HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DOG BED FOR A JAPANESE AKITA?

What Size Dog Bed for a Japanese Akita?

It’s important to choose a dog bed that’s perfectly adapted to the size of your Japanese Akita. The Japanese Akita is a big dog, but their dog bed shouldn’t be excessively big. Most, but not all, dogs like to feel surrounded and protected. As a general rule, the edges of your dog’s bed should just touch them on all sides when lying down. However, some dogs prefer a large flat pillow or cushion without an edge. Pay attention to your Japanese Akita’s preferences, and change their sleeping arrangements if need be. Also, bear in mind that the size of your dog’s bed will need to change as your Japanese Akita grows.

What's the Best Material for a Japanese Akita’s Dog Bed?

The choice of material for your dog bed is important as well. The Japanese Akita is a rather calm dog, and not destructive by nature. However, if your pup likes to chew on the furniture, opt for a plastic bed, which is sturdier and easier to clean. On the other hand, plastic is a hard and uncomfortable material so, if you choose this option, line your dog’s bed with cushions and blankets to create a cosy sleeping space for your Japanese Akita. You can also find leather and fabric dog beds on the market, which are usually more expensive but also more comfortable. In any case, wicker baskets are to be avoided at all costs. Wicker breaks down easily and can present a risk of the debris being ingested and causing intestinal obstruction or suffocation. This could be very dangerous to the health of your Japanese Akita - it's not worth the risk!

Where Should I Put My Japanese Akita's Dog Bed?

Don’t place your dog’s bed just anywhere! Choose a sleeping area for your Japanese Akita carefully; somewhere out of the way like a quiet corner of the living room is ideal. Your Japanese Akita’s dog bed should be well ventilated in the summer and warm at night. Your dog needs to be able to rest in peace without fear of being disturbed. If you have children, teach them not to wake your Japanese Akita when sleeping. No matter how nice or well trained your dog is, they might react badly to being woken up!

You might be wondering if you can have your dog sleep in your bedroom with you. There’s a lot of debate around this topic. In general, we recommend that you try to avoid having your Japanese Akita’s bed in your bedroom, at least at first. You don’t want to encourage your dog to develop an over-attachment to you, as this could quickly lead to separation anxiety. To prevent this, it’s also important to teach your Japanese Akita to be alone from a young age. Initially, try letting your puppy sleep outside your room and revisit this issue later if you wish. 

Can My Japanese Akita Sleep Outside?

Thanks to its thick coat, your Japanese Akita is perfectly suited to sleeping outside, so long as you provide them with adequate shelter. As with the dog bed, choose a kennel adapted to the size of your pooch. We generally advise that a dog's kennel should be about ten centimetres higher than its standing height. Your Japanese Akita should be able to stand up and turn around without touching the walls.

There are several types of dog kennel on the market, the most common materials being plastic and wood. Wooden kennels are much sturdier and offer great insulation from both the cold and the heat. Plastic kennels are easier to clean and much less expensive, but they are not very well insulated. As such, we recommend that you opt for a wooden dog kennel, which is more expensive but constitutes a better investment in the long run. 

Place your Japanese Akita’s kennel in an open area where your pooch can get a good view of their territory. Never tie your Japanese Akita up in front of their kennel! Dogs need to be able to move about at will and take refuge when need be. In the summer, for instance, try to move your dog’s kennel into the shade to better protect it from the heat. Finally, make sure your garden is fenced and secure to prevent your Japanese Akita from escaping. The Akita Inu is not particularly prone to running away, but it’s safer to avoid temptation. If your dog caused an accident while wandering on a public road, for example, you would be held responsible. Moreover, your dog could put themselves or others in danger. This issue, at least, will not arise if you live in an apartment with your Japanese Akita!