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How To Potty Train an Akita Puppy in 5 Easy Steps

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

One of the most important first steps you can take for a long, happy life with your new puppy is starting potty training as soon as possible. Accidents are part of the process, but if you follow these basic Akita potty training guidelines, you can get the newest family member on the right track. Read to the end to learn how to potty train an Akita puppy!

Are Akitas easy to potty train?

When you work on potty training an Akita puppy, remember that a puppy will likely view the entire world as one big potty area. So how long does it take to potty train your dog? The time needed for successful potty training depends on a variety of factors such as age, learning history, methods, and consistency. Some puppies have perfect manners after just a few days, while others can take months.

Akita potty training is simple, but it’s not easy. You have to put in a little work upfront, but if you do, you will benefit for years to come. No one likes cleaning up a stinky mess after a hard day at work. Let’s get started right away!

Equipment for potty training an Akita puppy

1. Collar or harness. View

2. Dog leash. View

3. Tasty small-sized treats. View

4. A crate. View

5. Dog stain removers. View

How to potty train an Akita puppy?

Before diving into the step-by-step guide, let’s go over some general rules to optimize the training process and ensure it goes smoothly. First and foremost, Akita house training should begin with building a schedule that both you and your dog can follow. This schedule makes them understand that there are times to eat, play, and potty.

According to the AKC, puppies can only hold their bladder for the same number of hours as the number of months of their age plus one.  For example, if your Akita puppy is 4 months old, they can hold it for about five hours. They might have an accident if you go longer than this between bathroom breaks.

You also want to use a repeatable phrase like “potty” or “bathroom” each time you take your Akita to the elimination area so he can associate that word with eliminating. 

how to potty train an akita puppy

Now let’s dive in the step-by-step Akita potty training guide:

Step 1. Take your puppy outside frequently

Take your Akita puppy out on a leash at least every two hours and immediately after they wake up, during and after playing, and after eating or drinking. You’ll probably want your dog to potty while walking at some point. So wearing a leash helps your Akita learn to potty on a leash and prevents them from running around and getting distracted by all the fun things.

Step 2. Let your dog relieve themselves in a specific spot

Choose an ideal spot outside and always take them on a leash to that spot. Use a specific word or phrase as we mentioned above before they go to remind your puppy what to do. Stand still and quietly watch your Akita to help them focus on the potty instead of interacting with you.

Step 3. Reward your Akita puppy every time they eliminate outdoors

Reward your dog with treats immediately after they finish (not when they return inside). Make sure they have done it before rewarding. Puppies are easily distracted, so if you give them treats too soon, they can forget to finish until they get home.

Step 4. Give your puppy some off-leash fun time after they pee and poop

Fun time can take place outdoors if it’s a safe area to be off leash or indoors under your supervision. It will help your puppy enjoy potty training.

Step 5. Repeat these steps throughout the day

In addition, don’t forget to apply the 5 potty training tips below to speed up your training process. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider taking this Online Mastering Potty Training Course to get help from expert trainers.

Best Akita potty training tips

Tip #1: Put your Akita on a regular feeding schedule

Puppies have immature digestive systems, so they can’t handle a lot of food. You should divide your puppy feeding schedule into three smaller meals. In addition, your Akita will be more likely to go potty at certain times if you feed them at the same times each day. Another thing you need to keep in mind is the food, which should be the highest quality puppy food. Whatever you choose, ensure it’s the right fit for your Akita.

Tip #2: Pick up your puppy’s water dish about two hours before bedtime 

Do this to reduce the likelihood that your puppy needs to relieve themselves during the night. 

Tip #3: Use crate training as an aid to potty training

Dogs hate to eliminate where they eat or sleep, so training your puppy to be happy in a crate is a great way to prevent them from having accidents in your house. Make sure to choose the correct crate size that is big enough for your Akita to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. But it shouldn’t be too big either. Any more room will allow your dog to rest in one corner while eliminating in the other. Fortunately, many crates have a divider that can adjust the space as your puppy grows.

Tip #4: Always use positive reinforcement

The secret to successful potty training is positive reinforcement. It teaches your Akita that they will be rewarded for going to the bathroom outside.

Tip #5: Recognize the signs when your puppy needs to go out

Another critical part of successfully potty training an Akita puppy is continual supervision. You can avoid unnecessary accidents in the house if you know the signs. Most dogs will sniff, make circles, wander off, whine, or sit by the door to let you know they need to potty.

What to do if mistakes happen

As part of having a dog, it’s normal if your Akita has a few accidents inside the house. Here’s what to do when that happens:

    • Immediately take your dog to their outside bathroom spot and reward them with a treat if they finish there.
    • Clean up the soiled area thoroughly with dog stain removers. This step is very important because puppies are highly motivated to continue soiling in areas that smell like urine or feces.
    • Don’t punish your puppy since punishment will do more harm than good.

Key points

how to potty train an akita puppy

Set a consistent schedule for your Akita puppy to relieve themselves in an appropriate potty area. Then use positive reinforcement (treats, play, praise) to encourage your dog to keep pottying in that area. Then success will come, and your life with your furry friend will be much happier. 

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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