We have an active lifestyle (running, hiking, camping). The Akita, also referred to as the Akita Inu or the Japanese Akita, is a Japanese breed that is known for its bravery. While disabled individuals who require the use of a service dog can bring a service dog to work with them, there are some limitations. The Akita tends to be quiet and reserved with people it does not know. Find more than one and talk on the phone or in person so you can hear their voice, not just by email - find some who want to fit the dog and owner, not just someone trying to sell a puppy. They help those who have certain disabilities such as blindness, deafness or those with mental disabilities. Dogs that are more active will need more food, while dogs … Litter Size of Akita is 7-8 puppies, but again, litter size variates because of dog’s genetics. Military people serving in World War Two also were impressed by the Akita and brought the dogs home with them. This is not a dog you take to the dog park. The dog must fulfil certain requirements before we recognise it as an assistance dog suitable for import or export. This means that you and your service dog can go anywhere that you are allowed to go – like office buildings, stores, no-pet apartments, etc. If you have other pets, you will want to be certain the Akita is given its own food bowl or treat well away from any other animals and that no other animal is allowed near the Akita until the food is gone. Please note that emotional support dogs are currently not recognized as assistance dogs and will need to comply with the standard requirements and procedures for the import of dogs. Not all dog strains are capable of being a Service Dog. They were developed to hunt big prey like wild boar and bears. I would talk to Akita breeders. The Akita continues to be regarded as a loyal and courageous dog, and the Japanese now use the Akita as a police dog. Many people choose this breed when they want a guard dog. The American Akita can be difficult to train. They are very stubborn and resistant to commands. Service dogs also are useful for detecting low blood sugars or oncoming seizures for those with diabetes and epilepsy. Akitas are double-coated dogs, meaning their plush, thick undercoats are guarded by a longer outer coat. Native to Japan, this dog has been bred to guard royalty and to hunt game. The average life expectancy of an Akita is around 12 years, but some dogs have been known to live longer. For example, at a boarding school, service animals could be restricted from a specific area of a dormitory reserved specifically for students with allergies to dog dander. Guide dogs or seeing eye dogs are trained to help blind or visually impaired people get around safely and independently. Most of the time, it can be done. This breed generally not used as a service dog. Here is a list of breeds that are not suitable to be a service dog. If you want your Pitbull to be a Service Dog but don’t have an idea does pitbull makes a good service dog, then better stay on track. The Akita is a descendent of the Akita Inu of Japan, and the name comes from the prefecture (state) of Akita. Common Service Dog Breeds. Passing the evaluation does not guarantee that your dog will make it all the way through the program as problem behaviors can always develop along the way, especially with younger dogs. The popular term for these dogs in Australia is assistance dogs. Service dogs can be trained to help their owners. Service dogs need to be trained by a qualified dog trainer. All interactions with other canines should be monitored, and your Akita should not be let off the leash when around dogs he does not know. Although the Akita is affectionate to its family, it can also be independent and stubborn at times. This dog typically grows to about 24 to 28 inches and typically weighs between 75 and 110 pounds. Besides, you are going to end up depending on your dog pretty heavily, so it’ll just work better if … Background: My partner and I currently have male rescue belgian shepherd. Training your own service dog depends on the disability you need them to accommodate, the temperament of the dog, and other factors. There are 3 main types of assistance dogs. The Akita (秋田犬, Akita-inu, Japanese pronunciation: [akʲita.inɯ]) is a large breed of dog originating from the mountainous regions of northern Japan.There are two separate varieties of Akita: a Japanese strain, commonly called Akita Inu (inu means dog in Japanese) or Japanese Akita, and an American strain, known as the Akita or American Akita. These wonderful furry companions will be trained to assist those who have disabilities. This can lead to fights, which can be serious with a large, muscular dog like the Akita. Just like to say brilliantly written article . Obesity can cause many of Akita’s problems to worsen. Akitas are VERY food possessive. Can you help me decide whether the Akita is the best breed for me? As you can see, the Akita can be a handful. Service dogs are trained to assist people who have various disabilities to manage personal and other tasks. A service dog is a type of working dog but is very different from other working dogs like police dogs, cadaver dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. We both can bring dogs to work (and we do bring the shepherd in). STAGE FOUR – Adding Vocal Cue With Hand Signal Outside Now your dog is