So Manuel has started to demand a lot of exercise.

Friday, 15th of August 2008 

It is very interesting to see what is happening with Manuel right now. He is two years and four months and the past month we have seen a significant change both regarding his physique as well as his mentality. His body has started to be more firm, he has gained some weight and his mentality is different. I guess his body is in a stable state of mind, which allows him to use the energy for more than developing....

People talk a lot about the different stages until a dog is one year, but the changes we have seen the past month are almost as distinct as the age between eight and twelve weeks. Very interesting it is, and gives us some great laughs.

The previous tired dog, stands up early in the morning, just waiting for his morning walk (which earlier was his morning stroll). He really shows he wants to go with speed. Well that is good, since I get a lot of exercise as well. Then in a few weeks maybe his body and mind will need the energy for something else again, and he will calm down. I have no fear it will be like it could be with other breeds, i.e. the more excercise the dog gets, the more it requires. I know Manuel good enought to just know, that will not be the case.

Of course he needs a lot of mental stimulation, and he get's that as well, and if it not enough, he reminds us.  That is good, I was a bit scared that grown up = boring, but that fear has vanished. I wanted an active dog, but not too active since we can not provide a good life for such a breed in the way we have choosen to live. One should bare in mind I was considering a Gordon Setter, but luckily I understood we could not provide what was needed.

Akita seems just perfect. Lazy sometimes, and very lively other times. Just like me....

/Charlotte