A Comprehensive Guide to Raising a Puppy Akita Dog: From Health to Training

Introduction

Akita dogs are known for their loyalty, strength, and beauty. They make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. However, like all dogs, they require proper care and training to reach their full potential. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about raising a puppy Akita, from health to training and everything in between.

Health

Puppies are especially vulnerable to health problems, so it's important to take them to the vet for regular checkups. The vet can check for any health issues and provide you with the necessary vaccinations and deworming treatments.

Some of the most common health problems in Akita puppies include:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, which can lead to pain and lameness.
• Elbow dysplasia: This is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint.
• Patellar luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap dislocates, which can cause pain and lameness.
• Seborrhea: This is a skin condition that causes dry, flaky skin.
• Thyroid problems: These are a group of conditions that can affect the thyroid gland, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, and hair loss.

Feeding

Akita puppies need a diet that is high in protein and fat to support their growth and development. There are a variety of different puppy foods available, so it's important to choose one that is specifically designed for large breed puppies.

You should feed your puppy 3-4 meals a day until they are around 6 months old. After that, you can switch to feeding them twice a day. The amount of food you give your puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level.

Exercise

Akita puppies are very active, so they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. You should take your puppy for a walk or run every day, and you can also play fetch or other games with them.

It's important to start exercising your puppy gradually, as too much exercise too soon can lead to injuries. Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance and intensity of the exercise as your puppy gets older.

Training

Akita puppies are intelligent and eager to please, so they are relatively easy to train. However, it's important to start training early on, as puppies are more receptive to learning at a young age.

Some of the basic commands you should teach your puppy include:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Heel
• Down

You can also teach your puppy more advanced commands, such as tricks and agility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that people make when raising Akita puppies:

• Overfeeding: Akita puppies need a lot of food to support their growth and development, but it's important not to overfeed them. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause a variety of health problems.
• Under-exercising: Akita puppies are very active, so they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Under-exercising can lead to boredom and destructive behavior.
• Lack of socialization: Akita puppies need to be socialized with other people and animals in order to grow into well-rounded adults. Lack of socialization can lead to fear and aggression.
• Harsh training: Akita puppies are sensitive and responsive to training, so it's important to use positive reinforcement methods. Harsh training can damage your puppy's trust and make them fearful and aggressive.

Why Matters and How Benefits

Raising a puppy Akita is a rewarding experience, but it also requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication. However, the benefits of raising an Akita are well worth the effort. Akitas are loyal, loving, and protective companions that will bring joy to your life for many years to come.

Conclusion

Raising a puppy Akita is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the tips in this guide, you can help your puppy grow into a healthy, happy, and well-behaved adult dog.

Additional Resources

• The American Kennel Club
• The Akita Club of America
• The National Akita Association

Appendix

Table 1: Common Health Problems in Akita Puppies

Table 2: Feeding Schedule for Akita Puppies

Table 3: Training Commands for Akita Puppies