First I want to say thank you for allowing me to join this forum. I am the proud owner of a 11 week old Akita male and I want to have him professionally trained. I have heard a few do’s and dont’s regarding training and I want to make sure I get the correct advice. I guess one of the main questions I have is to have him trained away from my home by a professional. I heard that when the dog returns they don’t listen nearly as well to the owner as they did with the trainer... I just want to make the right choice for the pup and myself... also looking for recommendations for a trainer in the Millstone, NJ area. Thank you in advance for your responses and time.
Please do not send your dog away to be trained. Training your Akita or any dog creates a bond between dog and owner. Take a puppy training class with your dog. If you want individualized training later find a good trainer and work with them one on one. For what you would spend sending your dog off to be trained you could pay for quite a few private sessions. I have two Akitas now and previously had one before and I’ve trained them. What, if any, type of dog have you had before? As a puppy probably any class will do but as your pup gets older you should try and find a trainer with experience with Akitas. Also you want positive training methods, an Akita will not respond well to harsh or negative training methods, IMO. This is a UK based forum, although I live in California, so I would not hold your breath waiting for trainer recommendations from here.. Ask your vet, the pet food stores, friends, or google trainers in your area. I just looked and there are many 4-5 star rated trainers in your area. Don’t know how close but seems like you have options.
Hi Tony Welcome to the group, I’m a little disappointed you haven’t shown us your pup. If you get chance & you are capable ( I say that because it took me a while to fathom postings photos) please do ! I agree with Marc, it will probably be cheaper too Also, Akitas are a smart breed and I found that ours wasn’t too difficult to train. It’s all part of the fun ! Once they learn they can decide if they want to do what you ask, they can be a little stubborn, but, don’t confuse that with that they haven’t learnt ! ! If you can also do a little reaseach on how much excecise and sleep you pup needs, it changes month on month and is really important for their physical and mental wellbeing. One thing I do know is you are going to be busy. Enjoy your pup as they grow up so quickly Ask as many questions as you like, this group is a great place to get advice from people’s own experiences whether they are Akita owners or not Philippa
Why do you want to send him away to be professionally trained? Professionally trained to do what? What do you hope to gain from doing so?
I got a 9 week pup and I got one more coming in 2 weeks I be training mine my self with the family as all will need too train stick too the same training you do with you and your family If you get stuck and you are not sure always ask on here as mist things you will ask the guys and girls will give you good advice and tips like they have given me . Kind regards Jack
IMO it is more important that you know how to train your dog. Training is not something that takes a few weeks and then lasts for all time, it is more like a process of development which takes place over a much longer period. I would look for an experienced trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods, and has experience with larger working breeds. Sign up for a series of lessons with your puppy, so you are both learning to work together. If the trainer runs small group classes, so much the better, as your puppy will also benefit from the socialisation, and you will also learn a lot by watching how the other puppies interact with their handlers.
Hi, For the most part my dog is well-behaved, but has a real tendency to roam. I have to be very careful with the gate and garage door. When he does get out he can be gone for hours at a time. Is there anyway to change this behavior - or do I just need to be extra careful. We live outside the city, and there are Coyotes and bobcats about. For the most part I keep a good eye on him, but it can be difficult when the grandchildren are visiting and opening the doors all the time.
I find it very concerning and irresponsible that you casually admit to letting your dog roam for hours at a time. The only way to stop the behaviour is to put him somewhere ‘secure’ when the grandkids visit. If you don’t have anywhere secure then get a kennel with enclosed run for him.
I want to join in with discussion about your dog getting out. I don’t want you to feel I am judging, I just want to point out that the potential for a problem whilst he is out is only a matter of time. Given their instincts he can get into a lot of trouble including fighting I personally would be mortified if my Akita got I out, i would not trust him to behave given such freedom and I know that eventually i would be in trouble with the authorities
