Sensitivity:
Obedience:
Trainability:
Stubbornness:
Attention Span:
Obedience training your Akita is essential for a harmonious relationship. This process helps establish respect, define roles, and clarify responsibilities. By investing time in obedience training, you and your Akita will build a stronger bond based on trust and discipline.
Akitas are known for their loyal and dignified nature, but their independent streak can influence training. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process of obedience training your Akita, ensuring a rewarding experience for both you and your dog.
Step 1: Choose a Training Method
Understanding your Akita’s temperament is important. They are loyal, courageous, and protective but can be stubborn. This unique blend of traits means that training requires patience and consistency.
Selecting appropriate equipment is important for training your Akita. A strong harness and leash are necessary because of their size. Consider using a clicker to mark desired behaviors, aligning with their attention span and intelligence.
Consistency is key when training your Akita. Use the same method and equipment throughout the process to avoid confusion. Their sensitivity means they respond better to steady and predictable training routines.
Step 2: Establish a Routine
Setting realistic goals is important when training your Akita. Start with simple commands and gradually increase complexity. Be mindful of their learning pace, as their independent nature may slow the process. Persistence is key.
Choosing the right location is essential for effective training. Select a quiet, distraction-free area to help your Akita focus. This breed’s reserved demeanor thrives in controlled environments where they feel secure.
Establish a daily schedule with 2 to 3 short sessions, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Conduct training at the same time every day, including weekends. This consistency helps them understand the routine and what is expected.
Sample Akita basic obedience commands training schedule:
- Morning: Go over the “sit” command 5 times
- Afternoon: Practice the “stay” command 5 times
- Evening: Teach the “come” command 5 times
Sample Akita advanced obedience commands training schedule:
- Morning: Teach the “no” command 5 times
- Afternoon: Go over the “leave it” command 5 times
- Evening: Practice the “down” and “off” commands 3 times each
Step 3: Assert Leadership
Establishing leadership is important when training an Akita. They respect a firm and fair leader, akin to a pack leader. Ensure you convey authority without aggression, which aligns with their dignified nature.
Setting boundaries is necessary to define acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Establish clear rules and maintain consistency to help your Akita understand their limits and the structure within your household.
Reward obedience with immediate positive reinforcement. This approach encourages your Akita to repeat desired behaviors. Their food motivation can be used effectively during training sessions.
Step 4: Teach Basic Commands
Teaching your Akita basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” is essential for their discipline. Immediate rewards reinforce these behaviors, helping them grasp the importance of obedience.
To teach “sit,” hold a treat above their head and move it back until they “sit.” Reward compliance. This simple action aligns with their intelligence and trainability.
For the “stay” command, have them “sit” first, then instruct them to “stay.” Gradually increase the distance between you and your Akita, rewarding right away to reinforce their obedience and patience.
To teach “come,” start with them in the “sit” and “stay” positions. Call them to you and reward right after arrival. This command is important for their responsiveness.
Akita basic obedience commands cheat sheet:
- Sit: Hold a treat above the head, command “sit,” reward sitting
- Stay: From the “sit” position, instruct “stay,” increase distance, reward staying
- Come: In the “sit” and “stay” positions, say “come,” reward arrival
Step 5: Expand Commands
Teaching advanced commands like “down,” “off,” “heel,” “no,” and “leave it” is important for enhancing your Akita’s obedience. Use positive reinforcement to encourage these behaviors.
To teach “down,” guide your Akita into a lying position by lowering a treat to the ground. This command requires patience but is achievable with their moderate intelligence.
Teaching “off” involves directing your Akita away from objects or people. Use a firm voice to reinforce this command, aligning with their protective instincts.
For “heel,” ensure your Akita walks beside you. Consistent practice will help them understand the importance of not pulling ahead or lagging.
The “no” command should be used sparingly and with a firm voice. This teaches your Akita to stop undesirable behaviors, leveraging their moderate obedience.
To teach “leave it,” instruct your Akita not to touch certain items. Use a consistent command and immediate reward to reinforce their compliance.
Akita advanced obedience commands cheat sheet:
- Down: Lower a treat to the ground while instructing “down,” reward lying
- Off: Direct away from an undesired area while commanding “off,” reward compliance
- Heel: Say “heel” when walking with a short leash, reward walking beside
- No: Discourage unwanted behavior while commanding “no,” reward obedience
- Leave It: Guide away from an object or item while instructing “leave it,” reward restraint
Step 6: Advance to Complex Commands
Teaching complex commands like “fetch, bring back” and “heel, sit, wait” enhances your Akita’s obedience and provides mental stimulation. These commands challenge their intelligence and focus.
For “fetch, bring back,” use a toy to encourage your Akita to “fetch” and “bring back.” This exercise taps into their energy and intelligence.
Teaching “heel, sit, wait” involves your Akita walking beside you and commanding “sit” and “wait.” This command requires practice but enhances their discipline.
Akita complex obedience commands cheat sheet:
- Fetch, Bring Back: Throw a toy, command “fetch, bring back,” reward retrieval
- Heel, Sit, Wait: Command “heel” when walking, then “sit” and “wait,” reward patience
Step 7: Maintain Obedience Training
Continuing regular training is important for instilling obedience in your Akita. Scheduled sessions reinforce learned behaviors and maintain their discipline.
Increasing challenges in training helps keep your Akita engaged. Gradually increase the difficulty of commands while setting realistic expectations to motivate them.
Keep training sessions engaging by varying environments and incorporating playtime. Immediate rewards encourage your Akita to associate training with positive experiences.
Mistakes to Avoid
Using negative reinforcement can hinder your Akita’s training progress. Focus on positive methods to encourage desired behaviors, aligning with their sensitivity.
Holding long training sessions can lead to frustration for your Akita. Keep sessions short to maintain their attention and prevent boredom.
Being inconsistent with training can lead to confusion. Stick to a routine and consistent commands to help your Akita understand what is expected.
Changing commands or rules often can confuse your Akita. Maintain consistency to help them learn and follow instructions effectively.
Delaying rewards can decrease the effectiveness of training. Immediate rewards reinforce desired behaviors and contribute to successful obedience training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Obedience Train an Akita?
Obedience training your Akita can take 2 to 4 months, depending on the complexity of commands. Begin training between 8 to 12 weeks old. Some dogs may take longer, but patience and consistency are key.
Why Might My Akita Be Slow to Obedience Train?
Individual temperament plays a role in training speed. Negative experiences, lack of motivation, and inconsistent training can contribute to slower progress. Keep sessions engaging and reward immediately to maintain their interest.
What Are the Most Important Commands to Teach an Akita?
The most important commands for Akitas are “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it.” These commands establish control and ensure your dog’s safety in various situations. Refer to the “Basic” and “Advanced” obedience commands cheat sheets for guidance.
What Should I Do if My Akita Refuses to Obey Commands?
Revisit your Akita’s training schedule to ensure consistency. Examine the complexity of commands and reduce distractions. Adjust the environment and use enticing rewards to encourage compliance.
