TANK IS NAMED MARCH 2015 DOG OF THE MONTH!
Tank (so appropriately named), joined the Central Bark crew in March of 2013. Tank is a strong, solid, and beautiful Akita. The Akita breed are large, powerful and alert, dogs originating in Japan. Because of his size and hereditary temperament, It was important that Tank be well socialized, and especially well trained!
“Parents,” Audrey and Matt, have done a superb job in both of those categories. Wisely, they started Tank in day care and training when he was a young puppy. Playing came naturally to Tank, but he, (and Audrey and Matt), had to work a bit harder at the training. Hard working attorneys, both Audrey and Matt know how to make their case and win an argument! Tank had met his match.
In addition to Tank’s training challenges, he had “tummy issues” that resulted in middle-of-the-night walks, and numerous accidents. After a bit of research on Audrey’s part, and a battery of tests, Tank was found to have an abundance of food allergies. He is now on a very strict diet. The midnight walks and accidents only occur when Tank occasionally “counter surfs” or steals Audrey’s lunch on his way to Central Bark!
Dignified and courageous, the Akita today is popular in the show ring and participates in performance and therapy work. The breed’s thick double coat can be any color including white, brindle or pinto. An Akita trademark is the plush tail that curls over his back. Our Tank is a pinto.
One of seven breeds designated as a national monument in its native Japan, the Akita has been used as a versatile hunting dog there for many years. There is even a spiritual significance attached to the breed. When a child is born in Japan, the family will receive an Akita statue signifying health, happiness, and long life.
The Akita first arrived in the United States when Helen Keller brought one over in 1937. This breed, however, is not for just anyone. Known to be a quiet dog (they are known as the “Silent Hunter” in Japan), the Akita has strong guarding instincts and CAN be aggressive if not properly trained. Tank is a lively, but non-vocal boy. He does welcome new dogs and handlers to “his” group with a very loud, but friendly bark. Akita temperament can range from calm, to bouncy and aggressive, so the breed should always be supervised around small children and other animals. Tank is definitely bouncy and is never aggressive because of his training. Akitas like to be the pack leader so obedience training is positively necessary for a harmonious household. This dog will groom itself like a cat, but daily brushing is still necessary, as is daily exercise.
Tank is pictured with his S.T.A.R. Puppy and CGC title Certificates. This AKC certification acknowledges that all dogs deserve training and a responsible owner and the goal is to reward responsible dog ownership. This certification is a natural lead in to the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program. Started in 1989, the CGC Program is designed to reward dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. Tank has demonstrated he has both.
Tank exhibits the best characteristics learned from these certifications!
When you see Tank or his parents, offer your congratulations on jobs well done and on Tank being selected as the March Dog of the Month!
