Akita First Year Guide
Essential care for your puppy's first year
Welcome to Puppyhood!
The first year with your Akita puppy is crucial for their development, health, and behavior. This guide will help you navigate the essential milestones, training, and care requirements to ensure your puppy grows into a healthy, well-adjusted adult dog.
Developmental Milestones by Month
Months 0-3: Socialization Period
- • Critical socialization window
- • Initial vaccinations and vet visits
- • House training begins
- • Basic commands introduction
Months 3-6: Juvenile Period
- • Teething phase
- • Continued socialization
- • Training reinforcement
- • Energy levels increase
Months 6-12: Adolescence
- • Sexual maturity (spay/neuter consideration)
- • Advanced training opportunities
- • Behavior refinement
- • Adult diet transition
Health and Veterinary Care
Vaccination Schedule
Essential vaccines for your puppy:
- • 6-8 weeks: First DHPP
- • 10-12 weeks: Second DHPP
- • 14-16 weeks: Third DHPP, Rabies
- • Boosters as recommended
Preventive Care
- • Monthly flea/tick prevention
- • Heartworm prevention
- • Deworming schedule
- • Regular vet check-ups
Common Health Concerns
Breed-specific health information and early warning signs coming soon
Microchipping & ID
Ensure your puppy can be identified if lost. Microchip and collar tag recommended.
Training Essentials
Foundation Training
House Training
Consistent schedule, positive reinforcement, and patience are key to successful house training.
Basic Commands
Start with: sit, stay, come, down, and leave it. Use positive reinforcement methods.
Crate Training
Creates a safe space and aids in house training. Detailed guidelines coming soon.
Leash Training
Teach loose leash walking early to prevent pulling behaviors.
Socialization Checklist
Proper socialization during the first year is critical for developing a well-adjusted dog. Expose your Akita puppy to:
People & Animals
- ✓ Different people (ages, appearances)
- ✓ Other dogs (vaccinated, friendly)
- ✓ Other pets (cats, small animals)
- ✓ Children (supervised interactions)
Environments & Experiences
- ✓ Various surfaces and textures
- ✓ Different sounds and noises
- ✓ Car rides and travel
- ✓ Grooming and handling
First Year Nutrition
Puppy Food Requirements
Akita puppies need high-quality puppy formula designed for their size category (Large).
- • High protein content (22-32%)
- • DHA for brain development
- • Calcium and phosphorus for bones
- • Age-appropriate formulation
Feeding Schedule Evolution
- • 8-12 weeks: 4 meals per day
- • 3-6 months: 3 meals per day
- • 6-12 months: 2-3 meals per day
- • 12+ months: Transition to adult food
Exercise and Play
Age-Appropriate Activity
While exercise is important, over-exercising young puppies can damage developing joints and bones. Follow the 5-minute rule: 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice daily.
3-month puppy: 15 minutes, twice daily
6-month puppy: 30 minutes, twice daily
12-month puppy: 60 minutes, twice daily
Essential Supplies Checklist
Basic Necessities
- ✓ Food and water bowls
- ✓ High-quality puppy food
- ✓ Collar and leash
- ✓ ID tags
- ✓ Crate and bedding
- ✓ Safe toys
Grooming & Health
- ✓ Brush and grooming tools
- ✓ Nail clippers
- ✓ Puppy shampoo
- ✓ Dental care items
- ✓ First aid kit
- ✓ Cleaning supplies