Lhok Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Akitas are by nature aloof with strangers, I wouldn't say that it means they won't jump on people because he loves to jump up on people who are his people and they have invited him to. From what I have seen with my guy it means he takes his time to decide if he thinks you are ok. He will certainly bark at you and stand in between me and whoever is approaching the door. I don't think you could train it out of him at all, I have been able to tell him to stop barking at whatever he deems to be a threat but he will be on alert watching your every move the whole time if he has decided that he doesn't like you also if he has decided he doesn't like you good luck changing his mind. When out and about with him he doesn't care for pats off people and will actively avoid peoples hands if they try to pat him, I don't think I could train him to just accept being handled by everyone either. However I also don't think an Akita would be a good fit for your situation as they need their people and are quite big. --Lhok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dee lee Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Each breed type has known characteristics, there are ranges of personality, and no doubt training can compensate for some undesirable traits, but personally, I'd choose the known characteristics that suit you & go from there. Some breeds are more head strong, some more biddable, others have high energy needs etc. Match that to your requirements, then allow for a range of personality. But of all traits, if you got a known aloof breed & your dog was aloof, I'd doubt you could do much about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Each breed type has known characteristics, there are ranges of personality, and no doubt training can compensate for some undesirable traits, but personally, I'd choose the known characteristics that suit you & go from there. Some breeds are more head strong, some more biddable, others have high energy needs etc. Match that to your requirements, then allow for a range of personality. But of all traits, if you got a known aloof breed & your dog was aloof, I'd doubt you could do much about it. :) agree with this . Dogs are bred for certain traits/behaviours ...that is what makes them a 'breed' apart. There are deviations , and there are the excessives .. training will help any owner understand their particular dog , and how to channel/manage/modify some behaviours ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Aloof breeds do in my opinion require a very dedicated owner .Understanding aloof & ensuring it is still socialized & managed is very important . I think you need to look at exactly what you are expecting from any dog,what temperament will best suit the environment it will be living in & the plan to live with such dog.What are must haves & what are must knots by breed nature. I would say if your not sure what you want then getting a pup in 3/4 months won't happen ,don't rush you need to meet breeds & good breeders won't sell pups to people who haven't truly researched & have a good understanding of the breed & why it best suits there lifestyle . Personally i would never select a breed thinking you could train it into something else . Characteristics can certainly be stronger or weaker in each pup but the breed will be what it is good & bad. Many people seem to buy Labs because of the perception of being Guides dogs ,guide dogs are well trained animals & a selection process of picking pups with the right attitude to the job is important but they don't pop out with those manners . I will say we don't recommend to our puppy owners taking extended time off work to be at home for pup ,this often ends p causing massive issues for the pup when suddenly left home alone .Start as you plan ,pick the time of year wisely .If your not a winter person don't get a winter pup ,some people find committing to winter training & playing outside not something they wish to committ to . My GSD was a gem to live with ,very independent & able to cope very well on his own ,30 mins walk ,he actually didn't shed alot but he had a vey different coat to many GSD that shed by the bucket load Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 I will say we don't recommend to our puppy owners taking extended time off work to be at home for pup ,this often ends p causing massive issues for the pup when suddenly left home alone .Start as you plan ,pick the time of year wisely .If your not a winter person don't get a winter pup ,some people find committing to winter training & playing outside not something they wish to committ to . I really, really like this comment . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 (edited) It's just an example, some people refer to certain breeds have certain characteristics, good / bad etc. will training get rid of the "bad" characteristics, or does the chatecteristics of the breed always show through??? No amount of socialisation or training will change a dog's genetic hard wiring for certain traits. Far better to select a breed that's been bred for what you want as an adult and train FOR it than to try to make a dog be what it wasn't bred to be. Besides, what one owner considers "bad" another will consider highly desirable - that's why you need to do your homework on the breeds that best suit you. Edited March 21, 2014 by Haredown Whippets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheridan Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 It's just an example, some people refer to certain breeds have certain characteristics, good / bad etc. will training get rid of the "bad" characteristics, or does the chatecteristics of the breed always show through??? Someone earlier in the thread said, I think, that jumping is a training issue not a breed trait. This is not a view shared by anyone who owns a wheaten terrier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaCC Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 (edited) I think a great idea for anyone looking into breeds is to attend a dog show and meet all the different breeds in person. Talk to their owners/breeders about those dog's traits and what you are looking for. Bonus is you might make a good impression with some local breeders Edited March 21, 2014 by LisaCC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Take a look at the Curly coated Retriever... