In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can Akita be left alone for a few hours? We will give you some tips on how to train your Akita to spend time alone, how to secure the house before leaving, and what are the main points for caring for an Akita Inu.
Can Akita be left alone in the house?
Akita can be left alone in your house just like any dog can, but the key is consistent training and a gentle approach. In fact, Akitas are very independent creatures and don’t mind spending a few hours at home by themselves.
Many dog owners feel guilty when they have to leave them alone for several hours at home, either to go to work, to go out for coffee, or to go shopping. The possibility that they cry or that they are dedicated to breaking everything around them makes them shudder and they do not know how to remedy such a controversial issue.
If this is your case, you should know that your dog not only has to be the object of your constant favors and attention but that it is a living being that must get used to spending certain hours of the day at home without the presence of any of its relatives of adoption.
To achieve this, you have to put into practice a series of rules that will allow you to stay home alone without having a bad time, among which are:
- Make sure your Akita exercises daily. Think that each breed of dog has its own needs in relation to physical exercise. Observe which are those of your faithful four-legged friend and try to cover them every day in their entirety, with the aim that the time and dedication of those moments that you share with him serve to release energy and discharge.
In this way, you will achieve that the moment he is alone, he feels like snuggling up and resting, feeling happy.
- Be kind, but also firm. The first weeks of the puppy’s life are crucial in determining its future behavior. If you dedicate yourself to pampering yours excessively, you will have as a result the development on your part of a series of complications.
Among these “complications’ ‘ is separation anxiety, making your dog unable to care for itself while alone, includes non stop barking and biting everything in the way.
- Try new things. Take the opportunity to leave toys that he does not usually have or offer him other objects that will maintain your dog occupied for a few hours. Our advice is to buy your Akita something like the following Amazon toy that simulates their teeth (they love that so much), but which are completely safe for both the dog and your house.
How do I keep my dog calm when I am not at home?
Act calmly. Not surprisingly, if you are able to get up early and avoid the rush, you can devote some attention to your dog before leaving home, not having to be running from one place to another.
Thus, he will associate your departure with a pleasant gesture that does not generate stress. Of course, when you have about 15 minutes to go, stop interacting with him to calm him down and prepare for the hours alone that lie ahead.
Tidy up the house. It is important that you do not leave objects scattered on the floor, which allows him to destroy them in your absence. Close the doors of each of the rooms and the balcony and pay attention to those elements that may be dangerous, such as access to the pool if you leave it in the garden.
Leave him food and his favorite toys. As you leave the house, serve him some food to keep him entertained as you walk through the door. In addition, doing the digestion will also promote your rest. Being able to play with your favorite objects will also contribute to your distraction for hours.
If you need to leave several servings or at a certain time, it is best to use the automatic feeders that you find on Amazon at the best price.
Key points for caring for an Akita
Below we will describe what we believe are the key points for caring for an Akita Inu so that you never worry about your companion’s health or general wellbeing.
- Start training your Akita as soon as you bring him home. This breed is intelligent but stubborn, so training takes time and patience. Give her treats as positive reinforcement and stick with it. This breed has a dominant personality, so even though you have the cutest puppy in the world, it needs you to be a strong leader.
- Train your Akita to relieve herself in the cage. Put it in the cage when you can’t see it and take it outside to excrete. The cage will help you train him faster and provide him with a comfortable place to hang out when you have guests. Akitas are very intense dogs that can make some people nervous.
- Give your dog waterfowl toys so he can take them everywhere. It’s a bit of an odd quirk but Akitas like to have something in their mouth. If you don’t provide your dog with his own items to put in his mouth, then he will take something from you.
- Take your pet to a park and other places where there are friendly people or invite your friends so they can hang out with your dog. Socialization with people is essential for an Akita. Since the breed was originally bred for surveillance, they can become aggressive around strangers if they are not given proper socialization.
- Take your pet for a walk always holding him on a leash. Akitas are known to be aggressive towards other animals, so they should never run free. On the other hand, backyard fencing can offer your dog a comfortable escape route and you don’t have to worry about wild animals that might be within reach.
- Make up new games to interact with your dog. Akita is intelligent and likes challenges. Agility training and follow-up games can keep your dog calm.
- Avoid rough play or running on hard surfaces with an Akita until she is at least 2 years old. The breed grows quickly and a puppy can suffer from bone and joint problems early on, so you should wait until she is older and her joints are strong enough for stronger activities.
- Feed your Akita a high-quality dog food that contains meat and protein. Adults should eat 3-5 cups a day. Puppies need a specialized low-calorie diet to prevent too rapid growth, so check with your vet before bringing an Akita home.
- Brush your Akita at least once a week, but don’t expect your house to be free of hair, it will be everywhere, even when you brush it daily.
- Bathe your pet about once every three months. This breed stays clean by licking and grooming itself like a gigantic species of cat.
- Visit a veterinarian regularly for exams to determine if your Akita has common health problems that can be hip dysplasia, bloating, hypothyroidism, eye problems, and sebaceous adenitis – a genetic skin disorder.
Warning. Some landlords do not approve of Akitas, so you should verify the contract before bringing one home for rent!
Final thoughts
Due to its character, the Akita Inu feels more comfortable in a home where it does not have to share space with another dog. Instead, he is loving and affectionate with the family, enjoys their company, and always wants to participate in daily activities. In short, for our Akita to be happy we have to make him feel like a member of the family.
Akita Inus do not mind spending time alone, which makes them great dogs for busy people. However, do remember that your dog still needs to be walked every day and we cannot truly emphasize the importance of socialization for Akitas!
Remember that the way you educate your Akita and the healthy habits that you believe in him will determine his health and mood in the future.
Do not stop informing yourself about everything related to your pet! If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know.
FAQ on Can Akita be left alone
How long can an Akita be left alone?
An Akita can be left alone for a few hours if they are properly trained and do not lack the essentials such as water, food & toys. However, be mindful about leaving your dog alone for a few hours on a constant basis. Do not make it a habit as this could provoke separation anxiety and huge stress to your dog.
Can a dog be left alone for 8 hours?
Leaving a dog alone for 8 hours may be too much for some breeds, especially for those with small bladders (for obvious reasons). Besides, dogs are company animals, and while home alone for so many hours, they could develop separation anxiety, stress, and even destroy the house while you are absent.
When should I stop putting my dog in his crate?
You should stop putting your dog in his crate for more than 4 hours at a time when they are puppies since they cannot control their bladder for so long. Also, when they are adults – dogs can learn how to move in the house without destroying everything.
Is it cruel to crate a dog at night?
No, it is not cruel to crate a dog at night. Crates are safe spaces for dogs, such as dens are for their ancestors the wolves. If your dog doesn’t mind staying in a cage during the day, there would be no problem sleeping in it during the night.
Do Akitas make good pets?
Akitas can be great pets, as they are calm, highly intelligent, and affectionate. However, due to its size and character, Akita is not a dog for everyone.
Why are Akitas so mean?
Akitas are not mean unless provoked or if they do not know how to socialize. Akitas are very loyal and protective of their owners, so they can quickly become aggressive if they feel their owner is in danger.
References
Peteducate.com
Hillspet.com
Pets.thenest.com
