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Akita Training
The Akita, or Akita-Inu, is a member of the Japanese Spitz class. Originally functioning as guard dogs for the Japanese nobility and hunters of wild boar and bear, Akitas were also bred for their ferocity, intelligence, stamina, and obedience - qualities which they still possess in abundance to this day. Because of their instinctive characteristics of aggression, territoriality, and intelligence, it is absolutely vital that you train your Akita when he is still a small and relatively helpless puppy. It will be a lot easier than training a fully-grown, headstrong Akita weighing in at 130-150 pounds -! Initial puppy training should include:
The Requirements of Your Akita
The Upbringing ProcessRaising an Akita can be a challenging task. They are a naturally dominant minded breed, and although highly intelligent, it is imperative that you do not undo all the good work accomplished in training sessions by allowing your puppy or dog to violate the household rules that you have set to keep him in his place - such as allowing him to pass through doorways before you, eating before you, or any disobedience. For an Akita to obey you, he must respect you; and an Akita will never respect anyone lower in the chain of command than himself. Jumping Through Hoops Once puppy school is through, it's time to enroll your Akita in formal obedience training, agility training, or both. With a high mental and physical capacity for strenuous labor and challenging tasks, your Akita will be much happier - not to mention better behaved and with a life full enough to prevent him turning his attention to eating the walls, killing neighborhood cats, or destroying furniture. These animals are very intelligent, good at thinking independently, and thrive on challenges. The more you test your Akita, the happier he will be. Daily Living The Akita is a special dog, possessed of exceptional strength and intelligence. This warrants a special owner, who has done their homework and who is well aware that, just as Akitas can perform some tasks that other dogs cannot, other dogs are permitted privileges that Akitas are forbidden. First and foremost, you must not permit him to run off the lead if there is ANY possibility of other animals about. Even a well-socialized Akita retains his prey drive and this may overcome his training if another dog shows aggression towards him. This means no walking in the hills off the lead (there may be sheep or cattle about; most farmers shoot first and ask questions later), no beach walks unrestrained, and CERTAINLY no walks in the local park off the leash. If your Akita is particularly headstrong, or has not been trained and socialized properly, it may be necessary to muzzle him when out and about. Do not leave your Akita alone for long periods of time. The downside of such high intelligence is a correspondingly low boredom threshold, which will most likely result in shredded carpets, furniture, and wiring. Above all, socialize from the earliest age possible. The earlier your Akita learns the basic rules for communicating appropriately with unfamiliar dogs, the easier it will be when he attains his full size and strength. This translates to a happier, better-exercised, and well-adjusted dog - which is exactly what an Akita should be.
On the site you will find indepth articles and reviews of dog training products that we have researched and trialled. Dog Obedience Advice is run by Colin Pederson, a self-confessed "dog man" residing in California with his wife and black Lab Casey. If you found this site useful, spread the word and help others find dogobedienceadvice.com, add us to your favorite social bookmarking site:
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