Opinions on adding a 6 month old male AA to our household

Kuma123

We have been asked to take a 6 month old male AA. He is intact and has been living outside. We are undecided and have been tossing the idea around for a few weeks and I felt it important to get the opinions of the members here. We are willing to share our home with multiple dogs but we want to ensure that all of us (pups included) have a great home life!

He is gorgeous, 6 months old, has lived outside in a fence WITH other dogs, and is up to date on vaccines/preventatives.

I have years of large dog experience and have the time and patience to work with the pup.

What I would like your thoughts on:
Do you think a 6 month old intact male can successfully fit into an indoor life with humans AND other animals?
What problems do you foresee us having? (We have thought a lot about it but you all might have thoughts we had yet to think of or overlooked)
Is he too old for proper socialization/training?

Thank you in advance and I look forward to your responses!!

PoetikDragon

A dog is never "too old" to socialize and bond with a family. Otherwise their wouldn't be rescues and success stories for rehomed animals. You don't need a just-weaned puppy to have a great relationship with your dog.

Kuma123

@poeticdragon, I understand that as I previously rescued/fostered Doberman's (along with other breeds as well) for many years but there does seem to be a point with certain breeds where age is a factor. I have always opened my home/heart to rescues/surrenders and have had great success with them. A LOT of those dogs were 3 yrs+. So I do not need a just-weaned puppy to be happy but I also do not want to put my other animals/family members in an extremely problematic situation.

But you all stress that with AA, Shikoku's, JA, Shiba's, etc. age is important for proper socialization/bonding. (I have also read this in numerous books and blogs and such.) I know each dog is different and he may settle in just fine and he may not. I am just looking for opinions and experiences with an AA at this age being added to a new household/family.

Thanks for the input

PoetikDragon

Socialization is never finished. Akitas need socialization throughout their entire lives. It is more important, not less, to socialize as an adult (2+ years old) because they tend to become less accepting and more forceful as they mature. Puppies love everyone, and socialization while important to start young, doesn't necessarily mean the puppy will *still* love everyone later on in life. Don't think of socialization as a finite process, don't ever stop socializing, and don't assume that an immature dog that is well-socialized and gets along will be the same as an adult.

Kuma123

@poeticdragon, I think by typing this maybe something is getting lost and my concerns are not being related correctly through text lol

I really do understand all that you have stated and I have had dogs for many many years and I know that continual socialization is important and that dogs change as time goes on etc. I really do appreciate your input! I must not be wording my posts correctly because I am looking for more information based on personal experiences/opinions integrating a little bit older pup that has never lived indoors into a home with dogs/older children.

Let me try again:

What issues might we face bringing in a male Akita that is 6 months old and has lived outside his entire life?

BradA1878

@Kuma123 - I think there is a potential for some bumps due to the Akita's past life experiences, whether they be positive or negative. A dog that has lived outside will probably not have many "house manners." Also, there is a potential that he could be freaked-out by being in the house (claustrophobic)...

However, all these issues could probably be quickly "fixed" or managed since the Akita is still pretty young. They mature slow, so 6 months is still very much puppy age for an Akita.

Some of my strongest bonds have been made with dogs who have come into my life at an older age.

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Heidi

I say take him as s foster and see how it goes. I think it should be fine, he's young, so should adjust.

ayk

I think you'll have to visit the dog and evaluate the dog in person before making a decision. Perhaps bring all your family members and your other dogs to the visit as if you were to adopt a dog from a good shelter or from a good rescue.

Most dogs do get some of the basic socializations, but once in while you get a dog like my current long-term project dog (not an Akita but an Asian spitz) who had always deferred to his more dominant/extrovert brother for decisions, prefers the company of other dogs, and is basically unconvinced that he needs people.

It's not impossible to work with such a dog, but this requires everybody in the household to be in agreement on how to handle the dog. I don't know if you have kids that might not follow the dog handling rules?

Kuma123

@brada1871, thank you! My dearest companion was my female Dobe that had been through hell in her previous *home*. She was 2-3 years old when I adopted her and she was the best dog I have ever known. She passed away December 24, 2010 (she was 13-14 years old).

@hondru, that is a great idea and I had just suggested that to my husband before I got back on the computer lol Thank you!!

@ayk, we are planning on taking the whole family. The 2 kids that still live at home- one is GREAT handling our dogs and the other is a bit lazy.... but she is getting better Teenagers.... haha. She has come a long way in the last couple years and tries very hard.

Thank you all for your help/suggestions! I really do appreciate it!

Zinja

She should be able to adjust easily. She's still very young. I just adopted a 5 year old Kai who has been living outside all her life.

I'm having a hard time crate training her and she doesn't like playing with chasing toys. I think she knows the difference between stuffed animals and live animals. She does well with my cat and Akita, which she has been an only dog all her life.

Kuma123

@Zinja, thank you for reminding me of your newest pup! I am so glad Eevee has adjusted so well.