Complete Guide to Akita Dog Training and Puppy Care

Welcome to the Complete Guide to Akita Dog Training and Puppy Care! Akitas are a loyal and loving breed, but they can be strong-willed and independent, making training a challenge.

Akitas are a relatively large breed, with males weighing up to 130 pounds, so they require regular exercise and a spacious living area.

To start training your Akita puppy, begin with short sessions of 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day, to prevent overwhelming them.

Akitas are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as reward-based training and clicker training.

Housebreaking an Akita puppy requires patience and consistency, as they can be prone to accidents and resistant to change.

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Leash training is a crucial aspect of Akita dog training. To have a well-behaved Akita on a walk, you need to establish a zero tolerance policy for unwanted behavior, such as pulling on the leash.

This means recalling your Akita back to you as soon as they start pulling, and putting them in a sit or down. It's also essential to disengage them from distractions by breaking their line of sight.

Loose leash walking is another important aspect of leash training. This allows your Akita to roam freely, sniff, and explore at their own pace, while you control the general direction of the walk.

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Retractable leashes are convenient, but they can instill bad habits in your dog. They can make it difficult for your Akita to learn where the end of the leash is and how far they can go.

Using a retractable leash can give your Akita an inch and they'll take a mile, as they won't have a consistent feel for the end of the leash.

Loose leash walking is a great way to stimulate your Akita's brain and give them freedom to roam around.

This type of walking is exactly what it sounds like - your Akita is free to stop and sniff at their own pace, and you only control the general direction of the walk.

Walking your Akita on a loose leash is extremely important for all dogs, not just Akitas, because it helps to stimulate their brain.

For loose leash walking, you don't need to control every step, but you do need to be aware of your Akita's surroundings and make sure they're not getting into any trouble.

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It's also a good idea to practice loose leash walking in different environments, such as in the park or on a trail, to help your Akita get used to new sights and smells.

With loose leash walking, your Akita can still learn to walk by your side if they want to, but they also get to enjoy the freedom of sniffing and exploring.

Remember, loose leash walking is all about balance - giving your Akita freedom and stimulation, while also maintaining control and safety.

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Consistency is key when it comes to training an Akita. A consistent training routine is paramount for Akitas, who thrives on predictability.

To start, you'll want to focus on recall training, which involves teaching your Akita to come back to you when called. This starts inside, not out on a walk. You'll use a fun and excited tone when calling your Akita with the "HERE!" command, while also putting pressure on the leash to pull them toward you, and stepping backwards.

Using regular kibble from your Akita's meals is a good idea, as it will help them associate the recall with their regular food. This is especially helpful when you don't have high-value treats available. Dogs respond to movement more than anything else, so getting your body moving will be more powerful than the leash tug or the vocal command.

Practice recall training for 10-15 minutes, 1-2 times a day, at least 3 times a week. This will help your Akita learn quickly and effectively. As they become more confident, you can gradually increase the distance between you and your Akita, using a longer training leash.

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Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in Akita training. Akitas respond exceptionally well to it.

To get started, use treats, praise, and affection to reward desirable behavior. This creates a positive association with training and fosters a strong bond between you and your Akita puppy.

The clicker is a valuable addition to your training arsenal. The distinct sound of the clicker marks desired behavior, facilitating more transparent communication with your Akita.

Combining the click with treats is key to optimal results.

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Socialization is key to raising a well-adjusted Akita. Introduce your puppy to diverse people, environments, and fellow pets from the outset to instill confidence and friendly behavior.

Early socialization is crucial for shaping a well-mannered and adaptable adult Akita. It's vital to socialise your Akita with other dogs from an early age, especially those of the same sex.

Akitas are intelligent dogs that require a lot of interaction, discipline, and affection. Positive training is important starting as early as when the puppy is nine weeks old.

Socializing your Akita with other animals, such as cats, is also essential to prevent aggressive issues in the future. You also need to make sure that they socialise with other animals as much as possible.

Some people may have a negative perception of Akitas because of their size and reputation for being a standoffish breed. But with proper training and consistent effort, you can show everybody how great these loving dogs can be.

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Training your Akita requires a thoughtful and customized approach, considering their intelligent and strong-willed nature. This breed needs a zero tolerance policy for unwanted behavior, so if they start pulling on the leash, recall them back to you immediately and put them in a sit, down, or change direction.