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 There are very few breeds for which jumping up on people would be considered an accepted trait of the breed and while I accept that there is a very remote possibility I think it's fairly doubtful that Eddie's mate has a wheaten. I still maintain that when referring to the sort of dogs that the average walk in off the street has jumping up on people is a training issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laeral Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Hi Eddie, I have a GSD and I work full time. Sometimes over winter I am away from home 12 hours a day, much less in summer. She is home alone during this time and is perfectly happy. I have had another dog with her at various times, but to be honest she seems just as happy on her own. She does however come inside when I am home and sleeps inside. Although at the moment she is choosing to be outside on the deck rather than in with me! She does get a lot of exercise, particularly when she was younger. I would definitely know about it if she wasn't exercised enough. You may find that half an hour isn't enough. She also needed a LOT of training as she is quite energetic, wilful and prey driven so needed something to occupy her mind. They do shed a lot though. Being black I often find hair on the floor half hour after I have vacuumed! Mica is extremely attached to me and would turn herself inside out to be with me. I think you need to consider how much time you would let it inside as they are very attached to their humans. But If you are prepared to be committed to exercising and training and let your dog inside when your home, I think it will be fine with being left during the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 It's just an example, some people refer to certain breeds have certain characteristics, good / bad etc. will training get rid of the "bad" characteristics, or does the chatecteristics of the breed always show through??? Someone earlier in the thread said, I think, that jumping is a training issue not a breed trait. This is not a view shared by anyone who owns a wheaten terrier. Or an Aussie Shepherd (I say after just retrieving my Aussie from the wrong side of the courtyard fence for the second time in 15 mins, she's just realised she can jump the gate with ease, sigh). Obviously inappropriate jumping on people is a training/management issue (and ongoing battle in my life with Quinn) but I do think some breeds are more naturally inclined to jumping in general than others. Sorry to go a bit OT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 It's just an example, some people refer to certain breeds have certain characteristics, good / bad etc. will training get rid of the "bad" characteristics, or does the chatecteristics of the breed always show through??? No amount of socialisation or training will change a dog's genetic hard wiring for certain traits. Far better to select a breed that's been bred for what you want as an adult and train FOR it than to try to make a dog be what it wasn't bred to be. Besides, what one owner considers "bad" another will consider highly desirable - that's why you need to do your homework on the breeds that best suit you. Agree with this. It doesn't make sense to get a breed hoping you can train its breeding out? There are so many breeds, do some research into what you do want and find a breed that fits. Then you can worry about basic training issues like jumping etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 It's just an example, some people refer to certain breeds have certain characteristics, good / bad etc. will training get rid of the "bad" characteristics, or does the chatecteristics of the breed always show through??? No amount of socialisation or training will change a dog's genetic hard wiring for certain traits. Far better to select a breed that's been bred for what you want as an adult and train FOR it than to try to make a dog be what it wasn't bred to be. Besides, what one owner considers "bad" another will consider highly desirable - that's why you need to do your homework on the breeds that best suit you. Agree with this. It doesn't make sense to get a breed hoping you can train its breeding out? There are so many breeds, do some research into what you do want and find a breed that fits. Then you can worry about basic training issues like jumping etc. An example- Lapphunds are well known for barking- its not possible to completely eliminate barking but it is possible to modify the behaviour to some extent. My girl only barks when we get home and when she is playing- if she had her way she would bark much much more, but with training and rewarding her for bringing me a toy whenever she really desperately feels the need to bark so I can give her attention I have reduced it. BUT it takes much more training to reduce the barking than it would be in other breeds and it has been something that I have worked on since she was a pup to put in appropriate strategies. If you have 'deal breakers' then it is best to avoid dogs that are prone to them because it is impossible to eliminate them. But no breed is perfect so it is a matter of getting the best fit and being pro active with training which it sounds like you are willing to do :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelpiecuddles Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 Exactly Jumabaar. IMO if you can't live with what you see as the 'worst' aspects