Questions regarding "training" of my first puppy

superbrecht

Hi peepz.
My name is Brecht and I've just registered to this forum.
I did so because I'm about to purchase my first puppy.
I have first chosen for an akita inu but have then changed my mind to a shiba inu because it might be more satisfied with the size of our garden and personality-wise it'll be a better dog for me.
I know it isn't the easiest dog species to keep and train.
But I'm sure I can pull it of.

To get the dog to know me well and get used to me I visit the kennel once or twice a week.

From week 8 I can start puppy classes with him.
I have heard that it's best to keep the dog with the mother for 10 weeks (but not sure if that's true)
So I have asked the breeder if I can take Kami (his name) with me at week 8 and 9 for a few houres.

The dog will be in a car and that way he'll get used to being in there also... He'll get used to my voice and noise like cars on the street, etc.
It's my parents car and normally they don't allow pets inside.
But I'm planning on laying a large sheet and hanging the corners somewhere so he can't scratch the back of the front chairs.
I'd also allready take a toy I've bought for him with me so he could play with that in the car. And maybe the basket I've bought for him to sleep in.

So... now the questions
First of all... is it true that it's best to take puppies away from their mom at 10 weeks?
And would it be a good idea to take him to puppy classes with me at week 8 and 9 for a few houres?
He'll be in my parents car... how can I prevent (as much as possible) that he pees in the car and IF he does (you never know^^) how do I make him clear that it's something he shouldn't do?

That's about all I can think of... If i think of another question I'll just ask.
Thanks alot in advance!!!

GreatDaneMom

no you cant. you need to wait until his shots are completely finished before you start any kind of classes or socilization with him.

this is very true and for the best interest of the pup.

i would not suggest that. youre best off just bringing him home at 10wks. tracking him back and forth is going to be very stressful for him, plus the added concern that anything he may cross paths with (sickness wise) while he is traveling back and forth with you will then be brought back to the whole litter...

these are all parts of socialization, and that can start when you take him home at 10wks.

why dont you have someone go with you and hold him? this would make him feel safer with a new experience like being in a car.



as i stated before, yes

absolutely not!

you cant do anything about that.... if he does, he does. it will mostly either be out of fear, or because he just needed to go...

also i hope you went through our threads here on choosing a breeder. making sure the proper health testing (hips, elbows, genetic) is very important when breeding.

superbrecht

Thank you for you reply!
Guess I won't take him to puppy classes then so soon
I've worries about the breeder.
I know what papers to ask and got the kennel from the website of the dutch akita federation.
It was born in excellent conditions and the parents look like 2 great dogs to me.
I'll be one happy new dad in a few weeks ^^

GreatDaneMom

make sure your dogs parents have had the proper health testing as well. their hips should have been OFA certified, screened for genetic health issues, etc. and ask for proof of this all. if you dont, you could end up with a lot of money in vet bills. especially with hip dysplasia. here is a good list from an akita site on what to have before you buy a puppy....

Get the Paper Work
Do not purchase an Akita unless you have:
1. At least a three generation pedigree on both parents.

2. Hip certification (OFA-USA or OVC-Canada) on both parents (grandparents too if available). This test is done only once in a dog’s life.

3. Eye certification (CERF-Canine Eye Registry Foundation) on both parents (grandparents too if available). This test must be performed yearly or before each breeding, so check the dates.

4. Complete thyroid panel results (6 tests) on both parents proving both to be normal to high-normal. Low-normal is not acceptable for breeding Akitas. This test also must be performed yearly or before each breeding, so check the dates. An Akita on thyroid medication is not suitable for breeding.

5. Written guarantee on the health of the puppy for a specific period of time (usually 2 years) which does not ask that you euthanize the dog in order to receive a replacement puppy or a refund.

6. Registration of your puppy with the American Kennel Club or Canadian Kennel Club within 6 months of your purchase. It is illegal for a breeder to withhold or charge for this.

7. A written non-breeding agreement which the breeder will register free of charge with the AKC or CKC. This can be lifted only by the breeder.

8. Results of any other tests performed on either parent. If a breeder cannot or refuses to supply any of these, then you don’t want that puppy. Go elsewhere. If a breeder pushes you into a purchase or doesn’ t seem to be knowledgeable or supportive, then you’ll want to keep shopping.

here is the direct link to the page if you want to read everything else they have too. Akita Network - Breed Information
i cant stress how important it is to go to a reliable reputable breeder and be provided with all these things listed above.

superbrecht

I'm from Belgium and in Belgium and the Netherlands there's a Dutch Akita Federation which is basically the same as you have in America.
All the tests and papers you've said are mandatory when you breed Akitas and you're a member of that federation.
So I am definitaly going to receive the papers proving that the parents had those tests.
I want an Akita or Shiba for over a year now (just had to choose which one was best for my life style and the place they'd live) and I'm quite informed.
It's just now that I finally got my parents convinced after a lot of discussing with and informing them
Thanks for the info.
WHat I still wonder is if the tests for the Shibas are the same as the Akitas?
But I'm quite sure, whatever any species needs to be tested with, it will

GreatDaneMom

sorry, i forgot i posted for akita and you said you switched to shiba. here is a good page on heath testing a shiba. please read through it and make sure the breeder is providing all of this at minimum.

Finding a Healthy Shiba Inu: Shiba Inu Genetic Health Issues and How to Avoid Them


and dont take their word on the testing, have PROOF right in your hand.