Expert: Akita master - 9/27/2007

Question
I've been working with Kuma for the past few weeks, and is responding well.  I have a newborn daughter (6weeks) and my wife at home.  We got the akita on an impulse after having read how great guard dogs and loyal dogs they are.  
What considerations/recommendations do you have in managing the dog with my family while training him?

I'm concerned about when Kuma will peak in size and how he will socialize with my family and extended family gatherings.  What key aspects/skills should I focus on?

Should I have him spaded?

He's a great dog and friend, and is already attached to me and my family.  But we can't always have him indoors, and I feel that may mess with his personality.

Overall, if you have any exercises/recommended toys, games particular to akita's temperment/personality, please let me know.

Answer
well, akitas are very good dogs and perfect for familys if they are socialized with them. Its probaley a good idea if you get him spaded it helps with temperment. The main thing is to get him used to other people expecialy small childeren and other animals because akitas can be very aggresive towards other pets. Akitas are very sensitive to being left alone but can live without constant contact my best advice is get him used to indoors and out and with and without human contact. Akitas are very playful and smart but do get bored. Its very easy to make akitas into great dogs but it just takes training. You could even look into dog training programs to help you out.
Hope this helps Alex