of a breed don't even consider the breed to start with no matter how much you love the good aspects of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angeluca Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 Oh, now I feel like a monster for even considering getting a dog. Do other dog owners stay home 100% of the time at home and not work? With regards the the garage, it is connected to the house, it's warm and free from drafts, it would only be in the garage during the day when un-unsupervised. This is how we have kept dogs in the past when I was young, and in my opinion they were happy dogs. It / he / she would be fully welcome in the house hence a dog that wouldn't get hair everywhere. A little amount of hair is ok. A was thinking of a German Shepard, as we have had one when I was really young, which was happy with the above situation, but I guess from your previous comments you are all going to slate me and saying it's cruel. The main issue I can remember with a GS was the hair problem. The exercise was just a rough guide, as I go for a 20-30 mins run each day. It would get as much as was required. This is how I have always kept my dogs too, I've had GSDs, Rotty's border collies mix breeds and Currently have 4 golden retrievers 3 of which have never been inside my house. At the moment they sleep outside in a penned off yard with a garden shed (with whirly bird) as shelter. This is where they stay in rain or 40 degree weather. The pen has trees for shade ect they have each other for company, my kids after school and me for training on our structured time, they also have unstructured time when ever which isn't much during uni sessions. My dogs are healthy, obedience out going and super friendly to visitors. critisize me if you want but every puppy buyer I've had come meet the dogs have enjoyed the experience and usually stayed over an hour. It my dogs needs weren't met in every way people could be put off by scared, or over excited dogs and couldn't relax outside with 4 dogs and 9 puppies running around them if they were unbalanced in any way. Some dogs need constant attention, and i think that is less a breed thing and more individual. I also think it is they way they are brought up. One who has had constant attention could not sit alone for very long so to speak. Eddie I think find a breed your comfortable with, some compromises may need to be made such as grooming if you find GSD or golden retrievers are your style. the Breeder is the next MOST IMPORTANT THING. Find one your 100% comfortable with, you like their dogs (that you were able to meet), maybe ones who compete in obedience if that is important to you. HEALTH TESTING find out what is required within the breed and what ones are recommended on top. Don't touch anyone who palms off this question. See the actual copies or be provided with photo copies of these test. Ask about health in their lines minor or major issues. And choose a breeder who is for conformation and temperament equally. As both re as important as the other. If you want a dog, get one, put in the effort and ignore remarks that make you feel unworthy as many of us do it the same as your going to. And we have great dogs just like the others do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 I can't wrap my head around owning a dog who is never let inside. Rain, hail or shine? Not for me. I just can't see it for us, that's for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angeluca Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 (edited) Most dogs aren't able to come inside, Most people rent and those owners usually don't allow dogs inside, I know my rental property is strictly outside only. I don't know the people and I can't trust the will train their dogs not to go to destroy my house. People allowing dogs inside when specifically requested otherwise is why owners refuse pets to make sure it doesn't happen, tho even then it still does. As for my dogs here, I specifically brought this house to be close to my kids school it's small and barely fits us, My study is my kitchen table because i can't fit a desk, My dogs have a spacious garden shed with their beds inside. And the girls go on my veranda if they have pups. They are all very happy dogs. My male as a pup was allowed inside but I basically had to skull drag him in so he decided for us at our other house that the dogs would be outside. we spend a lot of time in my back yard the dogs come in from the pen and everyone enjoys the comfort. It is fine for all those to judge if they wish, this site is good for that. But not everyone does things the same and sometimes it just as good or could be more successful then what the one who judge are. Edited March 23, 2014 by Angeluca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 (edited) My dogs are healthy, obedience out going and super friendly to visitors. And never alone. Dont underestimate the importance of providing a social animal with company be it human or canine. Even zoos try to keep social animals with company these days. To be quite frank there are plenty of zoo animals that get more social interaction than some dogs. . If you want a dog, get one, put in the effort and ignore remarks that make you feel unworthy as many of us do it the same as your going to. And we have great dogs just like the others do. No argument here but get one that has the best possible temperament and characteristics for the lifestyle you intend to give it and THEN put the work in. And don't be surprised or offended if breeders of dogs bred to be with us every day refuse to sell you a pup that will the majority of its life alone. Edited March 23, 2014 by Haredown Whippets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 I still think that having four dogs together in a backyard is quite different to having one dog alone in a backyard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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