Raising American Akitas: Temperament, Common Mistakes & Must-Know Tips

The American Akita is not a beginner's dog. Let me be honest about that from the start. They're magnificent, loyal, and deeply rewarding - but they require experienced handling and specific understanding.

📖Origins and Purpose

Originally bred in Japan for hunting large game and guarding, the American Akita diverged from the Japanese Akita after World War II. They were bred for strength, courage, and independence.

📖Physical Characteristics

• ●Large and powerful (45-60+ kg fully grown)
• ●Dense double coat (heavy shedding seasons)
• ●Bear-like head, small eyes, erect ears
• ●Various colours (unlike Japanese Akitas)

📖Temperament Overview

• ●Fiercely loyal to family
• ●Reserved with strangers (this is normal, not a problem)
• ●Independent thinkers (won't blindly obey)
• ●Potentially dog-selective (especially same-sex)
• ●Territorial and protective
• ●Quiet - they don't bark without reason

📖Not For Everyone

If you want a dog that loves everyone, follows commands instantly, or thrives at dog parks - this isn't your breed. If you want a loyal companion who thinks for themselves and forms a deep bond with their family - read on.

I cannot stress this enough. The socialisation window (8-16 weeks) is your chance to shape an Akita's adult temperament. Miss it, and you'll spend years managing the consequences.

🤝What Akita Socialisation Looks Like

• ●Early, positive exposure to diverse people
• ●Careful, controlled introductions to other dogs
• ●Many different environments and sounds
• ●Lots of positive handling by various people
• ●Vet visits that are pleasant, not just for needles

💪The Akita Challenge

Akitas have a naturally reserved temperament that can tip into suspicion or fear without proper socialisation. They're also reaching sizes where any fear-based behaviour becomes dangerous.

📖What You're Aiming For

Not necessarily a dog that loves everyone - that's unrealistic for this breed. You want a dog that's: - Calm and neutral around strangers - Not reactive to dogs passing on the street - Confident in various environments - Tolerant of necessary handling

📝Common Mistake

Isolating an Akita puppy because they "seem fine at home." By the time problems emerge (typically adolescence), the window has closed. Do the work early.

Akitas are intelligent, but they weren't bred to please. They were bred to make decisions independently. Training requires a specific approach.

📖The Akita Mindset

• ●"Why should I do this?"
• ●Low repetition tolerance (boring = tuning out)
• ●Will question commands that seem pointless
• ●Sensitive to fairness and consistency
• ●Remember everything (good and bad)

📖What Works

• ●Clear, consistent rules from day one
• ●Short, engaging training sessions
• ●High-value rewards for genuine motivation
• ●Calm, confident energy (not anger, not begging)
• ●Making training interesting and varied
• ●Building relationship before demanding obedience

📖What Doesn't Work

• ●Harsh corrections (creates conflict, not cooperation)
• ●Endless repetition (boring and counterproductive)
• ●Inconsistency between family members
• ●Expecting instant, flashy obedience
• ●Dominance-based methods (damages trust)

🗣️Essential Commands

• ●Reliable recall (start in low distraction, build slowly)
• ●"Leave it" (potentially lifesaving with their prey drive)
• ●Loose lead walking (they're strong, pulling can't become habit)
• ●Settle/place command (impulse control)
• ●Drop it (prevents resource guarding escalation)

📖Reality Check

Your Akita may never be perfect at obedience. They may always take a moment to consider before complying. That's the breed. What matters is safety, manageability, and mutual respect.

This is the truth that rescue centres are full of Akitas because people didn't know: many Akitas don't tolerate other dogs, especially same-sex adults.

📖What to Expect

• ●Puppies often play well with other dogs
• ●Adolescence (12-24 months) is when selectivity typically emerges
• ●Same-sex aggression is common (not universal, but common)
• ●This isn't a training failure - it's breed-typical behaviour

🐕Managing Dog Selectivity

• ●Socialise thoroughly, but don't expect dog park friendliness forever
• ●Learn to read your dog's body language
• ●Avoid forced interactions with unfamiliar dogs
• ●Master on-lead management and control
• ●Never leave dogs (especially same-sex pairs) unsupervised together
• ●Accept that your dog may prefer human company to canine

🏠Multi-Dog Households

• ●Opposite sex pairings are generally safer
• ●Never leave Akitas unsupervised with other dogs
• ●Feed separately
• ●Resource management is essential
• ●Have a management plan for conflict

📖What NOT to Do

• ●Don't force your Akita to "get along" with dogs that stress them
• ●Don't punish dog-directed reactivity (makes it worse)
• ●Don't assume your friendly puppy will stay that way
• ●Don't get two same-sex Akitas expecting them to be best friends

This isn't a failure of training or socialisation. It's the breed. Management is key.

