akitas with other dogs
Hay im Dan im new here and i love akitas.
Currently in the house we have 2 dogs, Labrador (neutuerd male) around 8 months and a Border Collie around 10 years (female), and there are 3 of us living here.
I have fell in love with akitas recently and have really decided i want one...i have been told by some (not akita owners) that akitas cant live with other dog breeds as they will fight and be aggressive, but i really do want an akita...what do you think? (as your more knowledgable than people who dont have akitas)
Thanks Alot. Dan
Currently in the house we have 2 dogs, Labrador (neutuerd male) around 8 months and a Border Collie around 10 years (female), and there are 3 of us living here.
I have fell in love with akitas recently and have really decided i want one...i have been told by some (not akita owners) that akitas cant live with other dog breeds as they will fight and be aggressive, but i really do want an akita...what do you think? (as your more knowledgable than people who dont have akitas)
Thanks Alot. Dan
Comments
We live with 4 Akita, as well as other dogs/breeds. Akita are not the monsters people make them out to be. They are a serious dog that requires socialization and respect, out side of that there is no "special" thing you would need to do to make an Akita work in your life. With a proper introduction, socialization, respect, and selection of a good breeder an Akita puppy should be able to live fine with your current dogs (tho your current dogs would need to be excepting of the new puppy).
Don't get caught up in the breed hype, dogs are dogs. Some breeds are predisposed to some thing, as long as you know that going into it and work to socialize and train them appropriately you should see no issues.
Here ya go, dug this up for proof...
*That's 2 Akita, 1 Kai Ken, 1 Shikoku Ken, and 2 Ovcharka playing nice - existing with no "fights". I'm not saying it doesn't take loads of management, socialization, training, and work to get there - I'm just saying it's possible. Depends on how dedicated you are.
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I agree, the more dedicated you are and the more knowledge you have on raising a dog...and an Akita at that...the much better off & more prepared you will be.
Check out some of these threads and read a few of the recommended books on doggie behavior, training/conditioning and pack management.
An Akita (as pretty much any dog) will give you as much as you put in. Meaning it takes some work to get you a balanced Akita that can be trusted in most situations.
Do your homework in what concerns breeders, visit a few if you can. Choose a responsible breeder that can give you some guarantees concerning temperament and health.
Then when your pup comes home, begin socialization. Socialize, then socialize, then socialize some more and when you think you have done enough socialization, do some more. Get your dog used to other dogs, to kids, to cars, bikes, skateboards...the works. Like that he/she will see all those things as normal and not react badly to them. Try to make sure all those interactions are positive ones.
We have an Akita living with a cat, and they get along very well.