How to Teach an Akita Puppy to Come When Called

The Akita is a large, intelligent dog breed known for its loyalty and strong-willed nature. These traits make early training essential, particularly teaching your Akita puppy to respond reliably to their name and come when called. This forms the foundation of good recall, ensuring your dog's safety and strengthening your bond.

Akitas are quick learners but can become easily bored or stubborn. Therefore, training must be consistent, positive, and paced appropriately to avoid behavioural issues and build responsiveness over time.

Step 1: Choosing and Establishing Your Puppy’s Name

Choose a name for your Akita puppy that is short, distinctive, and easy to say—a maximum of two or three syllables. The name’s sound should be clear and not resemble other common commands to prevent confusion.

Begin using your puppy’s name immediately but avoid overusing it to prevent it becoming background noise. Consistency is key: stick to the chosen name without nicknames or variations during training.

Step 2: Creating Engagement and Motivation

The goal is for your puppy’s name to catch their attention positively. Use your Akita puppy’s name in a bright, engaging tone to make them look at you. Then, immediately reward their attention with a treat or praise.

Never use their name solely to scold or interrupt play as this links their recall with negative experiences, reducing motivation to respond.

Step 3: Teaching Name Recognition Through Action and Reward

This step is grounded in the action-reward principle: when your puppy responds to their name, they receive something they value—such as a treat or praise.

Keep high-value training treats handy and call your puppy’s name regularly in different environments with minimal distractions. Reward promptly when they respond to reinforce positive associations.

Once your Akita consistently looks to you, start encouraging them to come to you when called. Gradually practise this in environments with more distractions, like parks or other dogs, rewarding each success generously.

Step 4: Increasing Challenge and Fostering Reliability

As your puppy masters coming when called in quiet settings, slowly increase distractions and distance. This can include recall practice around toys, other dogs, or in busier outdoor locations.

Consistency remains essential: use the same command and tone, reward successes, and keep training sessions short and enjoyable to maintain your Akita’s interest.

Step 5: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Do not use your dog’s name solely to scold: This creates a negative association that discourages recall.
• Ensure your puppy’s attention before calling: Calling when they are distracted is ineffective.
• Be patient and avoid rushing: Training takes weeks or months; rushing can cause resistance or confusion.
• Always reward returning to you: Even if your puppy does not come immediately, praise them when they eventually respond.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use a positive, bright tone when calling your puppy’s name to make coming to you fun.
• Involve all household members to maintain consistency in commands and rewards.
• Try games like "find me" or alternating recall calls to keep training engaging.
• Consider using a clicker or marker word (e.g., "yes") to mark correct responses instantly.

Training your Akita puppy to come when called improves safety, communication, and your relationship over their lifetime. By establishing name recognition, motivating them with rewards, and gradually increasing training challenges, you’ll nurture a well-behaved and attentive companion.

If you’re considering bringing an Akita into your family, seek reputable Akita breeders or adoption sources. Responsible ownership and early training will help your large dog breed thrive.