I've seen these patterns repeatedly. Avoid them.

Mistake 1: Underestimating Size and Strength That cute puppy becomes a 50+ kg adult within a year. Everything that's "cute" now - jumping up, pulling on lead, mouthing - becomes unmanageable or dangerous. Stop unwanted behaviours while they're small enough to handle.

Mistake 2: Skipping Socialisation "They're fine at home" isn't enough. An unsocialised Akita is a liability. Period.

Mistake 3: Expecting Dog Park Dog Stop taking your Akita to dog parks. Most will develop issues there - either from becoming a target due to their direct body language, or from negative experiences that create reactivity.

Mistake 4: Using Harsh Methods Akitas don't respond well to dominance-based training. You'll get a fearful, defensive, or shut-down dog. Work with the breed's intelligence and natural respect, not against it.

Mistake 5: Letting the Puppy Rule the House Akitas need boundaries. A puppy without rules becomes an adult who believes they make the decisions. This is dangerous with a large, powerful dog.

Mistake 6: Inadequate Exercise and Stimulation Bored Akitas destroy things and develop behaviour problems. They need physical exercise AND mental stimulation.

Mistake 7: Getting Two Akitas at Once Littermate syndrome plus breed-typical dog selectivity equals serious problems. Never get two Akita puppies simultaneously.

Mistake 8: Ignoring Early Warning Signs Resource guarding, reactivity, handling issues - address these immediately. They don't improve with age.

What's day-to-day life actually like?

💪Exercise Needs

• ●Moderate - they're not marathon runners
• ●Two decent walks daily (45-60 mins total) for adults
• ●Mental stimulation equally important
• ●They're often content with garden time between walks
• ●Hot weather = reduced activity (heavy coats)

📖Grooming

• ●"Coat blow" twice yearly (prepare for fur everywhere)
• ●Regular brushing during shedding seasons
• ●Occasional baths (they're naturally clean)
• ●Nail trims, ear checks, dental care

📖Living Space

• ●Secure fencing is essential (some will roam if given chance)
• ●Not ideal apartment dogs (space and activity needs)
• ●Indoor dogs - they want to be with family
• ●Can tolerate alone time but need company daily

👨‍👩‍👧Family Life

• ●Generally good with children they're raised with
• ●Supervision always with young children (size + play style)
• ●May be reserved with visiting children
• ●Some Akitas develop favourite person bonds

📖Costs

• ●High-quality food for large dogs isn't cheap
• ●Insurance for a powerful breed
• ●Larger everything (beds, crates, supplies)
• ●Potential for expensive health issues (breed predispositions)

📖Lifespan

Typically 10-12 years. Not as long as smaller breeds, but those years are intensely loyal.

Be honest with yourself. This breed requires specific things.

📖An Akita Might Be Right If You

• ●Have experience with dogs (or will get professional help)
• ●Can commit to thorough socialisation
• ●Appreciate independence in a dog
• ●Want a loyal, family-focused companion
• ●Can provide consistent leadership without harshness
• ●Accept that they may never be "dog social"
• ●Have secure property and appropriate space
• ●Can handle a large, powerful dog physically
• ●Are prepared for grooming demands
• ●Understand the commitment (10+ years)

📖An Akita Probably Isn't Right If You

• ●Want a dog that loves everyone
• ●Want regular dog park visits
• ●Want instant, eager-to-please obedience
• ●Have multiple dogs of the same sex
• ●Can't commit to serious socialisation during puppyhood
• ●Aren't prepared for the size and strength
• ●Want a dog that can be left with anyone
• ●Live in an apartment without garden access
• ●Aren't prepared for shedding seasons

📖Finding a Good Breeder

• ●Health tests for hips, eyes, and thyroid
• ●Temperament testing of breeding dogs
• ●Willingness to take dog back if circumstances change
• ●Questions about YOUR suitability
• ●Not just selling to anyone with money

🗣️Rescue and Rehoming

Many Akitas end up in rescue because owners were unprepared. If you're experienced, rescue is a beautiful option. Be honest about the dog's history and any issues. Akitas don't adapt to new homes as easily as some breeds.

📖Final Word

Living with an Akita is a privilege. They're not easy, but the bond you develop is unlike any other. Do the research, do the work, and you'll have a companion worth every challenge.