psychology and placing my self and humans in a pack leader status. Here is where the problem comes in. About a week ago while my girlfriend was bringing in the groceries Achilles managed to get loose for about 1 minute, and unfortunitely it didn't take any longer than that. In front of our house there is a plaza and within the grass there was a small puppy, probably about the size of a baby toy poodle. When Achilles got out he immediately went after the puppy, he got to him, and stepped on him which made the puppy make a whining sound, he then proceeded to grab the puppy with his mouth and shake him. Like I said it didn't take any longer than a minute, if even that, and we barely had time to react before he clasped the puppy in his teeth and shook him dead. I was devastated as I couldn't think how a dog that I love so much and tha I've taken the time to train could do such a thing. My dog has never shown aggression to humans, however, he does exhibit some dog aggression with strange dogs. I've been working at socializing him further, and I'm now trying to remove the aggression from him. I want to know what I can do to make sure something like this never happens again. Whatever I need to do I will do, I just want to make sure that my Achilles can live the remainder of his life at my side happily, and that he never hurts another living creature again. I will not put my dog down, so do not comment if that is your suggestion. I've now taken the measures to make sure he cannot get loose from the yard again, and I have chicken fenced my fence to make sure that he won't hurt another animal through the fence. I am not taking him on constant walks, and I've never had a problem controlling him while I take him out with me. I am open to all suggestions. Thank you all so much, Leo Hi All,

My dog Achilles is a male Akita who just turned 9 months. Inside the house and with humans he is great. He never shows aggression, and he is very well balanced. We also have a cat and he seems to get along with him great. I have taken the time to train my Akita using dog psychology and placing my self and humans in a pack leader status. Here is where the problem comes in. About a week ago while my girlfriend was bringing in the groceries Achilles managed to get loose for about 1 minute, and unfortunitely it didn’t take any longer than that. In front of our house there is a plaza and within the grass there was a small puppy, probably about the size of a baby toy poodle. When Achilles got out he immediately went after the puppy, he got to him, and stepped on him which made the puppy make a whining sound, he then proceeded to grab the puppy with his mouth and shake him. Like I said it didn’t take any longer than a minute, if even that, and we barely had time to react before he clasped the puppy in his teeth and shook him dead. I was devastated as I couldn’t think how a dog that I love so much and tha I’ve taken the time to train could do such a thing. My dog has never shown aggression to humans, however, he does exhibit some dog aggression with strange dogs. I’ve been working at socializing him further, and I’m now trying to remove the aggression from him.
I want to know what I can do to make sure something like this never happens again. Whatever I need to do I will do, I just want to make sure that my Achilles can live the remainder of his life at my side happily, and that he never hurts another living creature again. I will not put my dog down, so do not comment if that is your suggestion. I’ve now taken the measures to make sure he cannot get loose from the yard again, and I have chicken fenced my fence to make sure that he won’t hurt another animal through the fence. I am not taking him on constant walks, and I’ve never had a problem controlling him while I take him out with me. I am open to all suggestions.

Thank you all so much,

Leo

]]> Comment on Three Noticible Facts About the Japanese Akita by Kensho http://www.akita-blog.com/about-the-akita/akita-breed/noticible-facts-about-the-japanese-akita/#comment-116 Kensho Sat, 04 Dec 2010 21:39:26 +0000 http://www.akita-blog.com/noticible-facts-about-the-japanese-akita/#comment-116 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 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

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