Akitas are large, powerful dogs with a natural instinct to protect their owners and their homes. If you are considering training your Akita to be a guard dog, there are a few things you need to know.
1. Akitas are not easy to train. They are stubborn, independent, and can be aggressive if not properly trained. If you are not an experienced dog trainer, you may want to consider hiring a professional to help you.
2. Start training your Akita early. The best time to start training an Akita is when they are still puppies. This will give them time to learn the basic commands and behaviors that you will need them to know as a guard dog.
3. Use positive reinforcement training methods. Akitas respond best to positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise. Avoid using harsh punishment, as this can make them more aggressive.
4. Teach your Akita the “speak” and “quiet” commands. These commands will allow you to control your dog’s barking, which is essential for a good guard dog.
5. Teach your Akita to identify strangers. You can do this by having your dog interact with a variety of people, both familiar and unfamiliar. When your dog barks at an unfamiliar person, give them the “speak” command and reward them with a treat.
6. Teach your Akita to protect you and your home. This can be done by having your dog practice guarding your property and your family members. When your dog barks or growls at someone who is trying to enter your home or property, give them the “good boy” command and reward them with a treat.
7. Be consistent with your training. Akitas need consistency in order to learn and obey commands. If you are not consistent with your training, your dog will become confused and may not learn what you are trying to teach them.
8. Socialize your Akita. Akitas need to be socialized with a variety of people and animals in order to be well-rounded guard dogs. Socialization will help your dog to learn how to interact with others in a positive way.
9. Be patient. Training an Akita to be a guard dog takes time and patience. Do not get discouraged if your dog does not learn everything right away. Just keep practicing and you will eventually see results.
10. Be a good role model. Akitas are very good at reading their owners’ body language and emotions. If you are calm and confident, your dog will be more likely to be calm and confident as well.
Conclusion
Training an Akita to be a guard dog is a big responsibility. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, it can be a very rewarding experience. With proper training, your Akita can become a loyal and protective member of your family.
Additional Tips
Make sure your Akita has plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a good dog.
Provide your Akita with a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Take your Akita to the vet for regular checkups.
Be aware of your Akita’s triggers. Some Akitas are more likely to bark at certain people or animals than others.
If you are ever unsure about how to train your Akita, consult with a professional dog trainer.
With proper training and care, your Akita can be a loving and protective member of your family for many years to come.
