Dear All,

I have been offered a Japanese Akita Inu - a lovely 3 year old called Buster.

I have had many dogs and trained them all, so they were well mannered etc

However I have never had an Akita, although this one is friendly (not aloof as the breed type suggests) he is also - completely his own boss at the moment (due to being moved around alot). He is 11/12 stone of dog and I was wondering if anyone had or has an Akita - and could give me some useful training tips???

Many Thanks

Katy xx


http://www.windoweb.it/guida/mondo/foto_di...i/akita_inu.jpg

for those who dont know what an akita looks like click the link (although Busters colouring is totally different)

Wow, that's a lot of dog to cope with, especially if he's decided he's the boss. I guess your experience will help, but why are the present owners letting him go? Is he just too much to handle? Do you have other dogs - how will they react to a newcomer?

Not a dog person, just going on my cat experiences, so probably totally irrelevant! Lovely looking animal. Let us know how you get on - would love to see a picture of Buster!

Thanks Sue,

Any advice is more than welcome. The reason Buster is being offered to us (my dad and I) is that his owners are going through a divorce - Buster had been staying with the mother inlaw, this cant have been a good thing as I am clueless as to how an little old lady looked after this dog

We dont have anyother dogs, its a weird situation really - dad would actually be Busters owner - i dont live with my dad but I do work for him full time, and dad lives at work - if any of this makes sense

So I will be looking after him - and walking him etc just as much as dad.

Further Development: Dad went to view him last night- took him for a walk, Buster almost wrentched Dads arm from the socket, things not looking good.
Thing is I think given time I could train him up well - just don't know if dads willing to take the gamble - dad has had loads of big dogs but Buster is the strongest.

English info on akita-ken

They are very common as pets here in Japan, and since you have trained dogs in the past and are an experienced dog owner, I think you would be successful with Buster. Japanese people say that they are not bred for guard-dog characteristics but for a "pet" temperament these days.

As the English info says, Akita dogs are extremely loyal - to their LEADER, that is. If Buster's previous owner wasn't firm and consistent, Buster would no doubt walk all over him - with a smile, of course!

They expect to be led, and it is because they are sensitive to pack hierarchy that they make good guard-dogs who are alert to "outsiders". However, I've never seen one attack anybody, and they will obey an owner who gives clear directions very readily. They may...or may not...obey family members other than The Boss, apparently!

They are not excitable like collies, but they do like something to do and exercise.

Dogs which look very different from the photo you showed probably wouldn't be considered Akitas in Japan, so of course the dog you are considering might be a bit different in temperament too!

Oh dear! As an owner of a big dog I sympathise! You probably already know this but there is an excellent lead called a "Gentle Leader" which we use with our dog and keeps him under control on walks. I couldn't manage our dog without it as he is so strong - and its saved my arms

Hope it all goes well.

for your advice guys

but dad has now almost difinitively said that we can't have Buster as he is not suitable

Why did my dad send me to see him first

I him - the dog not my dad

I am trying to be a grown up as I technically am one, but I did my sulky face and the absolute no has become, 'I'll think about it' I don't want to be selfish, I want Buster to have the best home for him...............

Today is grey