Ok, this is going to be very long. I am a boy, almost 14. My mom has finally decided over 4 years to let us get a dog! I begged everyday. I live in Ohio, and I was interested at first in a German Shepherd, but my mom would never let me pay 1000$+ for a dog from a breeder. My second choice was a Shiba Inu, but those aren't to obedient I heard. So I figured I would go with my 3rd choice, the Akita Inu. Christmas is almost around the corner, so I should be getting atleast 300 in cash, plus what I have now. I need 600$ to purchase an Akita Inu pup, they are ready to be sold once they hit nine weeks, January 12th, that's so close. I will hope to have atleast 700$, to buy food, and any equipment I need for my dog. I guess I just have a few questions. My very first question is, is this a good dog for me? I want to be active with my dog, and I want it to like my whole family, I heard they're not to big on meeting new people, but that's ok. I also heard they aren't to nice to other dogs. Now, is it active? Also, I want it to be obedient without dog training, where as the Shiba Inu isn't obedient. Also, I need to know if I should get a Wood Fence, Laser Fence ( Those shock collar fences) or no fence at all. Will this dog roam around or will it stay close to home? My final question is, does this dog at all times need to be on a leash? Once again, I know the Shiba has to be. I want everyone to enjoy this dog, and I want it to play Frisbee and want to go on walks. If anyone can answer my questions thoroughly I will give them 5 stars and a thanks. Happy Holidays!
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For you an Akita is a VERY bad idea! They can be extremely aggressive to strangers and other animals if not socialized the heck out of as a puppy. I am practically an expert on Akitas and know what their temperament is like. They won't fetch unless they are very attached to you and you alone. Otherwise, "If you throw it away again, you must not want it." That is the way Akitas think. They have minds of their own and aren't very interested in pleasing people. They require massive amounts of training to be obedient! If their masters are experienced dog owners they make amazing best friends, but for a first time dog owner it could be a nightmare owning one. Please don't get an Akita! If you do you will be disappointed and the dog will end up in the pound.
A Border Collie, however, might be a good dog for you. They love to please people and love to play things like frisbee. They are the smartest dog breed in the world. The problem about these dogs is they have to be constantly occupied or they will destroy your house. And when training them, they might pick up on the command the first time, but you have to teach them to generalize before you start teaching everything you want it to know. They are incredibly smart, so if the first time you say "Sit!" in a very playful voice with your hand way up in the air, the dog will likely pick up from that one time, but if the next time you say "Sit." in a lower tone and not as excited sounding with your hand a bit lower, he'll think you're trying to teach him a whole different command. If you can spend a few hours of very active playtime every day, this is a good dog for you. And with a bit of training, you won't need a leash everywhere you go. Just be sure to teach him "heel" so he stays at your side when he needs to like if there's a car coming or whatever.
Another obedient dog is a Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog), but they will bark nonstop! If you live in a neighborhood a Sheltie would be a bad idea unless you are trying to give your neighbors payback for throwing a rock at your window and breaking it or egging your house or something.
Labradors are really friendly, and if you have guests over a lot it would be fun to have one, not only that they will play fetch nonstop if you're interested in playing games like frisbee with your dog, though when they're out retrieving birds for their hunting masters their biggest problem is they won't come. (But that's why they make shock collars)
For a fence I think your best choice is a metal/wire fence. If you are like me and want privacy, put slats in so they aren't completely see-through. This way the dog doesn't have to get shocked and you won't have to replace it when it gets old.
Depending on what kind of dog you get, you can get one from a breeder for like 400 dollars. Some are even a lot lower. You can go on to www.puppyfind.com and search any breed and in what state. Also, try checking out your local humane society. Pay attention to what breed of dog you get, but adopting one from there would cost around 50 and 75 dollars. Then you would also have plenty of money for food and stuff. Have fun!