To initiate training, focus on fundamental commands like sit, stay, and come. These commands are the basis of a well-behaved Akita, and a patient and positive approach will facilitate a smooth learning process.

A key aspect of training is to disengage your Akita from distractions when they start pulling. This means putting them in a sit or down and breaking their line of sight. Consistency is key, so don't skip this step or you'll build bad habits.

Here are 3 essential strategies for training your Akita:

By following these strategies, you'll be well on your way to training a well-behaved and loyal Akita companion.

Akita dogs can be stubborn, but with the right approach, you can overcome this challenge. Marilyn Hobson, an Akita owner, shares her experience: "You have to be diligent in training just as with a child."

Redirecting undesirable behaviors is crucial. Promptly address chewing or excessive barking by redirecting their focus and providing alternative energy sources.

A customized training approach is necessary for Akitas. This breed requires a thoughtful and specialized training plan, especially for American and Japanese Akita breeds.

Here are some key strategies to keep in mind:

Akita owners must be willing to invest time and effort into bonding and training their dogs. Marilyn Hobson's experience with her Akita, who lived to be 17, is a testament to this.

Start training your Akita early, ideally from 8 weeks old, to establish good habits and prevent unwanted behaviors.

A consistent routine is key to successful Akita training, so establish a regular schedule for feeding, exercise, and playtime.

Akitas are intelligent and independent dogs, so they require positive reinforcement training methods that respect their individuality.

Positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training, can be highly effective in shaping your Akita's behavior.

Socialization is critical for Akitas, so expose your puppy to various environments, people, and animals to help them develop good social skills.

Akitas are naturally protective of their family, so it's essential to teach them to distinguish between real threats and harmless stimuli, such as strangers or other animals.

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The American Akita is a powerful breed that can develop negative habits if not trained correctly from a young age.

Akitas can be standoffish or suffer from severe anxiety and aggression if they receive incorrect training methods early in their life.

As we've seen with Blu, a furry giant who attended the residential Behaviour Modification Programme, Akitas need socialisation and proper training to grow into wonderful family pets.

The American Akita is a powerful breed that requires careful training from a young age. As with any breed, Akitas can develop negative habits if they're not trained correctly.

Akitas can be standoffish or develop severe anxiety and aggression if they're not trained properly, which is why it's essential to start training early. This includes everything ranging from basic commands to advanced training techniques.

Ross, an expert dog trainer, worked with an American Akita named Blu to socialize him and correct his aggression towards other dogs. Blu's training involved teaching him to peacefully approach other dogs.

Akitas need to be trained using positive reinforcement and patience, as they can be sensitive to harsh training methods. Tailoring your training approach to the American Akita's subtle temperament differences is crucial for successful training.

Power is an Akita's middle name, and they can excel in various activities, such as agility and mental ability. Practising new and active things during training routines can help uncover hidden talents and provide mental and physical stimulation for your Akita.

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Akitas don't like to be alone, and this can lead to anxious and destructive behavior if left for long periods.

If you're away for a long time, expect whining and chewing to occur. This is a sign that your Akita needs more attention and mental stimulation.

Engaging them with mental stimulation is key to keeping their intelligent mind active. This can help prevent destructive behavior.

Leaving your Akita alone for too long can be detrimental to their well-being, so it's essential to find ways to keep them company.

With the right care and attention, an Akita can make an amazing family dog that everyone will enjoy spending time with.

Akitas are intelligent dogs that require a lot of interaction, discipline, and affection, so it's essential to start training them as early as nine weeks old.

Positive training is crucial to prevent bad habits like chewing and going potty indoors, setting the foundation for a well-behaved Akita.

Akitas are strong-willed, so they need a thoughtful and customized training approach that caters to their unique Japanese heritage and distinct traits.

Training your Akita puppy is a transformative journey that shapes a well-mannered and harmonious companion, going beyond mere obedience.

To build a strong and positive bond with your Akita, you need to impart essential commands and establish a shared language through training.

Basic commands like sit, stay, and come are not just about obedience, but also empower you to secure your Akita and those around you, ensuring safety and control.

Proactively preventing behavioral issues is vital to the overall well-being of your Akita puppy, and training enables you to identify, address, and redirect undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or aggression.

With their robust build, Akitas require practical training to navigate various situations safely, preventing them from dashing into traffic or recalling them during off-leash activities.

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