Breed stereotyping is always making headlines and it is always the same breeds that pay the consequences of another dogs actions. Akitas are extremely loyal and smart but if you were to ask people what they best know them for, you would most probably get the reply "Japanese fighting dogs". Its labels like this that you see every where along with "vicious" and "unprovoked" that make it hard for people to believe anything but this. Like every dog with proper training, patience and positive reinforcement, Akitas can be loving pets.
"Extremely loyal and intelligent"
When Mitzi was 7 months old she was found beaten and abandoned and was taken into foster care by Tarnia’s friends. The day after they took her in Tarnia fell in love with Mitzi and she knew she would be her forever home.
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Many people have stereotypical views towards Akitas and think they are vicious and unpredictable but Tarnia knew better and believes “no breed is bad” and all the Akitas she had been around prior were “super soft goofballs”.
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" vicious and unpredictable"
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Since Mitzi and Tarnia started their journey together they have experienced breed stereotyping many times first hand. On one occasion when Mitzi was a puppy, an off lead Yorkshire terrier ran over to them at the park to play. The owners tried to recall their dog but the dog didn’t listen. Mitzi was so happy to be playing that she slipped her collar. The two dogs carried on happily playing chase but when the Yorkshire terriers owners finally caught up they hurled abuse at Tarnia by saying Mitzie was “dangerous” and “was going to kill their dog”. Even after Tarnia told them she was a puppy they “refused” to believe she wasn’t dangerous.
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"Hurled abuse at Tarnia"
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When it comes to people stereotyping Akitas , Tarnia doesn’t just have to experience it in public but sees it on social media too. Recently she witnessed a fellow Akita account be told their Akita “should be put down” just because of the breed, with the added comment " I know that breed can be very aggressive".
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If you are thinking of buying/adopting an Akita, with positive reinforcement and proper training you will have the most “loyal” goofball. “Strong loyalty” is a known akita trait just “Hatchi- A Dogs Tale” .
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When we asked Tarnia what she wishes people would take into consideration when reading stories in the media, this is what she had to say:
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"When attack stories are covered by the media, ANY dog attack story always seems to contain the words "unprovoked" but dogs *rarely* attack for no reason. A dog can attack for many reasons but they usually become aggressive only when they feel they don't have another choice. This could be because they got a sudden fright, or because signs showing they are uncomfortable are ignored. People need to educate themselves on dog behaviour so they know the signs that a dog is uncomfortable with their situation. So many dog attacks could've been avoided if people knew about dog body language."
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Read the full interview here