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For you an Akita is a VERY bad idea! They can be extremely aggressive to strangers and other animals if not socialized the heck out of as a puppy. I am practically an expert on Akitas and know what their temperament is like. They won't fetch unless they are very attached to you and you alone. Otherwise, "If you throw it away again, you must not want it." That is the way Akitas think. They have minds of their own and aren't very interested in pleasing people. They require massive amounts of training to be obedient! If their masters are experienced dog owners they make amazing best friends, but for a first time dog owner it could be a nightmare owning one. Please don't get an Akita! If you do you will be disappointed and the dog will end up in the pound.
A Border Collie, however, might be a good dog for you. They love to please people and love to play things like frisbee. They are the smartest dog breed in the world. The problem about these dogs is they have to be constantly occupied or they will destroy your house. And when training them, they might pick up on the command the first time, but you have to teach them to generalize before you start teaching everything you want it to know. They are incredibly smart, so if the first time you say "Sit!" in a very playful voice with your hand way up in the air, the dog will likely pick up from that one time, but if the next time you say "Sit." in a lower tone and not as excited sounding with your hand a bit lower, he'll think you're trying to teach him a whole different command. If you can spend a few hours of very active playtime every day, this is a good dog for you. And with a bit of training, you won't need a leash everywhere you go. Just be sure to teach him "heel" so he stays at your side when he needs to like if there's a car coming or whatever.
Another obedient dog is a Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog), but they will bark nonstop! If you live in a neighborhood a Sheltie would be a bad idea unless you are trying to give your neighbors payback for throwing a rock at your window and breaking it or egging your house or something.
Labradors are really friendly, and if you have guests over a lot it would be fun to have one, not only that they will play fetch nonstop if you're interested in playing games like frisbee with your dog, though when they're out retrieving birds for their hunting masters their biggest problem is they won't come. (But that's why they make shock collars)
For a fence I think your best choice is a metal/wire fence. If you are like me and want privacy, put slats in so they aren't completely see-through. This way the dog doesn't have to get shocked and you won't have to replace it when it gets old.
Depending on what kind of dog you get, you can get one from a breeder for like 400 dollars. Some are even a lot lower. You can go on to www.puppyfind.com and search any breed and in what state. Also, try checking out your local humane society. Pay attention to what breed of dog you get, but adopting one from there would cost around 50 and 75 dollars. Then you would also have plenty of money for food and stuff. Have fun!
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- Feed it, walkit, starve it, beat it, bury it...
- No reputable Akita breeder would sell one to a child who has never owned a dog before. Akitas are big, strong stubborn guard dogs bred to hunt bears and guard their homes against all comers.
No dog is going to be obedient without any training. If you get a puppy you're going to have to housebreak it, and that can't be done if no one is home. Who is going to housebreak your puppy when you go back to school after the winter break?
Your best choice for a first time pet, a dog to learn about having a dog, is a retriever or a spaniel. And remember that mutts make great pets, too. Why don't you take your Christmas money and go to your local animal shelter and see if they have a dog you like? If you get an adult, it will probably already be housebroken. You can go in and explain that you've never had a dog before so you need a calm one that is housebroken and not too dominant. The more training it has already had, the better. The staff will help you and your mom pick out a good dog.
You can check out the possibilities at petfinder.org
Good luck! - The Akita is a masive dog breed. The are intelligant and affectionate with there family (there pack). They are known to be aggresive and very pertictive of there family. They must be trained early to let them know you are the pack leader. Males can get up to 120 pounds and females 110. I would not let any dog roam around outside without a fence. Any dog could run away or some one could steal it. I hope this helps. Also you can go on animalplanet.com and go to the dogs 101 section the have clips about different breeds and a quiz that can match you with a dog breed that fits your life style.
