A tired dog is a good dog.  Exercise, exercise, exercise.  If you do not have time to exercise your dog, you really need to reconsider owning a dog.  

They are few things that compare with the companionship of a well trained dog.  A well trained dog develops from a puppy that is happy, properly socialized and self confident.

Have realistic expectations of your dog.  Do not put a plate of food down and think the dog is not going to try and eat it. 

Kennel train your dog.  If you kennel your dog, when you are not home, you know the dog is safe and the house is safe. Dogs are den animals, they feel safe in their kennels.  So never use the kennel as punishment. 

The AKK are found to be extremely smart and easy to train, but they are not always obedient.  Just like every person and every dog is different.  They all have their own personalities and tend to be head strong at times.

Teach your dog basic obedience commands.  "Sit". "Stay"."Stay". The "Come" command is the most important thing you can teach your dog.   In public, do not take your dog off a leash.  

Practice.  Take a basic obedience class if possible.  Train in a positive manner.   Always set your dog up to win, never set them up to fail.  If they fail, go back to where they can do it right.

Reward the behavior you want and ignore the behavior you do not want.  Give a good behavior a word, such as good, excellent, etc.  Also, give an unwanted behavior a word, such as wrong, a sound, etc.  Reward the behavior you want and ignore the behavior you do not want. 

Proofing.  This means to practice at different times and different places.  Working on attention, which means that every time you say the dog's name, they will look at you. 

Enjoy your dog.  Have fun with them.

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING BREEDERS

This is intended to be a guide, rather than an all inclusive list. Here’s some advice on screening breeders: A personal recommendation from a satisfied owner is an excellent way to find an AKK breeder. Ask any of your AKK-owning friends or a Veterinarian. They may know of an AKK breeder and would know about the quality of the pups. Be prepared with some questions to ask the breeder, for example:

1. How long have they been breeding AKK?

2. How old is the mother? Less than 18 months, and if NOT at least the 2nd heat is too young (not physically or emotionally mature) and over 10 years is too old.

3. How often do they breed their female? The long accepted response to this question would have been "not more than once a year," however, there is much debate in the dog world today on this subject. Some Canine Reproduction Specialists suggest that once a bitch is mature and as long as she is in good health, it is better to breed her every heat cycle. Therefore, though I have my own personal feelings on this subject, I cannot in good conscience suggest any right or wrong answer to this question.

4. Are the parents on the premises?

5. Can you visit the breeder's home to see first-hand the environment in which puppies are raised, and dogs reside? If not, pass!

6. How many other breeds do they have? A real plus if they only breed AKK. If they breed more than 2 breeds, this is a possible puppy mill situation, and should be investigated more closely.

7. What are the most significant problems with the AKK? If the breeder says none, pass! A breeder that admits to you there are problems in a breed, and that they themselves have run into at least ONE of these problems is being honest with you.

8. Are their AKK UKC registered (also applicable to breeders outside the United States)? If not, pass!

9. Are they a member in good standing of the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America (AKKAOA)(also applicable to breeders outside the United States)? If not, pass!

10. Have their breeding AKK undergone and passed an Adult Evaluation Examination? If not, pass!

Some of the above items can be verified by the AKKAOA Secretary/Recorder prior to purchasing a puppy from any AKK Breeder. Communications must reference the Alaskan Klee Kai’s registered name and UKC registration number.

11. Do they have an agreement to take or buy the dog back, should this ever become necessary? Will they put it in writing? Dogs purchased from responsible breeders come with health guarantees and return policies, the latter often covering the lifetime of the dog.

12. What temperament problems can be encountered? Is it an easy breed to train and housebreak?

13. Do they have shot records? Are they documented? Are the pups vet checked? Pass on a breeder who cannot furnish health records or doesn’t have the pups vet checked prior to sale!

14. Are the puppies wormed? If so, how often? I worm my litters at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks of age, regardless of whether or not their stool is negative.

15. What type of contract, conditions or guarantees are involved in the sale of the puppy? Ask to review any contracts, conditions or guarantees prior to committing a deposit.

16. Do they require a deposit to be added to a Waiting List? If yes, ask to review a copy of the Deposit Contract. Is the Deposit refundable? If yes, under what conditions? Is any portion of the deposit retained as a processing fee in the event of cancellation?

