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Crate Training an Akita Puppy in 3 Easy Steps

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

Akita crate training is crucial to prevent your dog from chewing on items in your home or during housetraining. But there’s more than simply putting them in and closing the door. So how do you crate train your Akita, and what do you need to know to get started? I’ve got your comprehensive guide to crate training an Akita puppy.

The benefits of crate training an Akita puppy

People usually view crates as being “caged up” since they are small and enclosed, but most dogs like living in these conditions because they are naturally denning animals. If you use the crate properly, it will become one of your dog’s favorite places. Crates can benefit both you and your Akita in the following ways:

    • Give your dog a space of their own.
    • Keep them (and your stuff) safe.
    • Provide a recovery zone when they need to restrict their movement due to an injury.
    • Give your dog a sense of security that can reduce their anxiety.
    • Encourage potty training.

That’s why you should train your Akita puppy as soon as you bring them home, usually around 8 weeks old.

Supplies needed for crate training an Akita Puppy

1. Crate

If you want the crate to be their favorite place, you have to make sure that you choose the right crate for them. It’s not difficult because you just need to consider a few things like type and size.

We can divide crates into two basic types: plastic crates like the Petmate Sky Dog & Cat Kennel and wire crates like the MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single Door iCrate Dog Crate.

The next part is choosing the correct size. The crate should be large enough for your Akita to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. According to the AKC, Akitas can reach a height of 28 inches and a weight of 130 pounds. With a large breed like this, the best option may be the largest-sized wire crates that have more versatility when it comes to door placement and customizing the size of the interior with a divider.

For example, the MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single Door iCrate Dog Crate is available in sizes up to XL and includes a divider panel allowing you to adjust the size of the living area as your puppy grows. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your choice should be based on the reasons that motivated you to buy it.

crate training an akita puppy

There are many options to choose from:

For almost any Akita: Wire Crate 

For Akitas who loves a privacy space: Plastic Crate

For traveling Akitas: Soft-Sided Crate

2. Treats

Tasty treats are an essential part of crate training an Akita puppy or any other type of training you want to do with your dog. Something low in calories, small in size, but tasty enough to keep them interested like Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Dog Treats is a good option for training. 

3. Toys

Toys help your Akita chill out and keep them happy in the crate. Before letting your dog play alone with any toy, always check its durability to make sure your dog can’t bite pieces of it off that could be a choking hazard. A treat-stuffable toy like the KONG Classic is durable enough to withstand the strong teeth of Akitas and also can be filled according to your dog’s toy unpacking level.

4. Bedding

It’s nice for your Akita to have something comfy to lay and sleep on when in their crate, but avoid extra-plush dog beds. For puppies still getting used to the crate, a simple crate mat like the Midwest Homes for Pets Deluxe Micro Terry Pet Bed is a good option.

Where should you put your puppy’s crate?

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The ideal spot to put your puppy’s crate is a location that’s quiet enough for them to sleep but not too far off that they don’t associate the crate with social isolation. It can be a corner of the living room, dining room, or any common gathering place for your family.

How to crate train an Akita puppy: step by step

Positive association is fundamental for the success of Akita crate training. Here’s how it’s done.

Step 1: Introduce your Akita to the crate

Start training by taking the door off or keeping it propped open to allow your Akita to explore the crate at their own pace.

Toss a treat inside the crate, praise your puppy when they go in to eat it, then give them more while they’re inside. Another way to make your dog interested in the crate is to provide them with busy toys such as a stuffed Kong or Nylabone.

If your Akita is hesitant to enter the crate, leave the treats inside so they can get them whenever they’re ready. 

Step 2: Practice closing the door

Your Akita puppy will be ready for longer sessions inside once they already have a positive association with going into the crate.

Give your dog a stuffed toy to keep them entertained inside the crate. Stay nearby, and while your dog is enjoying the toys and treats inside, try to close the door. Let your Akita out after they finish the treats or exhibits signs that they need to go outside. 

Step 3: Step away briefly

Try leaving the room during subsequent sessions while your dog is focusing on the treats and toys.

Spend five to ten minutes silently sitting next to the crate, then go into another room for a few minutes. Go back, sit quietly again for a short time, and then let your dog out. Gradually extend the time you leave your Akita in the crate and the time you are out of sight.

You can start putting your Akita in the crate when you go outside your house and letting them sleep there at night once they can stay calmly in the crate for around 30 minutes with you mostly out of sight. 

Depending on your dog’s age, temperament, and past experiences, crate training may take a few days or weeks. 

Akita crate training tips and tricks

crate training an akita puppy

The following handy tips can help speed up the Akita crate training process:

    • Always let your puppy go to the toilet before putting them in the crate, and don’t forget to take them outside immediately after letting them out. 
    • Never use their crate for punishment. The most important part of crate training is ensuring that your Akita thinks it’s a great place!
    • Avoid keeping your dog in the crate for too long. Dogs who don’t get enough exercise or human interaction can become anxious and depressed.

Following the three-step approach described above and putting all of these tips into practice will likely help your puppy quickly feel comfortable in their crate. It’s a huge life improvement for both you and your furry best friend.

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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