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robynfs
12/6/10!!
Member since 9/05 4947 total posts
Name:
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DH wants an Akita!
I have read some about this bread and and a few reasons stand out as to why I don't think it's the right breed for us.
1. Agressive toward other animals and we do have a cat!
2. Can be agressive toward young children. I would always worry!
He won't listen to these reasons. This breed is a japanese guard dog...he thinks thats perfect, it will protect us. I thinks its terrible, it could kill us!
What are your opinions about this breed if you have any? Also, how can I explain to DH in a productive, non emotional way that this dog will never enter our home! 
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Posted 1/12/10 5:39 PM  |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
The only thing I've ever "heard" about an Akita is that they are one of those breeds that needs strong alpha humans to keep them in line, at all times. And that they are not the kinds of dogs for inexperienced owners who aren't rock-solid familiar with training and pack order.
Why does he feel that you need protecting? Is it more of a 'these dogs are tough and cool' kind of thing?
Check this out, and the comments
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| Posted 1/12/10 6:02 PM |
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CoachC
LIF Infant
Member since 8/08 275 total posts
Name:
Kerri
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
It is probably not wise to get an Akita if you have a cat. I have a pitbull and I will never bring him into any home with cats.
As stated above, if you and your DH do not have experience with strong breeds, an Akita is not the dog for you. Because of it's strength and size and natural guard dog tendencies, it's needs serious training or it will run your lives.
I think your DH needs to do some research, maybe you can find some articles online about what it takes to raise a balanced Akita and show him how much time, effort and money it is really going to take.
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| Posted 1/12/10 6:36 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
My cousin had one who was extremely aggressive. I am not a fan of htem and if you plan on having them around children I would not do it. I hate to say it but luckily the dog died before her children came along. It would not have been good.
Message edited 1/12/2010 6:37:50 PM.
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| Posted 1/12/10 6:37 PM |
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imagin916
LIF Adult
Member since 6/05 1826 total posts
Name:
Valerie
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
I would not trust this breed with small children. If I'm not mistaken, I believe that Akitas are on the list of breeds that they could drop your homeowners insurance if they know you have one. Right or wrong, it is what it is.
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| Posted 1/12/10 9:11 PM |
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robynfs
12/6/10!!
Member since 9/05 4947 total posts
Name:
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
Thank you all for the feedback. Everything you said is in line with what I have read.
DH has always loved this breed, thinks it's cool and a beautiful dog. I don't think he really understands the nature of the dog. He feels that if we raise it from a puppy stage, it will be fine. The fact is that he is an attorney that works very LONG hours, so I will be raising this dog. I don't like what I read about it and I don't want to risk my cat and future children. I would never feel comfortable having people over or even bringing the dog out around children.
He just doesn't get it. He knows I am dead set against it....but talks about it ALL the time. I need to get through to him. Maybe find a local breeder to talk to him...do you think they would talk the "whole" truth? I don't want to be the bad guy about this anymore...I want him to hear the facts from an experienced individual.
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| Posted 1/13/10 9:13 AM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
My neighbor has 2 and they said that they are aggressive with other animals.
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| Posted 1/13/10 9:43 AM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
Posted by greenfreak
The only thing I've ever "heard" about an Akita is that they are one of those breeds that needs strong alpha humans to keep them in line, at all times. And that they are not the kinds of dogs for inexperienced owners who aren't rock-solid familiar with training and pack order.
I agree completely....same as with rottweilers (sp)
they can be GREAT dogs (dh had 2) but you need to show them from the jump that YOU are the boss and they are submissive to you 
Message edited 1/13/2010 10:49:42 AM.
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| Posted 1/13/10 10:49 AM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
Posted by robynfs
Thank you all for the feedback. Everything you said is in line with what I have read.
DH has always loved this breed, thinks it's cool and a beautiful dog. I don't think he really understands the nature of the dog. He feels that if we raise it from a puppy stage, it will be fine. The fact is that he is an attorney that works very LONG hours, so I will be raising this dog. I don't like what I read about it and I don't want to risk my cat and future children. I would never feel comfortable having people over or even bringing the dog out around children.
He just doesn't get it. He knows I am dead set against it....but talks about it ALL the time. I need to get through to him. Maybe find a local breeder to talk to him...do you think they would talk the "whole" truth? I don't want to be the bad guy about this anymore...I want him to hear the facts from an experienced individual.
Mistake number one is choosing for looks alone, but he's not realizing that right now. A *reputable* breeder will be just as concerned about where their puppies are going, as you are about getting a healthy dog. However, if you go that far, it might give him even more false hope.
I'd say a compromise is in order. I think you should tell him that since you are a team, you absolutely must agree about such a large 15 year commitment and come to a compromise together. Then you can offer to research breeds that have his main concerns met, as well as your own. I'm still concerned that he's looking at a dog as a possession, because those ideas are the ones that typically end up in a neglected life for the dog. Even if you take on the majority of the dog's needs, what happens when you are also taking on the majority of a baby's needs too, you know?
