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Potty training your Akita can be a challenging task, but it is essential for both your sanity and your dog’s well-being. It requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to understand your dog’s behavior. While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to potty training, there are some tips and tricks that can make the process easier and more effective. In this article, we will discuss seven secrets to quickly potty train your Akita, so you can have a clean home and a happy dog. These secrets will cover everything from when to start training, how to recognize your dog’s needs, and how to train your Akita in an apartment without a yard.
Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Akita, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog, K9 Training Institute or DogAcademy, three of our favorite training resources for potty training.
8 Secrets for Housetraining Your Akita
1. Start Potty Training Your Akita Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your Akita, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your Akita to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.
2. Give Your Akita Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Akita successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.
3. Monitor Your Akita’s Behavior
Pay attention to your Akita’s body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.
RELATED: Need to potty train your Akita quickly? Check out these affordable online courses!
4. Confine Your Akita to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your Akita, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
5. Gradually Increase Your Akita’s Freedom
As your Akita becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.
6. Try Using Potty Bells
Potty bells can be a useful tool to let your Akita know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Akita to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this:
Related: 10 Best Snout Soothers for Dogs
7. Be Patient with Your Akita and Stay Positive
Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Akita for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.
8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course
If you’ve tried everything and your Akita is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a French Bulldog?
Our 3 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable online dog training course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Akita quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
3. DogAcademy Online Dog Training
DogAcademy’s “Housetraining Your Dog” Course This comprehensive online dog training provides you with the methods and techniques needed to successfully housetrain your dog to “go” outside. Emphasizing the importance of a regular schedule, this course ensures a structured and effective training regimen. You’ll also have access to ongoing support to answer any of your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking an Akita
How do I know when my Akita needs to go potty?
Generally, an Akita may show signs of restlessness, circling, sniffing, or scratching at the door when they need to go potty. Additionally, paying attention to their eating, drinking, and bathroom schedule can also help you anticipate when they need to go outside.
At what age should I begin potty training an Akita puppy?
It’s recommended to start potty training an Akita puppy as early as possible, ideally between 8 and 12 weeks of age, as they tend to have a strong-willed personality.
How can I potty train an adult Akita?
Potty training an adult Akita requires patience and consistency. The process is similar to training a puppy, but it may take longer to break old habits. It’s important to establish a routine, praise them for going potty outside, and avoid punishment for accidents indoors.
How long does it take to potty train an Akita puppy?
The duration of potty training an Akita puppy can vary depending on their personality, consistency in training, and the environment. On average, it may take around 4-6 months for them to be fully potty trained.
How often should I take my Akita outside for potty breaks?
It’s recommended to take your Akita puppy outside every 2-3 hours or after meals, naps, and playtime. As they grow older, they may be able to hold their bladder longer, but it’s still important to take them outside frequently.
How should I potty train my Akita in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
Potty training an Akita in an apartment requires extra patience and dedication. You can use puppy pads or artificial grass patches in a designated area and reward them for using it. Consistency in taking them to the designated area and using positive reinforcement can help them learn to go potty indoors. However, it’s still recommended to take them outside for fresh air and exercise.
Master Potty Training Your Akita
In conclusion, potty training your Akita may seem daunting, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, it can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time. By using the 7 secrets outlined in this article, you can establish a routine, create a positive training environment, and encourage your Akita to associate going potty with a specific spot and phrase. It’s important to remember that each dog is unique, and the time it takes to potty train may vary, but by following these tips, you can set your Akita up for success and ensure a happy, healthy, and stress-free relationship with your furry companion.