consistently coming to you in a distraction free environment you can proof your recall cue by taking it outside. Some cases have been unsuccessful. This explains its fearlessness and heroic loyalty. Yes, I offer personal consultations on choosing the best breed for your family and lifestyle. If an akita is well socialized from puppyhood, is it unlikely to be dog agressive, or is it a crapshoot? For example, extra weight can put a strain on the joints, which can cause joint problems. The assessment provides an estimation of what your dog’s chances are of becoming a service dog. There are many different types of service dogs, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, seizure response dogs, and sensory dogs, to name a few. Not really . The Law According to the Americans with Disabilities Act , "service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." As a rough guide, an adult Akita can be fed the following amounts every day spreading their meals out to 2 or 3 a day as it is better to feed them smaller amounts several times a day to reduce the risk of them developing bloat: Dogs weighing 32kg can be fed 322g to 424g depending on activity When you look at an Akita, you can probably see a mix of a few other dog breeds, that make up their overall appearance, but Akitas are a breed … Known as a symbol of protection, Japanese parents often receive a small statue of an Akita when their child is born. An assistance dog is a dog trained to assist a person with a disability. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Helen Keller was inspired by the Akita's loyalty and bravery, and brought the first few Akita back to the US. i have 3 inus now and wouldnt dream of letting them of the leash however i had a jap akita 20 years ago who i never had on the lead and she was fine The breed is regarded as the national dog of Japan and a National Monument, an honor only given to six other dog breeds. The Akita is not only a symbol of protection, but also one of health, happiness, and long life. Akita is one of Japan's oldest dogs. This will encourage him to respond even when you are out of sight. However, if you take care of your dog with a proper diet and regular vet checks they can live longer than average. Service dogs can range from very small to very large. Training Your Own Service Dog: A Step-By-Step Guide. Although independent dog breeds can be wonderful in some circumstances, most good service and support dogs tend to be touchy-feely dogs who bond strongly with their owners. If you think a Pit Bull is a breed that will work best for your disability, be sure to seek out a reputable breeder or rescue organization. [2] Service Dog Defined First, it is important to understand what a service dog is, according to The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service dog as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” I'd like to get another large dog. Like all other breeds, the Akita has the ability to be a family companion and sweetheart, or aggressive and deadly attack dog. They require a strict, experienced owner. Many people would simply be unable to manage a forceful dog of this size, but a smaller version would be easier to handle. as an akita owner of 30 some years i agree with all your points but at the same time as with all breeds of dogs no 2 dogs are the same so try not to judge every akita like this . Training Your American Akita. Akitas are known for their easy grooming maintenance; however like many other dog breeds they will shed their coat throughout the year. These intelligent dogs are used for therapy work, are popular in show rings and can make good family pets. Akitas can live peacefully with a dog of the opposite sex, though some Akitas prefer being an only dog! Their coats come in a variety of colors from snow white to brindle. Even with that level of selectiveness, at all Service Dog organizations, “according to some estimates, only 50% of dogs entering training progress to the level of a service dog.”[1] Many trainers and breeders have designed tests for dogs that focus on puppies, but unfortunately, empirical studies show that these tests, while easy to give, often don’t predict adult temperament. The American Akita is not good with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. If a dog is gravely affected by various health problems, its life expectancy is likely lower than a healthy, athletic dog. This can add up, especially if you invest in high-quality food to keep your dog happy and healthy. Learn more about my Dog Breed Consulting Service. In fact, some Shih Tzu can even show a natural ability to recognize different health conditions. This dog breed was named after the Akita prefecture – a cold, rugged and mountainous region located in the island of Honshu in Northern Japan. The earliest generations of the Akita can be traced back to the 1600s’ and, like several other Asian dog breeds, was often associated with royalty. Every dog is unique, so how much food a Shiba Inu or Akita range from dog to dog. Shiba Inu vs Akita Diet: What do They Eat? Origin. A miniature Akita would be more suitable for apartment living or … Space could be another factor in wanting a more petite dog. Service dogs are used mainly as guide dogs. Lifespan variates from dog to dog but an average lifespan of Akita is 11-15 years. 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