- okay not to be picky here but it isn't an akita inu it is just an Akita. An Akita is a rowdy dog but if you have patience then they can be easily trained. They are a good family dog but watch them around little kids until they are used to them. $700 wont be enough to get the good equipment and a dog from a breeder, maybe 750. If you dont wanna use a breeder, go to a shelter that only carries this particular breed. They will be purebred and they are cheaper and need good homes. The dog is nice to other dogs but it can be territorial so introduce them to dogs in a public place so they dont feel the other dog is threatening their home. EVERY DOG NEEDS TRAINING. I am 15 and yet I am one of the smartest person in my state about dogs. I dont know how much I can press this. NO LASER FENCE. They can startle a dog and make it timid. A timid dog gets frightened easily and will bight. I say use a mesh wire fence at least six feet high because dogs can jump, HIGH. No this dog is not a hound and will not get caught on a scent or by a car, but when on walks i suggest always keeping a dog on a leash and actually no. Dogs that are in the non sporting group like the Shiba or the working group or toy groups dont need to be on leashes all the time but once again it is always in the best intentions of the dog to always keep it on a leash when on walks. It can most definitely play frisbee. These dogs love to play and love their owners with a passion. I hope it works out! Happy Holidays! Also to the first answer, it doesn't matter when because the Akita has a nice thick coat and loves the cold weather.
- The first thing is to get a fence built.
The expense is not just in getting the dog, food, toys, chews and supplies.
The biggest expense to having a dog is the vet expenses.
Depending on the health of the dog and where you live vet expenses can be $500. to $1500. the first year.
As a first time dog owner who wants a dog that is easy to train and gets along with all family members consider a Lab or Golden Retriever. Also, when it is time to get a dog look at the shelter and/or contact breed specific rescues in your area. Do not buy from a pet store (puppy mill) or back yard breeder. Back yard breeders put up signs in local stores and in the newspaper. Look for a reputable breeder who has dogs with championships and titles. You can find reputable breeders by going to akc.org and selecting the Breeder information on the lower left side of the breed you are interested in. Getting a dog is a lifetime commitment. You want to get the healthiest, most well adjusted dog possible. - Try going for an older rescued mutt. A lot of people think of mutts as like misfits but my mutt is totally healthy and living happily in our home. Also rescued dogs are awesome and need to be given a second chance. They mmight be scared at fist but that doesnt mean theyrenot GREAT dogs. Also, more people willgo for the little cute puppies. But older dogs get put down every yyear because no-one will adopt them. The dog will depend on what type of home you have, if you have a big backyard that would be GREAT for a german shepard. just remember you're dog is going to grow if you get a puppy. You do need a fence. Some people may not like dogs and you want your dog to know that the whole town is not its home, your HOUSE is its home and "territory." You should get a wood fence. We have one and it works GREAT for our hyperactive border collie! Also it may take some time for the dogs to settle in to an electric fence. My friends have one and they have to carry their dog over it because it is afraid to go across because it thinks it might get shocked. But ya all dogs are GREAT!! And dont judge any dog or dog breed due to what the stereo type is. ALL DOGS ARE GREAT!! You want to bond witih this dog; when it meets you are you interested in it, is it interested in you, does it suit your lifestyledo you think?
- I don't think you should get any breed of dog YOU haven't invested YOUR time in to learn about by YOURSELF. It's part of YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. I'm not going to do your research for you.
I will tell you this: It is far better to get a dog in warmer weather. Spring and summer are best. This gives you more time to play with the dog outdoors, it is easier (or at least much more pleasant) to housebreak a dog when you don't have to go out in the cold. This would also give you more time to save money, read a LOT of dog care, raising, and training books, attend some dog shows, talk to other owners, meet some good, ethical breeders and do your research. Talk to your vet about breeds you may be interested in.
You also need to keep in mind what kind of dog your MOTHER would do best with. In four years, you will have gone away to college.The dog will very likely become your mother's pet for the next ten years. Think easy care coat, gentle temperament, medium size or smaller, and a breed mostly free of genetic and other problems. - you should obedience train your dog if you want a well trained dog. why dont you want to join an obedience club. all dogs should be trained so they understand what you want them to do.
i don't know if the dog is good for you because i don't know if you're good with dogs.
a timber privacy fence is good or a high chain link fence.
electric fences let other animals in the yard and your dog can be stolen. your dog might run through the fence and get a shock but it wont come back to get another shock.
your dog will run away if its not fenced in.
always leash the pup when you walk it so it cant run onto the road and get hit by a vehicle.
