Dog Owner Chat V. 5

[orpheus.]

Haha thanks.

Her name is Pippa, we got her on tuesday from a farm I volunteer at. She's such a sweet, gentle little thing and a total couch potato which is such a huge contrast to my border collie who's constantly on the go. I'm glad she's so calm though because the farm does have some crazy hyper jack russels that are a total handful.

[HowlToTheWind]

Have you had dogs before? What breeds? No, but I have experience caring for Chihuahuas, a Weimeraner/Lab mix, a Lab, and a Miniature Pinscher/Chihuahua mix
Are there any breeds that have already caught your eye? If so, why? Not in particular, no
How much time a day do you have to devote to training your dog? Most days I'm home all day except for Sundays and Tuesdays, due to church/youth group
What kind of grooming needs are you prepared to handle? Something that doesn't require too much, grooming wise
What kind of energy level are you looking for? Something with not too much energy, playful but not too playful
What do you plan on doing with your dog? Playing and cuddling, hopefully taking it over to my friend's house (she has a 10 year old Weimeraner/Lab mix)
What size dog are you wanting? Something that isn't too small, but also not too big either
What age dog are you looking for? Any age, but no puppies unfortunately
What kind of lifestyle do you live? (Active, couch potato etc) Pretty active all things considered, me and my sister usually go on at least two walks a day, but with a dog we could definitely go for more walks if needed
“It’s important that my dog.... (finish the sentence) is okay with kids (10+) and small animals (hamsters, guinea pigs)
What do you want the dog for? (Family dog, companion, ect) A companion for me and my family, and so I don't spend as much time just sitting around when I have nothing to do
Do you have other animals? If so, what do you have? Yes, 4 guinea pigs, a Syrian hamster, a Robo hamster, and some Betta fish

[fluffycat6]

^^ a beagle or cocker spaniel came to mind.

[T w e x i a]

Heyho! So i got myself a puppy about a month ago,
a little American Akita andddd i really love her, she is so cute!
But sometimes she is very self-minded... Is there anyone who had an american akita,
with some tips for me? I wanna make sure i do everything
correctly since its a very strong breed!
At the beginning it was really hard for me, i went every hour outside with her ( yes even at night )
now its a bit easier, its just every 3 hours but i cant wait any hour longer without her peeing in my room.. xD
I know she's very young, 15 weeks old but i hope it'll get better soon, because its hard because of school,
what did help you?
and first i thought going to dogschool with her, but its very expensive and many people say it isnt worth the money,
but sometimes dog trainers say they won't train her because she's an american akita
i've found a trainer to train her but he also said normally he wouldn't do that...
My dogbreed choice is so hated and i don't know why, i mean i love her!

[taurus ;]

Are you a first time dog owner? Because if you are, Akitas are not recommended for the first time. They’re not easy dogs.

Many people don’t like them because...they’re aggressive. They’re bred to be protective and to be aggressive towards other dogs(specifically same sex) and strangers. On top of that they are large and powerful and in the wrong hands, very dangerous.

[T w e x i a]

Are you a first time dog owner? Because if you are, Akitas are not recommended for the first time. They’re not easy dogs.

Many people don’t like them because...they’re aggressive. They’re bred to be protective and to be aggressive towards other dogs(specifically same sex) and strangers. On top of that they are large and powerful and in the wrong hands, very dangerous.

Well, yes i am, but i have a lot of experience with dogs, but i wont train her to be aggressive, she LOVES strangers and wants to play with other dogs!

[.muse.]

Are you a first time dog owner? Because if you are, Akitas are not recommended for the first time. They’re not easy dogs.

Many people don’t like them because...they’re aggressive. They’re bred to be protective and to be aggressive towards other dogs(specifically same sex) and strangers. On top of that they are large and powerful and in the wrong hands, very dangerous.

Well, yes i am, but i have a lot of experience with dogs, but i wont train her to be aggressive, she LOVES strangers and wants to play with other dogs!

The thing with American Akita's though, they usually aren't trained to be aggressive. It's a genetic predisposition in the breed which is why many aren't fond of them. I've met a decent handful of American Akita's in person, and only a couple were stranger friendly with A LOT of work from the handler to be that way. The rest I wouldn't have pet even with the owners permission because the dog didn't look like it wanted the attention at all.
At 15 weeks old she's not going to really start showing that Akita personality because she's not hit maturity yet. Stay on top of socializing her and definitely get with that trainer you found as soon as possible so that by the time she does hit maturity you'll have a confident grasp on how to handle her.

I'd also start crate training her if you haven't already. Most dogs don't want to relieve themselves where they sleep so that will help with house breaking. It's a slow process when done right, but crate training is so worth it in the long run for more than just house breaking. And if done right creates a safe space for the dog not just a cage they have to put up with. Both of my dogs will willingly sleep in their crates with the doors open while we are home.

[eff]

It's a bit of a generalisation to call a whole breed 'aggressive'. Protective, maybe. But regardless-- It genuinely does not matter if you're a first time dog owner. Sure, it helps, but as long as you have experience with dogs, you'll be fine. You seem like your passionate about having your akita put in her place, whether with a trainer or yourself and that is great. Best of wishes.


- I have a jack russel mix. He isn't the smartest after having his first seizure, now being special needs, but he is a lovely soul. Couldn't rat if his life depended on it though. He was a super calm pup that would occasionally be a bit nutty and sprint like a horse around the long corridors of our old house. Once hit his head so hard because he couldn't stop.

[cornspurrd.]

Also! socialization does not mean bring her up to every dog and every human you see! Every dog you may see might not be friendly, Despite what the owner says, One bad encounter and its all over. do research!! Good luck!

I also hate the whole don't get a certain breed if you haven't had experience with dogs.. You can get whatever dog breed you want if you are dedicated to training the dog and giving them exersize! Don't let somebodies comment prevent you from getting your dream dog!!

One fluffy cutie you have there.

[eff]

I do definitely recommend going over to known family members or friends houses that have friendly dogs. Walking down the street, you don't really know what you're going to get. A lot of people take there dogs to beaches (if you live anywhere near one, that is) and most dogs that are off leash are very social. Don't count on it though.