Akitas are a loyal and protective breed, but they can also be independent and headstrong. Because of their potential for aggression, it’s important to socialize and train them well from an early age.
Akitas can make great family dogs, but they’re not necessarily the best choice for homes with small children. Akitas can be distrustful of strangers, and A small child may be regarded as a threat by them. If you’re considering an Akita for your family, it’s important to do your research and be prepared to commit to a training and socialization regimen.
When Akitas are properly trained and socialized, they can be loving and gentle companions. They’re fiercely loyal to their families and make excellent watchdogs. Akitas can be a great fit for active families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation. If you have small children, it’s important to introduce them to your Akita slowly and carefully.
When it comes to Akitas and kids, not all hope is lost. You can make Akita and kids get along by following our tips and advice from the experts like Dr. Annie Schiavetta. She studied animal behavior and has a lot of tips for pet parents. After reading this article, you’ll learn about:
- Is an Akita a good fit for your family?
- The best age to introduce an Akita to kids
- How to socialize and train an Akita
- How to keep an Akita and kids safe together
- What to do if an Akita shows aggression towards kids
Are Akitas Good With Kids? Akitas can be good with kids, but it depends on the individual dog. Some Akitas are more laid back and tolerant of children, while others can be more aloof or even aggressive. It’s important to socialize your Akita from a young age and to introduce them to A variety of individuals, including children so that they learn to be comfortable around different types of people.
Akitas were originally bred in Japan as hunting and fighting dogs. Their instinct is to be aggressive, which is why they’re not considered to be good with kids. Akitas are known for their loyalty and protective nature, but they can also be very territorial and aggressive.
This doesn’t mean that all Akitas are bad with kids, but it’s important to know that they have the potential to be aggressive. If you’re considering an Akita for your family, be sure to meet with the dog first to see if there’s a good fit.
The Best Age To Introduce An Akita To Kids
It’s best to introduce them to kids when they’re puppies. Puppies are more likely to be accepting of new people and experiences. Ideal socialization periods for puppies are between 3 and 16 weeks old. During this time, it’s important to expose them to as many new people, animals, and experiences as possible.
Tips To Help You Make Akitas And Kids Get Along
If you’re considering adding an Akita to your family, you might be wondering if these loyal and intelligent dogs are good with kids. The good news is that, with proper socialization, training, and supervision, Akitas and kids can get along just fine.
Dr. Annie Schiavetta, a licensed veterinarian and veterinary consultant for PETS CRAZIES, offers the following tips to help you make Akitas and kids get along:
Start socialization early: Socialization is key for any dog, but especially for Akitas. Start introducing your pup to children when they are young, and make sure to always supervise them when they are together. This will help your dog become comfortable around kids and understand that they are not a threat.
Teach your Akita basic obedience commands: Teaching your Akita basic obedience commands such as “sit”, “stay” and “come” is essential. This will help them understand the rules of the household, and will aid in communication between the dog and the kids.
Don’t leave kids and Akitas alone together: It is never recommended to leave a child and a dog alone together, regardless of the breed. Kids may not understand that pulling a dog’s tail or being overly rough can hurt the dog, so supervision is essential.
Be aware of Akita body language: Learn to read your Akita’s body language. If your dog is showing signs of stress or anxiety such as lip licking, yawning, or lowered head and ears, it’s time to take a break from the kids.
Avoid rough play: Rough play can easily lead to accidents, and can cause your Akita to become fearful or defensive. Stick to gentle petting, and teach the kids to be gentle and respectful.
Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to socializing your Akita with kids. Praise them for good behavior, and give them treats when they behave.
Be cautious around small children: Akitas may not understand that small children are more fragile than adults, so be extra cautious when they’re around small kids.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your Akita and kids get along and have a happy and healthy relationship.
Why Do Some People Think Akitas Are Not Good With Kids?
- Heavy Size and strength: Some people think Akitas are not good with kids because of their size and strength. They can be very powerful dogs, and if they’re not properly trained or socialized, they may not be the best around small children.
