Nephew's dog

[Louis999]

Hi, as I said in another thread my nephew is thinking of getting an Akita. What do you guys think about that as a first dog? And he has not had a dog before, him and his brother (as I have said) we be the main ones looking after it.
Brother age: 19
Nephew: 12
Thanks, Louis

[Dax]

Not my first choice for a beginner dog. They are very powerful and have a bit of a reputation when it comes to other dogs.

My first choice for a beginner dog is a mutt. An SPCA special around 6 months of age or younger. These dogs are in need of a good home, they are already spayed or neutered, they come in a variety of sizes, they have had temperment evaulation, they are economical, and I could go on.

This lets you spend the extra money that you would dish out for a pure breed on obedience classes and fun stuff that will teach your nephew and his dog.

[Dobester]

i think for a first dog a lab would be great there persenalitys and everything are great for beginers

[Brindle]

Originally Posted by DaxAriel's Toy

Not my first choice for a beginner dog. They are very powerful and have a bit of a reputation when it comes to other dogs.

My first choice for a beginner dog is a mutt. An SPCA special around 6 months of age or younger. These dogs are in need of a good home, they are already spayed or neutered, they come in a variety of sizes, they have had temperment evaulation, they are economical, and I could go on.

This lets you spend the extra money that you would dish out for a pure breed on obedience classes and fun stuff that will teach your nephew and his dog.

I agree. The average Akita is not really suitable for a first dog. All the ones I have met were very dominant dogs and needed very firm owners to control them.

[Moo]

I think an Akita is for very experienced handlers. Far from the beginner category. They are hard headed and strong.

[Appylvr]

Totally agree with everyone else. Akita's need experienced and firm owners. Not a good breed to start with.

A Lab or Golden Retriever is a good choice. Especially for young boys. The breeds are friendly and playful and big enough to stand up to rough housing from boys...

You probably want to start looking maybe in nearby shelters or rescues. Always best to take someone that knows dogs with you. They could pick up on the dogs temperment and maybe any behaviorial issues a beginner might need help with...

If going with a breeder...I would not recommend buying without seeing. Don't buy from pet stores... In the paper you see ads for puppies all the time.

[DaneGirl2208]

i didnt even see this post.

like everyones else said Akitas are NOT FOR BEGINERS my friend owns 3 he has his hands full ..belive me. great dogs but not somthing to start out on. i agree with dax a mix from a shelter would be good a lab or retriver would also work well.

[stacy1]

not a good breed for first time dog owners you ask why the size the streight there bull headedness and stubborness can be very diffuclt to handel they can also become a 1 person dog which means they will only respond to one person which is not what you want if you want a family dog please do some research about the breed talk to a breeder.
stacy

[jesika]

I agree with everyone else, not good for a 1st time dog owner (or even 2nd time dog owner - sometimes) they can also be dog agressive