Grooming
Akitas are so good at keeping themselves clean that some people compare their grooming habits to cats. Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind:
Brushing: For most of the year, these double-coated dogs only need to be brushed weekly, which is considerably less than many longer-haired dogs. As the seasons change, however, they experience seasonal coat blowing when they shed either their winter or summer undercoat. During these times, their undercoat will shed in large tufts about 10-times faster than normal. It’s vital to brush your Akita daily during this time, so you don’t end up with fur scattered everywhere in your home. Look for pin brushes, which can penetrate to the think undercoat. Outside of this time of year, grooming needs are more low-key.
Bathing and nail trimming: Just like with any dog, you’ll want to give your Akita an occasional bath and nail trim. A bath once a month should be sufficient, unless your Akita has played in the dirt or mud. Make that monthly bath “spa time,” and clip your pup’s nails while you’re at it. You’ll know it’s time to give them a trim when you hear that “click-clacking” on hard surfaces.
Dental care: It’s a good idea to brush your Akita’s teeth daily, so they don’t develop plaque, tartar or other dental issues. Start brushing their teeth when they’re a puppy, so they’re used to the feeling. Your veterinarian can help teach you the best tooth-brushing methods. Be sure to take your dog to the vet for a professional teeth cleaning once a year.
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Training
Akitas are smart, independent dogs, so they take well to positive reinforcement training in which you reward them for behaviors you like to see more of. However, their intelligence also means they might get bored if the training is too repetitive. It’s important to keep training sessions short—just five minutes long or so—and fun. Have lots of patience and take things slow, figuring out what treats and other rewards motivate your Akita the most.
Make sure you don’t use any force-based methods when training your Akita. These powerful dogs tend to be wary and might react to being pushed too hard to do something. If you’re not clear about how positive reinforcement works, ask a certified trainer to help you. Sometimes Akitas are so clever that a confident, experienced trainer is a better option if you want to have the most success.
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Diet
Akitas do well on high-quality commercial dog food. Look for one with the appropriate nutrition for their age and activity level. Choose a formula that fits their stage in life, whether your dog’s a puppy, adult, or senior.
You also want to make sure you don’t exercise your Akita too close to mealtime or let your Akita eat too quickly. Akitas can be at risk for gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), which happens when their stomach twists on itself after becoming distended with gas. This can be serious and even require emergency surgery. Slower feeding and keeping exercise spaced out from mealtime can help. A good rule is to hold off exercising an hour or two before and after mealtimes.
Your veterinarian can help you nail down a feeding chart to guide you on how much and how often to feed your Akita. It’s always important to consult your veterinarian since they can help you pick the ideal food for your dog’s individual needs.
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Exercise
Akitas crave regular exercise, and they’ll need more than the short walks you might take for a potty break. They love outdoor adventures and would be thrilled if they went for a long walk with you every day. In fact, their ideal day would include more than one walk that’s at least 30 minutes long, whether it’s a brisk stroll around the neighborhood or a more intense hike. But don’t leave them alone in your backyard to fulfill their exercise needs. They really just want to be with you.
Akitas are happiest with daily physical and mental activity, but this doesn’t mean they need to play all the time. As long as they can get some exercise, they’re content to be at home with you for the rest of their day.
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Environment
Akitas can be perfectly happy living in a large home or a small apartment, as long as they get sufficient exercise. Since they tend to be hesitant around strangers, it’s best if they live in a quieter home. If you have a lot of parties or people coming in and out all day, that’s not the best environment for having an Akita dog as a pet. But if it’s mostly just you and your family, they’ll thrive and want to bond with you throughout the day.
Akitas are loyal to their families, and an Akita raised with cats or socialized as a puppy may do well with a family’s small pets and children. However, you’ll still want to ensure children are taught how to interact with dogs, as well as supervise all their interactions to ensure everyone stays safe.
In general, Akitas thrive best in a home without young children, where they’re the only pet and can bask in all your love and attention.
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