Living with an Akita-inu
Hi,
Come next summer its possible that I'll be owning my first house. As I'm single, I'm interested in getting an Akita-inu (JA) for a companion. I've been trying to gather as much information about the Akita as I can and I have a pressing question.
What I'd like to know is how do you go about your days with your job(s) and your dog(s)?
This is my primary concern, as I work from 3pm to 11pm and nowhere near close enough to come home for lunch.
Although I have more questions, mainly on how to go about acquiring one, I'm hesitant until I'm certain I'll bringing the dog into a good home.
Thanks
David
Come next summer its possible that I'll be owning my first house. As I'm single, I'm interested in getting an Akita-inu (JA) for a companion. I've been trying to gather as much information about the Akita as I can and I have a pressing question.
What I'd like to know is how do you go about your days with your job(s) and your dog(s)?
This is my primary concern, as I work from 3pm to 11pm and nowhere near close enough to come home for lunch.
Although I have more questions, mainly on how to go about acquiring one, I'm hesitant until I'm certain I'll bringing the dog into a good home.
Thanks
David
Comments
As for where to get an Akita from, I think that depends on where you live and how much you are willing to spend to get one. There are a few good breeders of JA in the USA as well as AA and "blends".
Good luck!
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I'm interested in the Japanese Akita and I have little reservations on paying a premium provided the dog is from a good breeder.
I'm from Ottawa Ontario Canada, so unless I manage to find the one elusive local JA breeder, as I did with a Shiba breeder, I'm almost guaranteed to be shipping a dog.
I've read in other posts, that shipping a dog isn't necessarily that big of deal, provided all the requirements are met.
I believe you had some dogs imported correct? How was the experience?
And you say that there are some JA breeders in North America, could you list some please?
Thanks
Good luck with the house BTW!
I agree, an older dog would definitely fit me better. I've looked into getting an older dog, no breed in particular, and
there are some great advantages to both owner and dog. The owner gets to know what they're getting into, such as any
health issues, any training the dog has undergone, temperament towards other dogs/cats/people, etc. And the dog
gets loving forever home that is fully aware of any issues it might have.
I'm interested in a red/fawn/sesame colored Akita and as of right now, the only adult red/white JA that I know of that
"might be" available is Fuji from http://andersondogranch.blogspot.com/
I think that's your site right Brad? How's Fuji, and you're other Akitas doing?
We got Kuma almost two years ago, after very long consideration on the right breed of dog for our living arrangements. I work odd hours, and so I needed a dog that could do better than most on staying alone for a bit more time than usual. The Akita seemed to fit the bill. Having said that, it is very rare that Kuma spends more than 6 hours alone (not really alone, we have a cat, Nyx, that is his age) I can't come back during the day to walk him, but Nat (my girlfriend) can normally do it, or if she can't my Dad stops by on his way to or from work and takes him out for a good walk.
About the potty training, it took us a a few weeks, while Kuma still didn't have his full first round of shots. But after he was cleared to go out full on, it took 2 weeks to be accident free in the house. Of course this involved sticking to a strict potty schedule (taking him out every 45 minutes or so, while we were home).
I'm on my way to work, so I can't elaborate much, but I hope this helps.
Yes, that is our site. Feel free to email me regarding Fuji and our other Akita, if you like (our email is in the blog post).
As for us importing, yes, we have imported all 4 of our Akita (from Europe). The shipping process was not an issue at all, very easy - tho rather expensive (more than the price of the pup in some cases - expect to pay $2k - $3k just for shipping).
The issue with importing is not the shipping, it is the dog selection. Even with connected friends you are unlikely to get a quality representative w/o going to the breeder and picking up your pup. Of our 4 imported Akita (all from "top" lines and "reputable" breeders and all recommended by respected mutual friends) only one is without health issues (Fuji). So, I personally wouldn't import an Akita w/o meeting the breeder in person - there are too many opportunists out there. Learn from our mistakes, please.
As for breeders in North America, I cannot make that list for you. However, there is a member here (*JackBurton*) who is a member of The Japanese Akita Club of America. I am sure he can help you.
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for Kuma? After seeing how well they are with each other, I'm very much considering getting a cat as companion for the
dog as well as for me.
@ Calia, I haven't thought about a hiring a dog walker. Great idea. I have family that could do it (my parents), but I
don't want to burden them. I don't see an problem if I can alternate between the hired dog walker and my folks though.
Another question, how to go about playing/exercising at night?
I get off work at 11pm and I'm not home until 11:30~12:00pm. Any suggestions on play safety, such as a
reflective dog vest, etc?
As I understand it, the dog will eventually get used my daily schedule, correct?
Thanks again
I wouldn't have thought that it would cost that much just for shipping, and that's for puppy right? I'm not positive, but
aren't prices based on volume/space taken up, so importing an adult dog (larger crate) could be even costlier then? You
had them shipped from Europe, would the shipping cost be the same if it was within North America?
