akita pit mix

Question
We have 2 female akita's, we have had them from 8-12 woks old they are year now.  They are hyper and I want to calm them down so that we can stand the dogs, what should I do to calm them.  They do get along and get along with cats, they are just really hyper and like to lick

Thank you for your help/suggestions

Answer
Hi Cathy,

Akitas are beautiful dogs! Lucky you to have two of them!

Training using positive reinforcement, particularly clicker training and plenty of exercise are the two best ways I know to calm a dog down and get them to focus. Clicker training can also be used to change behavior such as excessive licking.

You're very fortunate that your two female Akitas get along because sometimes two female Akitas do not.

I would recommend that you try to find a clicker trainer in your area who can assist you in getting started with clicker training your Akitas. A good place to start would be the Karen Pryor Academy: https://www.karenpryoracademy.com/find-a-trainer You can also call 800-472-5425 to find out if there is a Karen Pryor Academy graduate and Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)in your area because not all KPA-CTPs pay the membership dues to be listed on the site.

You can find some excellent instructional videos on Youtube, but steer clear of videos from anyone other than these folks at least until you get started and know what to look for in terms of accurate instruction:

1. "Kikopup" (Emily Larlham: http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup
2. "Supernaturalbc2009" (Donna Hill): http://www.youtube.com/user/supernaturalbc2009/videos
3. "tab 289": http://www.youtube.com/user/tab289/videos

You can also see my articles about positive reinforcement and clicker training here:

1. http://animalinfo.com.au/fact_sheets/view/2/25/175/Clicker_Training_What_is_it
2. http://dubuquedogtrainer.hubpages.com/hub/clickertrainingfordogs

Here is a video I made to accompany one of my articles on the animal Info Publications site on how to get started with clicker training: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHKOra47fsQ  It starts from the very beginning, assuming you know nothing and introduces the clicker.

In addition to training, you may want to consider getting your dogs some interactive toys such as the Kyjen food puzzle. Here are my dogs in a video I made of them interacting with the toy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4DqzlwSOx8  The Kong Wobbler is another good choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTXuKaNOdWY You can also make an inexpensive interactive toy with things you already have at home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4MwI3GSdqo

To stop the excessive licking, you can put the licking "on cue" so that your dogs only lick when you cue them or stop reinforcing the licking. By that I mean, stop paying attention to them when they lick. Praise and pet them when they are not licking.

Make sure your Akitas are getting plenty of exercise. On average most dogs need a minimum of about 1/4 mile of walking per 10 pounds of body weight per day.

Remember, your dogs are still young so they will be active. But you can curb their activity with positive reinforcement (clicker) training and plenty of exercise!

Hope this helps!

Cindy