Some of the things you should look for is a dog that is highly trainable, medium to low exercise/grooming needs, and not prone to upset when home circumstances change. So you can plan for 5 and 10 years down the line. There are tons of sites out there that you can use to answer questions and get a list, and then start there on your research.
If you want a puppy so you can socialize and train them correctly from the beginning, make sure you understand how much sleep you will be losing, carpet cleaner you'll be going through, and objects that may get chewed to bits! They require a heck of a lot of time, and if they will be alone for 10 hours a day, I personally think you should not get a puppy.
If I can help at all with anything else, let me know. I think you're great for planning ahead and not acting on impulse. 
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| Posted 1/13/10 11:46 AM |
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robynfs
12/6/10!!
Member since 9/05 4947 total posts
Name:
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
Posted by greenfreak
Posted by robynfs
Thank you all for the feedback. Everything you said is in line with what I have read.
DH has always loved this breed, thinks it's cool and a beautiful dog. I don't think he really understands the nature of the dog. He feels that if we raise it from a puppy stage, it will be fine. The fact is that he is an attorney that works very LONG hours, so I will be raising this dog. I don't like what I read about it and I don't want to risk my cat and future children. I would never feel comfortable having people over or even bringing the dog out around children.
He just doesn't get it. He knows I am dead set against it....but talks about it ALL the time. I need to get through to him. Maybe find a local breeder to talk to him...do you think they would talk the "whole" truth? I don't want to be the bad guy about this anymore...I want him to hear the facts from an experienced individual.
Mistake number one is choosing for looks alone, but he's not realizing that right now. A *reputable* breeder will be just as concerned about where their puppies are going, as you are about getting a healthy dog. However, if you go that far, it might give him even more false hope.
I'd say a compromise is in order. I think you should tell him that since you are a team, you absolutely must agree about such a large 15 year commitment and come to a compromise together. Then you can offer to research breeds that have his main concerns met, as well as your own. I'm still concerned that he's looking at a dog as a possession, because those ideas are the ones that typically end up in a neglected life for the dog. Even if you take on the majority of the dog's needs, what happens when you are also taking on the majority of a baby's needs too, you know?
Some of the things you should look for is a dog that is highly trainable, medium to low exercise/grooming needs, and not prone to upset when home circumstances change. So you can plan for 5 and 10 years down the line. There are tons of sites out there that you can use to answer questions and get a list, and then start there on your research.
If you want a puppy so you can socialize and train them correctly from the beginning, make sure you understand how much sleep you will be losing, carpet cleaner you'll be going through, and objects that may get chewed to bits! They require a heck of a lot of time, and if they will be alone for 10 hours a day, I personally think you should not get a puppy.
If I can help at all with anything else, let me know. I think you're great for planning ahead and not acting on impulse.
Thanks for your response!
I am going to discuss the points you bring up with him. He is typically flexible with big decisions, however he has had his heart set on this dog his whole life. Since this has been his dream dog, the discussions regarding the dog have become emotional. I want to take emotion out of it and discuss this productively.
You bring up a lot of great points and I will be doing more homework. As you stated, I will be taking care of this dog for the most part, and managing it's care and I feel very strongly that this is not the right choice for us. I do work at home, so a puppy is a definite possibilty if it's the right dog for us.
I really blieve if I discuss this the right way with him he will get it. He was never a cat person and then got to know and eventually fell in love with my Chloe...and now can't imagine life without her. So this will work out in time.
Thanks again for all the help, I will keep you posted!
Message edited 1/13/2010 1:11:20 PM.
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| Posted 1/13/10 1:06 PM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
Posted by robynfs
I do work at home, so a puppy is a definite possibilty if it's the right dog for us.
Score!! Absolutely the best situation there is for a wee little pup. DH works from home too and it makes a huge difference in their lives.
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| Posted 1/13/10 2:13 PM |
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LoriH
There's no place like home
Member since 8/07 4110 total posts
Name:
Lori
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
My cousin had an Akita and it was the meanest most vicious dog I have ever encountered. However, I do not believe that all of the dogs from this bread turn out that way. It is possible with any breed that the right owner with sufficient care and training can raise a healthy well balanced dog. If you will be a main care taker who trains this dog and are not looking for the extra challenge the breed may present, I would look into more traditionally family friendly breeds. No matter what you decide any dog needs the right balance of discipline, exercise and love to become a great family companion.
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| Posted 1/16/10 8:42 AM |
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karabara
LIF Adult
Member since 8/07 1153 total posts
Name:
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Re: DH wants an Akita!
I havent read all the posts, so maybe it was already suggested. But if he is stuck on a Japanese breed how about a Shiba Inu? They are adorable (altho they are small dogs, and if he is anti-small dog he might not go for it). Not sure about their temperament, but maybe worht looking into?
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| Posted 1/17/10 7:45 PM |
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