Sunday, July 17, 2011

Akita with severe separation anxiety? Akita owners please help.?

I've owned Akitas for years now and what you're seeing can by typical. The Akita breed just sometimes is a little more extreme in things like this than some breeds (I say that with all due respect to lovers of the breed-I'm crazy about them myself). First, you've only had him a short time. Akitas IMO should be the number one breed requiring owners/dogs to go into obedience classes together. Second, you need to get him a lot of exercise to help drain some of his excess energy. A lot of this may simply be just nervous energy from his new situation. It'll be helpful if you get him on a very strict daily routine of when to get up, go out, exercise, nap, eat, etc. In a few weeks time if you're diligent here he'll start to get used to the routine in the house. Third, Akitas like to test and push their owners until they view them truly as the alpha in the relationship. Again, obedience, exercise, correction, direction, fun, trust, respect, training, play time, etc. will slowly clear this up. This is one of the toughest concepts for owners to truly master. A good trainer, good resources (message boards with trainers, breeders, enthusiasts, etc. happy to answer all your questions and give you good tips, links, ideas), lots of follow-up and your ability to stick to being the alpha (not just when you FEEL like it) will be the key here. There's a lot more but these are some of the bigger things to consider. Below I've given you the link to the Akita Club of America website which is the best place to start your work. Akitas take TONS of work especially in the beginning but if you put the work into them they will return it many times back to you. This is a very special breed with unique needs but what they give back is unlike anything else. Best of luck.

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