Akita Inu is an ancient Japanese dog breed. Symbol of love, devotion and kindness. These dogs are excellent guards, at the same time they are very gentle and affectionate, love children. They are wonderful hunters, and lately they are increasingly becoming prize-winners of exhibitions and competitions.
Features
It is possible to describe Akita Inu dogs as follows:
- bold;
- strong;
- resolute;
- sports;
- deft;
- hardy;
- independent;
- smart;
- resourceful;
- obedient (with the right approach).
Despite the fact that the breed for many years, it became popular thanks to the famous film "Hachiko". It was after watching the movie that thousands of people wanted the same loyal friend to themselves. But do not mix cinema and real life.
In fact, the Akita Inu is a very peculiar breed. Therefore, in order not to experience disappointment in a four-legged friend, before buying a puppy you should carefully study the peculiarities of its character.
How to choose?
It all starts with choosing a breeder. It is from him that you learn the initial information about your future pet. Of particular interest are his parents: carefully review all the documents, pedigree, consult with experts.
The best option would be a dog from an average litter with puppies of the same size. Healthy kids are fun, playful and curious. As they grow older, these animals become calm and reasonable.
Puppy rearing
Caring for this breed is not difficult, but in order to educate the Akita Inu, you need to take into account the specific advice of dog trainers. The dog is very clever and instinctively feels that the owner wants from it. Easily tolerates changing environments. Feels great in the city and in nature. Parenting should be consistent and continue throughout life.
The independence and immediacy of the nature of the animal begins to manifest itself from early childhood. The animal decides for itself when and how to play, to force it to do something else is almost impossible.
The owner’s main task is to keep Akita Inu out of control, using exclusively affection, praise and encouragement. The image of a cute puppy with a constantly smiling face can be very deceptive.
A puppy should initially know and communicate with all family members and other animals, if any, living with him in the same territory. This dog will not tolerate submission, communication should occur only on equal terms. Over time, Akita Inu will learn to understand and execute commands pronounced in a calm, even voice.
Akita Inu Training
Most owners of this breed of dogs claim that it is not trainable. However, the opinion can not be so clear. Finding an approach to representatives of this ancient breed and independently raising your pet is quite realistic. And the sooner you start doing this, the better the result will be.
It is necessary to begin the training of Akita Inu from 2-2.5 months of life. Should remember that the dog has blood irreconcilability to other animals and strangers. For social adaptation of the dog requires gradual habituation and constant communication. The first six months of puppy's conscious life is the period of the formation of the psyche, the search for its place in the world. If from the very beginning you don’t show a puppy who is the boss, then he will consider himself the master.
Akita-inu, like many oriental breeds (and it belongs to them), is very self-confident, has a serious character and is very important to be an authority for her. Patience and tact are the key to successful animal training.
Leadership installation
Akita Inu is almost a wolf. When dealing with a dog, you need to be able to maintain leadership and abide by the laws of the pack. It is necessary to love her unequivocally, but at the same time avoid contradictions in their behavior.
In order for the dog to feel in the host of the leader and to strictly obey him, you should immediately prioritize:
- the dog takes food after all the family members have eaten;
- the owner must enter and go out in front of the dog in any room;
- the dog must know his place and sleep only on it - the master's bed is taboo for him;
- in order to position itself as a leader, any game with a dog must be started and ended only by its owner;
- prevent any signs of aggression from the animal (even a seemingly harmless nibble).
Teaching teams at home
Not everyone has the opportunity to give a puppy for education in a specialized canine school. However, every owner of a small Akita Inu wants his dog to be obedient, know the maximum of commands and be socially adapted. After studying the relevant literature and consulting with a dog handler, you can train an Akita Inu puppy at home.
The dog must feel the edge beyond which it is impossible to enter. Her desire to dominate, press down under her should immediately be stopped. Even the protection of the owner is permissible only on command. When and from whom to protect this or that object decides the owner, not the dog.
If the animal is owned by an owner whose authority is beyond doubt, then a fully adequate and trained dog will grow from a puppy. But it is necessary to constantly control the behavior of Akita Inu, demonstrating their leadership.
The level of education and self-organization of an animal is determined by its behavior in a crowded place and in the absence of the owner. Ignoring extraneous noise and external stimuli is produced gradually and for a long time.
Practicing basic commands
To teach an Akita Inu puppy to elementary teams, be patient. Under no circumstances should you punish the dog. Properly educate the animal will help tips dog handlers.
Recommendations for learning basic commands are given below.
- "To me!" - the most necessary team. The dog must be calm (does not play, does not eat, does not sleep), to attract its attention, calling the nickname. Step back a few steps, repeat the nickname, add the call "To me!" And show a piece of cheese or meat. When the puppy comes running, praise him with his voice, give a treat. Repeat steps need 6-7 times a day.
- "Ugh!" - This skill is necessary for a dog, first of all, for its health. If the pet has mastered it well, then he will never take food from the hands of a stranger or found on the street. To develop the team need a lot of exposure. Pieces of food need to be scattered on the floor and not allow the dog to eat them, pronouncing the command. Then put the food in a bowl and allow.
- "Sit" - standing next to the puppy and holding a treat in his hand, get his attention and give a command. With the other hand, gently help the pet to sit down and immediately encourage it. Repeat it is necessary at every opportunity, so that the dog is well understood command.
- "Lie down" - from the first time to achieve its implementation is almost impossible. The puppy simply can not understand what they want from him. You need to learn it using voice and physical impact. The exercise is performed with a leash, which should be pulled down while pushing the withers. As soon as the dog lies down, immediately reward him with delicious.
- “Wait” - the team produces an exposure. Approach the dog with a treat in his hand, bring it over the animal's head. Say the command, step back a little, then come back and give a treat. Akita Inu over time will understand what the owner wants.The distance all the time you need to increase.
Born guard and loyal friend
The guarding instinct for a dog of this breed works exactly when there is a real danger. Adults are not always generous in expressing their feelings towards the owner, but there is no doubt in their love. Restraint and poise are features of their noble character.
The ability to adapt to the lifestyle of its owner makes Akita Inu a very convenient companion. For small children, a dog can replace a nanny. Young people who lead an active lifestyle and play sports will become a reliable partner in training or walking.
With the representatives of the older generation, dogs behave calmly and measuredly.
The representatives of this breed are not peculiar to the manifestation of emotions, but do not hesitate - the dog needs contact with the owner. Even if everything inside her is seething with emotions, outwardly it may not be noticeable. Getting a puppy, you need to be prepared that some of the free time will now belong to him.
For those who are going to buy an Akita Inu puppy just to be an exact replica of the hero of the Hachiko film, we can say one thing: Hachiko is not a breed, but an education. And you can raise Hachiko from any breed of dogs.
Look at the initial training of Akita Inu can be further.