Many owners feel frustrated when they are trying to deal with an Akitas toilet habits. So how can you teach the dog to eliminate in the right place in a scientific way? The essential idea is simple: when the Akita shows signs that it needs to eliminate, take it to the correct place immediately and reward the behavior as soon as it succeeds there.
1. The right time
Like people, Akitas have their own routines. In the early stage of training, the owner should record the puppies daily schedule for several days and look for patterns. Akitas tend to eliminate after waking, after eating, and after drinking. If the dog suddenly begins circling or sniffing the ground all over the room, it is very likely preparing to eliminate.
2. The right place
The right place means the place where you want the Akita to relieve itself. By nature, dogs do not like to eliminate where they eat and sleep, so the toilet area should not be placed near the bed or the food. Once the area is chosen, it should not be changed. For example, if you choose the bathroom, cover the floor there with old newspapers. If the Akita eliminates on the paper, praise it immediately and keep guiding its attention back to the newspapers so it connects the scent and location. Then gradually reduce the area covered with paper, but always keep at least one piece carrying the dogs own scent.
3. Do not be stingy with rewards
Whenever the Akita eliminates in the correct place, reward it generously. A small snack and some enthusiastic praise can greatly improve the success rate of training.
4. Important points to remember
If the Akita is caught eliminating in the wrong place, stop the behavior immediately and take it to the correct location so that it understands where it should go. However, do not lose your temper, shout wildly, or use violence. Some dogs, in order to avoid being hit, may even begin eating their own stool to hide the evidence. During heat periods, some Akitas may eliminate in the wrong place temporarily. This does not necessarily mean earlier training failed. It only means the behavior needs to be corrected calmly and promptly.
In general, if you repeat this process consistently several times, an Akita can form good toilet habits. Puppyhood is the best time for this training. If the dog is already an adult, much more patient guidance may be needed.