17. Do they provide a written health guarantee? If so, what type? If not, PASS! It doesn’t ensure that a pup will be problem free, but it does mean that the breeder has confidence in her dogs’ good health.

18. Could they give you at least 2 references of someone who acquired one of their AKK in the past? The references should have dogs that are at least one year of age. References are useless if you don’t contact them!

19.     At what age will they let their AKK pups go? If it’s less than 8 weeks, PASS! Do yourself a BIG favor and search for a breeder who has the AKK pups best interests as their main priorities. Federal Law states the puppy must be at least 8 weeks of age and fully weaned.

20. Are the pups hand-raised in their home? If not, PASS! Consistent human contact provides for a well-socialized pup.

21. Will the breeder ship puppies? There are some breeders who will not ship young pups; are you willing to travel the distance to pick your puppy up in person?

22. Was the breeder responsive to openly discuss these concerns, or seem ignorant of them, or defensive, offended, etc.?

If you have any doubts as to the honesty of any of the information the breeder gives you-check it out. Remember it is your right and responsibility to make your purchase from someone who takes all steps necessary to produce dogs of quality and health, and then stands behind what they sell. There can be no gray areas when it comes to selling living creatures. Defective puppies, unlike toasters or automobiles, suffer pain, as do the owners who love them.

AKK Breeders who do not question you about your home and family situation, or how you intend to care for your AKK are those you should be cautious of. They are more than likely concerned about the financial aspects of the sale rather than about providing the very best home possible for their AKK.

Also, remember that responsible breeders will want to ensure their pups will go to good homes, so do expect to be asked some questions yourself such as:

1. Do you have any young children? If so, are they knowledgeable about handling a small pup?
2. Do you have ample space for the new AKK?
3. Do you have other pets? If so, how will they be around another?
4. Have you ever owned an AKK before?
5. Have you had a dog before? If so, what happened to it?
6. Have you ever got rid of a dog? If so, why?
7. What do you know about raising and training dogs?
8. Why did you choose the AKK breed?
9. Is anyone in your family allergic to dogs?
10. Do you have the time to give the attention that an AKK requires?
11. What type of socialization are you planning to do?
12. How much time during the day will the dog be alone?
13. Do you rent? If so, does the landlord allow pets?
14. Do you have the patience needed to housebreak a new puppy?
15. Will this puppy be an inside dog?
16. Do you have a fenced in yard?
17. Are you willing to take your AKK to obedience classes?
18. Have you read, understood and agreed to abide by the AKKAOA Constitution and By-Laws, and Code of Ethics?

You will know you have found a responsible breeder when the breeder makes you PROVE you are qualified to own one of their puppies. If a breeder doesn't ask you any questions, but only asks to see your checkbook, walk away. If the breeder makes you feel like you are trying to adopt one of their kids, you have found a responsible breeder. If a breeder will sell to you without giving you the third degree, walk away. A breeder who sells carefully will have bred the litter carefully.

And a breeder who requires that you return the dog to them, if at any time, at any age, for any reason you decide not to keep the dog, is a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder will always be willing to take back one of their dogs - they feel responsible for every puppy they sell, for that dog's entire life.

If you have doubts or questions, make them known. If you are uncomfortable with the breeders or puppy, seriously consider whether you really want to buy that puppy.

A responsible breeder is the best source for a well-bred healthy dog. The breeder will carefully select the parents of each litter to emphasize desirable attributes and minimize faults in their progeny. Some people that breed dogs only produce puppies to sell. These individuals typically have no regard for the advancement of the breed and are motivated solely by profit. Responsible breeders will never breed a litter without considering the advancement of the breed. Each litter should improve the quality of breeding stock, resulting in puppies with improved breed soundness - that is, physical and mental health - that are an advancement toward the ideal.

Hopefully all will go well between you and the breeder. If you do decide to purchase a pup, don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. A responsible breeder can be very helpful with answers, and remember to find a breeder who is willing to take back a puppy or dog if serious problems develop, or if you become unable to care for your AKK any longer.

If you are expecting to pay several hundred or thousands of dollars for a purebred AKK, you should get the best puppy for your money. You may think that your AKK is simply going to be a pet, not a show dog, but that’s even more reason for him/her to come from a breeder who is concerned about healthy bloodlines and good socialization. An AKK who’s going to be a family companion should come from the healthiest, most temperamentally sound stock available.

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