Hmm, according to Google Maps, its about a 30 hour drive to Taos,NM from my place and my passport will still be valid by summer... I wonder
International shipping is much more expensive. Shipping within North America is usually around $300, even for large dogs. International shipping usually requires that the animal spend the night at a kennel while in transit (like a stop over), in our case it was always Germany. Also we used a "forwarder" which helped with the logistics of customs, so that added a little extra cost. I have heard of people shipping CO from Russia to the USA for as little as $800, but I dunno the details on that (and I wouldn't ship a dog like that). Also, the current prices for shipping from Russia to USA are in the $3k area, so things may have changed.
We recently shipped a 60lb CO from Cleveland to Denver for $300, that is about the weight of an adult female JA. We paid $250 to ship a Shikoku pup from Vancouver Island to Atlanta and we paid $350 to ship a CC pup from Atlanta to Denver... Point is, I would expect to pay around $300 to ship in North America.
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Currently the Japanese Akita Club of America is in the process of redoing our website. The new site will be found at www.akita-inu.com and will have the ability for Japanese Akita breeders to have mini-showrooms. These showrooms would have info regarding upcoming breeding, photos, and contact information.
As far as living with an Akita-inu. Well other than the shedding....it was has been quite easy. I work mostly 4-40s, which is four ten hour days. Early on, I would have people come by so Kaeda would not be left alone for more than four hours. As she got older (1 year old now), I increased the time span.
Exercise wise, Kaeda gets two 20min (at the least) walks a day. Most of the time that number is around 30mins and to vary it I either do hiking trails or go on a job.
Like Brad has already stated, you really need to go visit the breeder.
Oh and when it comes down to it Japanese Akita only come in Red, white, and brindle. Every now and then a sesame pops up but 9 times out of 10 thats because on of the parents is not a full JA.
Just some other things to consider. The experts in the breed will hopefully help you decide these things.
litters as there isn't a typical "puppies/litters" page. I might get in touch with them, though at this point in time it
will purely be for information gathering. Like montanadoglover said "The experts in the breed will hopefully help you
decide these things."
Although, every dog is different, from what I gathered the Akita (both the AA and JA) doesn't require "vigorous"
amounts of exercise. This is just one of the aspects that had drawn me over to the Akita.
@montanadoglover, thanks for your reply. You raised a great point. At some point in a day that the dog might be
most active/restless, no one could be home. From what I'm finding in houses, all have around a 10000sq-ft backyard
minimum. From looking at others photos and videos. I plan on making a nice safe area just for the dog. Although, I
have no intentions on leaving a dog outside all day long. Like previously suggested, for me to hire a dog walker,
after the walk, the dog could be placed safely in the backyard. It would have shelter(winterized), water, toys and
nice tall fence to keep him/her safe until I get home.
Any books anyone found helpful?
Thanks
Dave
Animals who are most active at dawn and dusk are "crepuscular."
-Chrystal: Nature Nerd
We are of little experience since we only adopt our little Akita girl since October. However, we are very happy with Aki. She is quiet a character and we love her quirky ways.
I can only speak from my own experience. Akitas are very smart and sensitive. It's amazing how a 5 months old puppy can understand how we feel. She really behaves at times like a little baby girl, which warms our hearts.
Like Jackburton, we walk her at least twice a day, dusk and dawn, for about 20 mins each time. When she has extra energy to be spent, we let her dart around the backyard. Yes, she darts.
I do not agree with people when they pigeonhole Akitas into a kind of breed that are tough to train for obedience or are aloof. It's all depends on the owner and the relationship you build. Limiting a dog based on it's breed is very detrimental IMHO. I wish I did not read too much into the stereotype of a Japanese Akita. I think our relationship will grow even faster without having a biased opinion about the breed.
Case in point, in our obedience class, Aki is the youngest puppy. The instructor who had a lot of experience with dogs expressed to us that she is pleasantly surprised at how well behave and obedient Aki is. She says we are lukcy to have gotten her from a good breeder. We just keep quiet and did not tell her the time we spent working with Aki.
Every evening, when one of us come home, Aki will grab out indoor slipper and run away. She knows how to tease people. She even started dragging our grocery into the kitchen recently. Very fun loving dog.
Good luck with your quest for the perfect dog.
i am a trustee for an akita rescue in the uk we are asked to rehome dozens of dogs every year mostly adults, these dogs are looking for forever homes for many reasons nearly all of them not the dogs fault. when rehomed they give their new owners such a huge amount of love and loyalty. if everyone who wanted an akita bought a puppy then these poor dogs would be pts. they deserve a home just as much as a puppy does.
@David: 3-11 is kind of a long time. Maybe talk with your family and see if they would consider it a burden, after meeting the dog they might actually like the idea. My brother has to work a lot so he drops his 2 Huskys off at my mom's house or my sister's to have play dates with their dogs while he goes to work. Would anyone you know be open to that? Excercising after midnight outside? If you go for a walk make sure to wear some bright clothing like yellow or white so that cars can see you, bring a flashlight if the street lights where you are, are dim. Helps if you have to pick up some doo doo in the dark and can't see it.