The Akita is a loyal and independent breed known for its protectiveness and territorial behavior. However, this tendency can lead to excessive barking, especially in response to perceived threats such as strangers or other dogs. This can be a problem for owners and neighbors alike, as the barking can be loud and persistent. If you own an Akita and are struggling with its reactive barking, you may be wondering how to stop this behavior. In this article, we will provide 10 strategies to help your Akita learn to control their barking and become a calmer and more relaxed companion.
⚠️ Note: While the tips below should get you started, it’s important to realize that your Akita’s excessive barking is a symptom of reactivity. Consider looking into an online training course that specifically addresses reactivity (we like SpiritDog’s “Tackling Reactivity course or K9 Institute’s Dog Masterclass)
1. Identify and Understand Your Akita’s Triggers:
The first step to addressing reactive barking is to identify the specific triggers that cause your Akita to bark. Observe your dog closely to determine what situations or stimuli provoke their barking, such as encountering other dogs, strangers approaching, or loud noises. Once you understand the triggers, you can develop a targeted plan to address the issue.
2. Desensitize Your Akita to Triggers:
Desensitization is a gradual process that involves exposing your Akita to their triggers at a comfortable distance, allowing them to become more accustomed to the stimulus without reacting. Over time, you can slowly decrease the distance between your dog and the trigger, always rewarding calm behavior. This process helps your dog become less reactive to the trigger, ultimately reducing their barking.
3. Use Counter-Conditioning with Your Akita:
Counter-conditioning is another technique that can help change your Akita’s emotional response to a trigger. By pairing the trigger with something positive, such as treats or toys, your dog can begin to associate the stimulus with a positive experience rather than fear or anxiety. Over time, this can reduce your dog’s reactive barking.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement with Your Akita:
Reward your Akita for remaining calm and quiet in situations where they would typically react with barking. Consistently offer praise, treats, or affection when your dog displays appropriate behavior in response to their triggers. This positive reinforcement helps your dog learn that there are better ways to cope with their triggers than barking.
5. Teach Your Akita the “Quiet” Command:
Train your Akita to understand and respond to the “quiet” command. When your dog starts barking in response to a trigger, calmly say “quiet” and wait for them to stop. As soon as they are silent, immediately praise and reward them. Repeat this process consistently until your dog associates the command with the desired behavior.
Related: What online dog training program does iHeartDogs recommend for reactive barking?
6. Redirect Your Akita’s Attention:
When your Akita begins to bark reactively, try redirecting their attention to a more productive activity. Offer a favorite toy, initiate a training session, or engage in play to refocus their energy. This helps your dog learn that there are alternative ways to react to stimuli, rather than barking.
7. Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation for Your Akita:
A well-exercised and mentally stimulated Akita is less likely to engage in reactive barking. Ensure your dog receives enough physical activity and mental stimulation daily through walks, play sessions, and interactive toys. This can help reduce pent-up energy and frustration, which can contribute to reactive barking.
8. Create a Calm Environment for Your Akita:
A chaotic or noisy environment can exacerbate your Akita’s reactive barking. Create a calm and quiet space for your pet, with a comfortable bed and designated area for their toys. Use calming scents, like lavender or chamomile, and soothing sounds, such as classical music or white noise, to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
9. Manage Your Akita’s Environment:
While you work on addressing your Akita’s reactive barking, consider managing their environment to limit exposure to triggers. This may involve using window films to obscure your dog’s view of passersby, creating a designated “safe space” for your dog to retreat to, or using baby gates to restrict access to areas with high trigger exposure. Managing your dog’s environment can help reduce their reactive barking while you work on implementing other strategies.
10. Try an Online Dog Reactivity Training Course
If your Akita’s reactive barking continues despite your efforts, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
2 online dog training programs we like are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Tacking Reactivity” Course
The SpiritDog Tackling Reactivity Course is an online training program designed to help dog owners address their dog’s reactive barking without the need for expensive in-person training. The course aims to help owners understand their dog’s triggers and teaches techniques to calm and accommodate reactive dogs. Developed by experienced dog trainer Steffi Trott, the program offers video lessons, instructional PDFs, quizzes, and access to trainers for support.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just an obedience course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
10 Reasons Why an Akita Might Be Reactive Barking
- Territorial behavior: Akitas are known to be protective of their home and family, which can lead to excessive barking when strangers approach.
- Lack of socialization: Akitas who are not exposed to different people, places, and situations during their early life stages may develop fear and anxiety, leading to reactive barking.
- High prey drive: Akitas have a strong hunting instinct and may bark excessively when they see other animals or wildlife.
- Separation anxiety: Akitas are loyal dogs and can become anxious and bark excessively when separated from their owners.
- Fear and anxiety: Akitas may bark excessively when they feel threatened or anxious.
- Boredom and lack of exercise: Akitas are energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Without enough activity, they may bark excessively out of boredom.
- Attention-seeking behavior: Akitas are intelligent dogs that may bark excessively to get attention from their owners.
- Genetic predisposition: Some Akitas may have a genetic predisposition to bark excessively, which can be challenging to correct.
- Illness or pain: Akitas may bark excessively if they are in pain or suffering from an illness.
- Previous training or reinforcement: Akitas may have been inadvertently trained to bark excessively through previous reinforcement or inconsistent training techniques.
In conclusion, reactive barking is a common issue that Akitas can develop due to various reasons. It can be difficult to manage without proper training and intervention. However, there are effective strategies that can help Akitas overcome this behavior and become well-behaved companions. These strategies can help address the underlying causes of barking, provide alternative behaviors, and improve communication between the dog and its owner. By implementing these strategies and working with a professional trainer or behaviorist, Akita owners can successfully help their furry friends overcome reactive barking and enjoy a peaceful and happy life together.
NEXT UP: Can an Online Training Course Help Stop My Akita’s Barking?
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