Advanced Training and Tricks for Akita Dogs

Introduction

While Akitas are known for their independent and strong-willed nature, they are also highly intelligent and capable of learning complex behaviors when given the right guidance. Advanced training not only provides mental stimulation but also enhances the bond between you and your Akita. With a balanced mix of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your Akita a wide variety of advanced obedience commands, fun tricks, and agility tasks that will challenge their mind and body. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of advanced training and mental stimulation for Akitas, along with step-by-step instructions for teaching advanced commands, agility, and captivating tricks.

Advanced Obedience Commands

The Importance of Advanced Obedience Training

Advanced obedience commands go beyond the basic “sit” or “stay.” These commands not only challenge an Akita’s mind but also promote a deeper understanding between the dog and its owner. For a breed as independent as the Akita, advanced training is crucial for teaching control, improving focus, and fostering mental engagement. Successfully teaching an Akita advanced commands enhances their obedience, reduces behavioral issues, and provides a fun outlet for their energy.

Advanced Obedience Commands and How to Teach Them

Place Command

The “place” command teaches your Akita to go to a designated spot (like a bed or mat) and stay there until released. This is a useful command for managing your Akita’s behavior when you need them to settle down in a specific area, such as when guests arrive or during meal preparation.

How to teach:

• Start by placing a bed or mat in a quiet area.
• Command your Akita to “place” and guide them to the mat with a treat.
• Once your Akita steps onto the mat, immediately reward them with praise and a treat.
• Gradually increase the duration your Akita stays on the mat before releasing them with a “free” command.
• Repeat the process until your Akita automatically goes to the mat when given the “place” command.

Back Up Command

Teaching your Akita to back up on command helps with spatial awareness and reinforces their responsiveness to cues. This can be useful in tight spaces or when you want your dog to give you more room.

How to teach:

• Stand in front of your Akita with a treat in your hand.
• Lure them to take a step backward by moving the treat away from them, just past their nose.
• Once they take a step back, reward and praise them.
• Gradually increase the number of steps they need to take backward before being rewarded.

Spin (Turn Around)

This trick not only provides a fun challenge but also helps with coordination and agility. Akitas love to perform when they are motivated, and the “spin” trick can be a fun way to engage them.

How to teach:

• Hold a treat near your Akita’s nose and slowly move it in a circular motion.
• As your Akita follows the treat, they will naturally turn in a circle.
• Once they complete the circle, reward them with the treat and praise.
• Practice the spin on both directions, using verbal cues (“spin” for clockwise and “twirl” for counterclockwise).
• Over time, your Akita will learn to spin on command.

Agility Training

The Benefits of Agility Training

Agility training is an excellent way to keep your Akita mentally and physically stimulated. Not only does it challenge their intelligence, but it also provides an outlet for their energy. For a breed like the Akita, agility courses can offer a rewarding experience that stimulates both their body and mind. It’s also an excellent way to build confidence and improve coordination.

Setting Up an Agility Course

An agility course typically consists of various obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and ramps. You can either set up an agility course in your backyard or use a local agility training center.

Basic Agility Equipment:

• Tunnels: Use a soft, collapsible tunnel to encourage your Akita to run through. Start by calling your dog through from one end and rewarding them for completing the tunnel.
• Jumps: Set up low hurdles for your Akita to jump over. Start by luring them with a treat and gradually increase the height of the jump as they become more comfortable.
• Weave Poles: Set up several poles in a straight line and teach your Akita to weave through them. Start with wider spaces between poles and decrease the space as they improve.
• Ramp: Use a ramp or plank for your Akita to walk up and down. This teaches balance and coordination.

Training Techniques

• Start with Basic Obstacles: Introduce your Akita to one obstacle at a time. Begin with easier challenges like the tunnel or low jump. Allow your Akita to become familiar with each obstacle before moving on to more complex tasks.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Just as with obedience training, reward your Akita with praise or treats immediately after they complete each obstacle. This reinforces positive behavior and encourages your Akita to enjoy the process.
• Make it Fun: Agility training should be enjoyable for both you and your dog. If your Akita starts to show signs of frustration or fatigue, take a break. Keep training sessions short (around 10–15 minutes) to avoid over-exerting your dog.
• Gradually Increase Difficulty: As your Akita becomes more skilled, increase the difficulty of the course by adding more obstacles, increasing jump heights, or narrowing the weave poles. Challenge your Akita to build confidence and strengthen their agility.

Captivating Tricks

Training your Akita to perform captivating tricks not only keeps them engaged but also enhances their bond with you. Here’s a list of exciting tricks you can teach your Akita, along with detailed instructions on how to get started.

1. Roll Over

Rolling over is a classic and impressive trick that your Akita will enjoy performing once they master it.

How to teach:

• Start by having your Akita lie down on their side.
• Hold a treat near their nose and move it slowly toward their shoulder, encouraging them to roll onto their back.
• As they roll over, reward them immediately.
• Repeat this process until your Akita can roll over on command.

2. Play Dead (“Bang!”)

Teaching your Akita to play dead can be both fun and entertaining, making it a great party trick.

How to teach:

• Start with your dog lying down.
• Hold a treat in your hand and move it near their nose, then guide it toward their side. This should cause your Akita to roll onto their back.
• Once they are lying on their back, use the cue “Bang!” and reward them for staying still.
• Gradually add the “Bang!” command before they roll over to make the trick more fluid.

3. Speak or Bark on Command

Teaching your Akita to speak (bark on command) is a great trick to showcase their vocal talents.

How to teach:

• Get your Akita excited or motivated by something they enjoy, such as a toy or treat.
• Use the cue “speak” or “bark,” and encourage your dog to bark naturally.
• As soon as they bark, reward them with praise and treats.
• Repeat this process until your Akita barks consistently on command.

4. High Five

The high five trick is a simple but charming way to engage your Akita.

How to teach:

• Sit in front of your Akita with a treat in your hand.
• Gently take your Akita’s paw and raise it toward your hand while saying “high five.”
• Reward them once their paw touches your hand.
• Practice until your Akita performs the high five on their own.

Conclusion

Advanced training for Akita dogs is not only a way to teach them impressive tricks and commands but also a valuable method for keeping their minds sharp and their bodies active. Whether you’re teaching advanced obedience, engaging in agility training, or showing off captivating tricks, these activities provide an excellent outlet for their intelligence and energy. By using positive reinforcement, patience, and consistent practice, your Akita will master these advanced skills and become an even more well-rounded companion. Enjoy the process, and remember that the bond you share with your dog will grow stronger with each new skill they learn.

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