Especially when children are concerned, it is always a good idea to be very cautious where there is a large, protective dog. I have not seen it myself, but have read that Akitas do not do not signal aggression before attack. Right from the very beginning, it is very important to socialize your Akita by introducing her/him to a variety of people and places. I never took Connie in public without a leash. Part of that was to ensure my control, and part was to reassure other people that this large wolf-like dog was under my control.

One big difference between Huskies and Akitas is that Huskies were bred for pulling. I made the mistake of putting a leash on Humphrey the Husky, and thoughtlessly assumed that he would respond like Connie the Akita. He wanted to chase something: I tried to hold him back, and ended up with a broken leg. Can’t really blame Humphrey. He was just doing what he was born to do. He was an adult when I rescued him, and I didn’t take care to give him on-leash training. This was years ago, and both dogs are with their ancestors now. Now, in looking for a protective companion, and considering how my bones are becoming fragile, I would choose an Akita puppy. Humphrey was dear companion, lovable and loving: for a more active owner, he would have been ideal. Connie was loyal and aloof. Not cuddly, but we had a ‘meeting of the minds’ I’ve not known before – even compared to other humans.

I thought the same thing about my American Akita as I socialized him so much in an apartment building and everyone wanted to pet him, but when I moved out to my parent’s home and away from so many people, he became very protective and started barking at strangers at about 13 months. He’s 14 months now and a stranger cannot come near him without him barking. If your Akita is still not protective at 24 months, then it might not be in him/her but then again, you never know with this breed. They could still protect if the situation arises.

My 1 year old Akita is just like you described. I worry he won’t protect me if someone tries to hurt me lol.

I owned a 140 lb akita and he was exactly as you described your puppy. He passed over the Rainbow Bridge last year. I miss him so very much.

I currently own Haichi an eleven mi th old male Akita and he is fabulous! So much time and deliberate effort socializing him since 8weeks. The best he is my fourth Akita. This breed requires complete and total immersion to get the potential of each dog…