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Akita Leash Training 101: Step-by-Step Instructions

Last updated on March 10th, 2024 at 04:14 pm

If you want to know how to leash train an Akita, you’re in the right place! This complete Akita leash training guide will take you through everything you need to know to do it successfully. There are even troubleshooting tips for when things don’t go to plan.

What you’ll need for Akita leash training

1. A collar or harness

Your Akita needs a collar or harness that fits well. They will be less likely to pull if you use a head collar or front-attachment harness. It is a safe and easy-to-use no-pull device that is great for all dogs, especially for a large breed like the Akita

2. A leash

white akita

The best leash for Akita is one made of good material that is 6 feet long. It gives your dog enough freedom and keeps everything under control. For strong-pulling dogs like Akitas, make sure the leash is attached to a body harness, which is much safer.

3. Treats 

Treats or some other reward should be available for your Akita. Use what he prefers to optimize training sessions.

4. A treat pouch

You’ll need an easily accessible container to make things easier. A treat pouch allows you to reach in and grab your Akita’s favorite treat one at a time and then reward them.

5. An event marker (optional)

A clicker is used to tell your dog exactly which behavior you’re rewarding. It is very useful in Aktia leash training. But you can also use your voice like the emphatic word such as “YES!” if you don’t have a clicker.

Where is the best place to train a dog?

Find an open space outdoors and distraction-free locations like a quiet street or a deserted car park. A hard surface (tarmac or paved is ideal) is advantageous since it helps your dog find and pick up the treats easier. 

How often and how long should you train your dog?

For Akita leash training, you should do it for 10 minutes at least twice a day. More is better. Try not to miss a single day, at least for the first week.

How do you leash train an Akita?

Step 1: Fill your treat pouch or another container with treats

When selecting treats for your Akita, it’s important to choose ones that will catch their attention and keep them engaged during training sessions. Consider their preferences and tastes, as well as the nutritional value of the treats.

Step 2: Teach your dog to walk by your side

Choose whether you want your Akita to walk on the left or right side of the body. You will reward them on that side. Your dog will soon start to stay near it because that is where tasty rewards appear!

In most sports, dogs are taught to walk on the left side, but if you’d rather have your Akita on your right, that’s okay. It is essential to educate them to stay on one side to prevent them from weaving back and forth or running around you in circles.

Here’s how to do it correctly:

Step 3: Start walking forward

Step 4: Stop

Your dog may reach the end of the leash almost immediately. At that point, stand still.

Step 5: Wait

Wait for your Akita to pay you some attention. They will eventually get bored with pulling on the leash and turn to see what is causing the delay.

Step 6: Reward

As soon as you get your dog’s attention, encourage them to come to you. Drop a treat just behind you or give them from your hand to reward them when they get to you.

Repeat steps three through six, then success will come. The number of treats and the amount of troubleshooting your puppy needs during a walk will gradually decrease, but it’s a good idea to always have some on hand in case you want to reinforce good leash-walking behavior at random.

Leash training troubleshooting 

do akitas like the cold

If your Akita pulls: 

Instead of merely stopping when they pull, turn around and walk the other way. Don’t pull your dog, don’t talk to them, and don’t wait for them. Their job is to pay attention to where you are and follow you. When they finally catch up with you, show your pleasure by giving them a treat.

If your Akita lunges: 

Be proactive and take action if your dog chases something like another dog, a cat, a car, or a skateboarder while on a walk. Before your they have a chance to lunge, try to redirect their attention with a treat. Don’t forget to increase the distance between them and the target.

If your Akita doesn’t respond to any of your training tactics:

Depending on your budget, enrolling in an offline or online obedience training class or hiring a private dog trainer is your best option.

Best Akita leash training tips

1. Keep sessions short

Remember that dogs have a short attention span, so keep your sessions short. Therefore, ending them when your Akita is still eager to do more is better than when they are mentally exhausted.

2. Reward good behavior

When you go out with your Akita, always carry a few treats to reward them from time to time when they behave well. They deserve it! Over time, your dog won’t need frequent feeding to maintain their leash, but starting with generosity is the key.

3. Choose an appropriate length

Keep the length of your dog’s leash short enough to prevent them from quickly leaving your side. But don’t keep it so short that you’re pulling them, though.

Key points

can akita live in hot weather

The key to training an Akita on a leash is to reward them with their favorite treats when they walk by your side. If your dog is too stubborn, then training becomes too hard, and you can’t handle it, I recommend you sign up for this Loose Leash Walking Class (more than 6,000 dog owners have this bundle).

Last but not least…

Many readers have loved learning how to train their dogs based on scientific methods from a free workshop conducted by Dr. Alexa Diaz (one of the top service dog trainers in the U.S.) and Eric Presnall (host of the hit Animal Planet TV show “Who Let the Dogs Out”) at the K9 Training Institute. In the free workshop, you’ll discover:

    1. How to train your dog using body language rather than verbal cues
    2. The 3 key techniques that service dog trainers use to train dogs and how you can use them too
    3. The most important step that “normal” dog owners have been missing (this is very important to get your dog’s attention, and it works 100% of the time)
    4. How to stop bad behaviors like excessive barking, pulling on the leash, jumping, etc.
    5. Why a lot of dog owners are unable to establish the amazing bond that service dog trainers have with their dogs

Etc.

Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, this pre-recorded workshop will help you train them successfully. You may not want to miss the chance to learn these groundbreaking techniques. Here’s the free workshop.

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