Hello I'm Marta and I am new to this forum. I own a female Akita puppy named Nova. She is 3 months old.She is soon cute very playful but she bites everything she can also sometimes she tries to bite my daughters feet when she is playing. My concern is if having an Akita is safe for my 4 year old daughter. Also what kind of training should I give her? Please answers would be really helpful
Didn’t the breeder give you information/advice about the breed on socialisation/ exercise/training ect: ? Did you discuss your concerns with the breeder beforehand?
It is perfectly normal for a three month puppy to explore the world with its mouth, so I wouldn't think this is aggressive biting, it is far more likely to be in play. Nova will need to be reminded to be gentle with your daughter, and maybe your daughter will have to behave calmly when the two of them are together. Perhaps separating them with a baby gate would be useful when you are not there to intervene. When you are present, you could direct Nova's bite into a knotted rope, a Kong, or some other type of heavy duty toy. Once Nova's second teeth have come through she will be less likely to use her teeth but will still need to be supervised because of her energy, size and weight.
Lol this is not the way you greet or try to assist newbies. Just because they have an Akita puppy doesn't mean they got it from a breeder or a good breeder who places dogs well and gives info. This is just condescending and unhelpful. If they discussed all this with the breeder and were informed, why'd they feel the need to ask here? It's like... Really? As for the OP, some online research definitely would be helpful or finding some people who have owned the breed may help too. I've seen Akitas with kids but my dog was banned from a therapy program because he's black with a curly tail and they deemed him "An Akita or any mix thereof" (he doesn't have Akita in him). His personality was never even tested. They went by appearance only. So I definitely would look into training and advice for an Akita.
I agree with GsdSlave - the time to ask "is it safe for my child" is BEFORE you bring the dog home, not after. Regardless of where you get your dog, you need to do the research first. Know what you are getting before you bring it home. A website like this is great for "we're thinking of getting an akita puppy - will she be good with small kids?" Too many dogs lose their homes because people don't do their homework first. And as people stray further away from the old standard "good with kids breeds" (aka labs, goldens, poodles), we see more and more bad matches. With that, the OP is past that point and needs to do what she can to make this work. Akitas are good family dogs. However, females can be more prey-driven and domineering. Get the puppy into a class for socialization and training. Make sure she understands that you are in charge. It is not enough for one person to train her - all teens and adults in the home should be able to give her commands and be obeyed. Your daughter is young and small and runs and screams - a lot like prey. It's in the dog's instincts to want to play, chase and bite her. In addition, she is teething, and biting and chewing feel good on her mouth. So you need to redirect that behavior. Chews and toys should be kept close at hand. You want to get to the point that you are giving the puppy the chew or toy BEFORE she starts biting your daughter. So, when you bring one into the room with the other, give the puppy her favorite chew or toy. Don't give that chew or toy at other times - only when in the presence of your daughter. The puppy will learn that daughter equates to favorite chew/toy. If the puppy starts biting at any of you, say "ouch" in a higher pitched tone and calmly move your hand away. Then give the puppy a chew/toy. The puppy WILL learn that biting is not acceptable. Don't send mixed signals. If you don't want her to bite, then don't play games that involve biting. Roughhousing and using your hands to play fight with her tell her biting is acceptable. Use common sense, get training for both the puppy and you, and don't leave your daughter alone with the puppy (or ANY dog/puppy). They'll grow up to be best friends. Do your research now. Read up on akitas. Talk to breeders - a good breeder will be happy to talk to you about your puppy and will be forthcoming with the negative traits.
