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One of the most important first steps you can take for a long, happy life with your new Akita 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
Collar or harness. View on Chewy
Dog leash. View on Chewy
Tasty small-sized treats. View on Chewy
A crate. View on Chewy
Dog stain removers. View on Chewy
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 him 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, he can hold it for about five hours. He 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.
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 he wakes 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 leash and prevents him from running around and getting distracted by all the fun things around him.
Step #2: Let your dog relieve himself in a specific spot
Choose an ideal spot outside and always take him on a leash to that spot. Use a specific word or phrase like we mentioned above before he goes to remind your puppy what to do.
Stand still and quietly watch your Akita to help him focus on the potty instead of interacting with you.
Step #3: Reward your Akita puppy every time he eliminates outdoors
Reward your dog with treats immediately after he finishes (not when he comes back inside).
Make sure he has 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 he pees and poops
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
Moreover, don’t forget to apply the 5 potty training tips below to speed up your training process.
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 puppy will be more likely to go potty at certain times if you feed him 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 himself 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 him 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 he 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 his outside bathroom spot and reward him with a treat if he finishes 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
Set a consistent schedule for your Akita puppy to relieve himself 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.
If you are struggling with many training tasks with your new puppy because you don’t know where to start and what is the “real” thing you need to do, we recommend you take this Masterclass Bundle to find all answers, support, and training for the problems you’re facing with your dog.
I hope this article really helped you and your dog training plan.
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