Hello everyone! I am new to showing (and to this forum!). I was wondering if anyone else was a newbie to showing akitas and maybe veterans can give us some advice!
I currently own an akita mix and recently purchased an akita male who will be 12 weeks tomorrow. I was very interested in competing in agility or obedience (how serious I will become will depend on how well I am able to train my dog). I was also interested in possibly showing my puppy in conformation. The stud's pedigree is excellent, but the bitch's was quite lacking. I intended on purchasing him as a pet, but then decided to see if I could show him when my breeder agreed to cash out his breeder if he decided to breed/show or give his breeder the pick of the litter. His breeder wanted to be cashed out until she saw the litter and wanted my puppy. good thing for me, I already put down a deposit on him. I have reservations concerning the bitch's pedigree, but let's hope he has his dad's genes! So, anyway, that's how my interest in conformation showing was peaked. Maybe I got a diamond in the rough!
Anyway, sorry for the long intro. I was wondering if anyone had any tips, advice, info concerning showing him in agility/obedience shows (or could suggest any books. I intend on purchasing Culture Clash or Good Owners, Great Dogs, but any additional reading material will be greatly appreciated!)
Also, there's been quite a debate on using clicker training for akitas or using food as the sole motivator (or relying heavily on just food). Does anyone have any success training stories to share for the obedience ring in support of or in contradiction of this debate?
Anyway, thanks in advance to everyone!