✓ Japanese Akitainu New Owner Checklist ✓
Intro to Checklist
If bringing home a Japanese Akita (JA) is in your near future and you are feeling overwhelmed by all the things you have to do to get ready, then you are in the right place! Each dog is wonderfully different and there is no way of predicting all of life's happenings,...
Japanese Akita – General Maintenance
Crates and bed. First, decide where you want your dog to sleep. Not all dogs prefer to sleep in their crate. Some dogs prefer to sleep on the cold floor, some prefer a flat crate mat, some prefer doughnut shaped beds to snuggle, and some will sleep on your furniture!...
Japanese Akita – Housing & Liability Checklist
Contact your municipal Animal Licensing Department and find out what the requirements are to obtain a pet license. Often municipalities require new owners to register their new pets within a certain period of ownership, but will give puppy owners a waiver in order to...
Japanese Akita – Safety & Dog Proofing
Dog-proof your home and property as if you are bringing home a toddler. A dog explores with their mouth and nose. Familiarize yourself with human-safe foods that are toxic to dogs. Make sure everyone in the household is familiar with them to keep them out of reach....
Japanese Akita – Training, Socialization and Housebreaking
Dogs are not space intensive, they are time intensive! See JACA's Raising Your Japanese Akita Puppy Blog Series for more in-depth detail on this crucial aspect of raising a JA puppy. And now it is time to talk about a subject that arouses varied and strong opinions...
Japanese Akita – Playtime
Toys prevent boredom and stimulate mental exercise. In general, the more the merrier. In practice, we recommend washing/cleaning and rotating toys periodically to simulate novelty factor. A good way to get lots of toys is to hold a small party for your new family...
Japanese Akita – Food, Treats and Supplements
Dry dog food, aka kibble. There are many conflicting beliefs in regards to a puppy should be transitioned to adult dog food. Because the Japanese Akita is a large breed, some of our members feel a JA puppy should transition from puppy food to adult food before he...
Japanese Akita – Grooming
A lot of people think that Japanese Akitas are a wash and wear breed. For the most part, that is true, but it is slightly more complicated than that. New owners must never underestimate the power of the coat blow. It usually happens twice a year and when it does...
Japanese Akita – Healthcare
Secure a local veterinarian appointment for a wellness exam within a few days of bringing home your new family member. Starting your vet search and making that first appointment should be done before the dog is in your possession. Good vets get booked up early!...
Japanese Akita – Pet First Aid References
Not Japanese Akita specific, but every pet owner should take time to familiarize themselves with: Pet First Aid Tips for Owners What You Should Have in Your Pet's First-Aid Kit Common Pet Emergencies Learn common causes of pet emergencies and ways to be prepared If...