- Strong Prey Drive: Additionally, Akitas have a strong prey drive and may view small children as potential prey items. This can lead to problems if the dog is not properly supervised around kids.
- Owner Possessive: Akitas are also very protective of their families and may become aggressive if they feel their family is threatened. They may see children as a threat. This can be another reason why some people think these dogs are not good with children.
- Powerful Breed: One of the main reasons why some people think Akitas are not good with kids is because they are a large and powerful breed. Akitas were originally bred in Japan as guard dogs, and their size and strength can be intimidating to some people. Akitas are large dogs with a lot of energy, and may accidentally knock over or injure a child. However, Akitas are very gentle and loving dogs when they are properly trained and socialized.
Overall, Akitas can be good with kids if they are properly trained and socialized. They need to be taught how to behave around children, and it’s important to supervise them carefully when they’re around small kids. With the right care and training, Akitas can make great family pets.
How To Introduce An Akita Into A Home With Children? (Necessary Steps)
Step 1: Start by teaching your children how to interact with the Akita. They should always approach the dog calmly and respectfully, and never try to pull its tail or ears. Show them how to pet the dog gently on the back or head.
Step 2: When you first bring Akita home, keep him in a separate room from the children. This will give him a chance to get used to his new surroundings without feeling overwhelmed.
Step 3: Slowly introduce the Akita to the children, letting them interact with each other under your supervision. Allow the dog to approach the children on his terms, and never force him to interact with them if he doesn’t want to.
Step 4: Encourage positive interactions between the Akita and the children by offering treats or praise when they behave well around each other. If the dog shows any signs of aggression, such as growling or snapping, intervene immediately and redirect his attention to something else.
With patience and positive reinforcement, you can successfully introduce an Akita into a home with children. Just be sure to supervise their interactions closely at first and never force the dog to do anything he’s not comfortable with.
How to Socialize An Akita So They Are Good With Kids?
According to animal behaviorist Dr. Sarah Ellis, “Akitas are typically reserved and dignified dogs, but they can be quite protective of their families and can be suspicious of strangers. Therefore, it is important to socialize them from a young age to ensure they are comfortable around kids and other people.“
One of the most important things you can do to socialize an Akita is to expose them to as many different people, places, and situations as possible. This will help them become used to new things and learn how to cope with change. It is also important to make sure that they have positive experiences with kids so that they are comfortable around them.
Here are some tips for socializing with an Akita:
- Take them on walks in different neighborhoods so they can meet new people and see new sights.
- Go to dog parks or doggy daycare so they can interact with other dogs.
- Invite friends and family over to your house so they can meet your Akita.
- Take them to public places like stores, restaurants, and events so they can get used to being around people.
- Enroll them in a puppy class or obedience training so they can learn how to behave around others.
By following these tips, you can socialize your Akita and help them become comfortable around kids.
Training An Akita To Be Good With Kids?
These involve several things to follow:
Positive reinforcement: Reward your Akita when he or she does something right around kids, such as not barking or biting. Try using small treats, petting, or verbal praise.
Socialization: It’s important to expose your Akita to different types of people, including children, from a young age. This will help them get used to new faces and situations.
Obedience training: Teaching your Akita basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come” as well as teaching them not to “jump” or “nip” can help them learn self-control. This is especially important when there are kids around.
Leadership: Akitas can be strong-willed, so it’s important to be a confident leader. Be consistent with your rules and commands, and make sure your Akita understands that you are the boss.
With patience and consistency, you can train your Akita to be good with children. Just remember to always supervise them when they’re together, just to be safe.
Conclusion
To sum up, all that has been stated so far in this article, Akitas can make great children’s pets if they are properly socialized and trained. Akita dogs are generally good with kids, but like any dog, they require proper socialization and training to ensure they are comfortable around children. If you have small children in your home, it is important to take the time to teach your Akita how to interact with them properly.
With proper socialization and training, your Akita can be a great family companion who is good with kids. It is important to remember to be a confident leader when owning an Akita, as they can be strong-willed. Always supervise your Akita around children, even if he or she is well-behaved, as accidents can happen. With patience and consistency, you can have a loving, loyal Akita as part of your family.
