The American Akita is a large, powerful dog breed with a long history of guarding. They were originally bred in Japan to protect royalty and nobility, and they continue to be valued as guard dogs today.
Why Are Akitas Good Guard Dogs?
There are several reasons why Akitas make good guard dogs. They are:
Large and intimidating. Akitas are large dogs, with males typically weighing between 75 and 110 pounds and females weighing between 50 and 70 pounds. Their size alone can be enough to deter potential intruders.
Independent and intelligent. Akitas are independent thinkers, which makes them good at assessing potential threats. They are also intelligent dogs, which means they can be trained to perform guard dog duties.
Loyal and protective. Akitas are fiercely loyal to their families, and they will protect them at all costs. They are also very protective of their territory, and they will bark to alert their families of any strangers approaching.
How to Train an Akita to Be a Guard Dog
If you are considering getting an Akita as a guard dog, it is important to start training them early. Akitas are naturally protective, but they need to be taught how to distinguish between a real threat and a harmless stranger.
Here are some tips for training an Akita to be a guard dog:
Start with basic obedience training. This will help your Akita learn to listen to your commands and obey your rules.
Expose your Akita to different people and animals. This will help them learn that not all strangers are dangerous.
Teach your Akita to bark when they see something suspicious. This will alert you to potential threats.
Never punish your Akita for barking. This will only make them afraid to bark, which could be dangerous if they see a real threat.
Is an Akita Right for You?
Akitas are not for everyone. They are large, powerful dogs that require a lot of exercise and training. They are also independent thinkers, which can make them challenging to train.
If you are looking for a guard dog that is loyal, protective, and intimidating, then an Akita may be a good choice for you. However, you should be prepared to put in the time and effort to train them properly.
Here are some things to consider before getting an Akita as a guard dog:
Do you have the time and energy to train an Akita?
Are you prepared to deal with an independent and strong-willed dog?
Do you have a large enough home for an Akita?
Are you prepared to deal with the shedding?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then an Akita may be a good choice for you. However, if you are not sure, then it is best to talk to a breeder or dog trainer to get more information.
Conclusion
The American Akita is a good guard dog for people who are looking for a loyal, protective, and intimidating dog. However, they are not for everyone. They require a lot of exercise and training, and they can be challenging to train. If you are not prepared to put in the time and effort, then an Akita is not the right dog for you.
