behaviour
we are a family of four of which there are 2 children 1 is 2 years old and other is 6 months old also have a 7 month old dog. been looking akitas but some family members and some friends are warning us against it as they can turn nasty if the children frighten them. wanted to get opinions of people that have akitas and children as no one we know has akitas. any and all opinions are welcome
Comments
Second what kind of dog is your puppy? That is a huge factor.
Third, how much experience in dog behavior, training, and obedience do you have? Especially with large dogs.
I facilitate the adoptions at my animal shelter and in truth, unless you were a dog trainer I probably would not adopt out a dog especially such a smart, sensitive, big dog as an akita to a family with small children AND a puppy. Not because of the akita going after the kids, but it sounds like your plate is already very very full.
ANY dog can turn nasty if frightened and not given a secure environment to develop it's self confidence. The primamary issue to consider would really be the akitas size. They actually are WONDERFUL family dogs.
However in my humble opinion, I would hold off on adding a sixth member of your family ( I count your dog as member 5) until your dog is older and spayed or neutered (if not already), and your children have had time to learn how to behave with dogs.
Akita are not nasty, unless you raise it to be that way. Any breed can be nasty.
And dogs, see children as equals, and playmates in pack hierarchy. An Akita puppy might try to play with the young children and play too 'rough' for them ( Though I doubt their play isn't as dangerous as like ... a crazy hyper Shiba xD ). They are very much so gentle giants, though. I wish I had one.
I think Jessica has given you some sound advice. I am not going to contradict her. Akita are known to be excellent with kids; however, if they were not properly socialized around them as puppies, you never know how they will react. So, if you do want to get an Akita, a puppy would probably be the way to go; but then I would have to agree with Jessica, unless you have a lot of experience raising puppies (and human babies) it sounds like your plate may already be full with two kids and another puppy. I guess only you can determine that though.
Leading a balanced life with toddlers and a current puppy is demanding enough. I would seriously wait several years.
Jessica has sound advice, I would hold off on adding a sixth member to your family (your current 7 mo puppy as member 5) until your dog is older, fully trained, and spayed or neutered (if not already), and your children have had time develop outside of toddler stage and learned to behave in a more cognitive capacity with beings in their environment.
I advocate getting grounded advice and recommend a really helpful guide to assist you.
“Living with kids and dogs without losing your mind”. By Colleen Pelar. (It is available at Amazon)
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Kids-Dogs-Without-Losing-Your/dp/1933562668
The author is wonderful and has held day camps for kids and dogs. Her literature has great info on how to choose your next canine companion, with your kids in mind, and also other much needed advice for your current situation. Please look into it before making a final decision to add additional pets so that you are all set and know what you may be in for or need to do to keep harmony in your family.
Snf