Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Training an Akita or Shiba Inu to come when called is possible, but a dependable recall is built gradually through rewards, management and many successful repetitions—not dominance or a single command. Start in a quiet, enclosed place, teach the dog to orient to its name, add one clear recall cue, and reward both the turn and the return. Increase distance and distractions only while the dog is succeeding. Outside secure fencing, keep either breed attached to a leash or a supervised long line; breed guidance does not support unrestricted off-leash access in unsecured areas.
What does a reliable recall mean for an Akita or Shiba Inu?
A recall means your dog promptly turns toward you, travels to you and stays close enough for safe handling when it hears one cue. It is a trained behavior with a reinforcement history, not a test of rank, loyalty or intelligence. The University of California, Davis explains that any dog can learn recall, while personality and breed tendencies affect how you should arrange practice and rewards. A strong response is valuable, but no cue works perfectly in every environment.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For these two breeds, “reliable” should also include sensible management. The American Kennel Club (AKC) cautions that an Akita should not be off lead in an unsecured area, and says a Shiba Inu should be off lead only in a confined area. Those are breed-level safety recommendations, not predictions about every individual dog. Keep a leash on near roads, wildlife, unfamiliar dogs, livestock, cliffs, water hazards and anywhere local rules require it. A recall is an additional safety skill, never a substitute for physical containment.
Why can Akitas and Shiba Inus be challenging to call?
Both breeds can learn quickly yet choose differently from a retriever bred for close cooperation. AKC describes Akitas as intelligent, loyal, independent and sometimes headstrong, with a strong prey drive. Its Shiba Inu guidance likewise emphasizes that the breed should not be considered reliably off lead outside a confined area. Individual history, socialization, health, arousal and the value of the current distraction matter more than a label.
Popular on Amazon
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
The AKC’s May 2026 breed-temperament guide summarizes the Akita standard as “Alert, responsive, dignified, and courageous. May be intolerant of other dogs, especially of the same sex.” That wording describes a breed standard, not an individual dog’s guaranteed behavior. Plan around what your dog actually does: measure the distance and distractions at which it can respond, then make the next repetition easier than the last failure.
What do I need before starting recall training?
Prepare a quiet enclosed area, a single recall word, rewards your dog genuinely values, and a way to prevent rehearsal of running away. A clicker is optional; a consistent marker word such as “yes” works just as well when followed immediately by a reward.
- One cue: Choose a short word such as “come” or “here.” Say it once, clearly and cheerfully. Do not use a word that is constantly heard in unrelated situations.
- Rewards: Use tiny food treats, a favorite toy, a brief game, praise or a combination. Akitas and Shibas do not all value the same reward, so observe which option makes your dog eager to turn toward you.
- Leash equipment: Begin on a normal leash. For outdoor distance work, use a suitable long line; AKC describes progressing to a 20-foot line. A long line provides management, not permission to yank the dog back.
- Handling plan: Teach calm collar or harness touches and leash clipping separately, pairing each touch with food or play. This prevents the dog from learning that approaching a hand always predicts restraint.
- Safe location: Use a small room, fenced yard or other secure area. Inspect for gates, gaps, traffic access and objects that could catch a long line.
If a puppy is frightened by restraint or a dog repeatedly bolts, shows aggression or cannot be safely handled, pause and contact a qualified reward-based trainer or veterinary behavior professional. VCA Animal Hospitals specifically advises professional help when a puppy shows fear during handling exercises.
How do I teach attention to the dog’s name?
Begin indoors with your dog only a few feet away and little competing activity. Say its name once in a neutral, friendly tone. The instant the dog turns its head, looks at you or shifts its body toward you, mark the moment with a click or “yes,” then deliver a reward. Repeat in very short sessions, stopping while the dog is still engaged.
- Wait until the dog is not already looking at you.
- Say the name once.
- Mark the first orientation toward you.
- Give the reward where the dog is, then reset.
Do not repeat the name rapidly or use it to signal something unpleasant. If the dog does not turn, reduce the distance, remove the distraction or choose a better reward. UC Davis and AKC both place name response and attention before longer-distance recall.
How do I introduce the “come” or “here” cue?
Choose a moment when the dog is likely to succeed. From a few feet away, say the cue once in a light, happy voice, then move backward, crouch or open your arms to invite movement. Mark as soon as the dog commits to turning and moving toward you. Give another reward when it arrives close enough to touch.
Also popular on Amazon
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
At first, have a helper gently hold the dog while you move a short distance away, or practice between two people in a hallway. Keep repetitions easy and fast. If the dog is already running away, deeply sniffing or focused on another animal, calling repeatedly teaches it that the cue can be ignored. Instead, go closer, reduce the distraction and present a fresh opportunity.
Use a single cue rather than “come, come, come.” One clear signal preserves its meaning and gives you useful information about the dog’s current ability.
How should I reward the turn, arrival and calm finish?
Reward the entire sequence, not only the final sit. The first reward should arrive when the dog turns or commits to coming; the second can arrive at your feet. This timing makes the early part of the response valuable, especially when the dog is moving away from something interesting.
Once the dog reaches you, calmly touch the collar or harness, feed another treat and briefly hold the contact. Build duration in tiny increments. You can then clip on a leash, release the dog or start a game. VCA describes recall as a safety behavior; a dog that reaches you but dodges hands is not yet fully practical in an emergency.
Never punish a dog for finally returning, even if it was slow or ignored an earlier cue. Scolding on arrival creates a history in which coming to you predicts trouble. UC Davis, RSPCA Australia and AKC all emphasize keeping the return worthwhile.
How do I add distance without losing the response?
Increase only one challenge at a time: distance, location or distraction. When your dog responds readily at a few feet indoors, move across the same room, then into another room, then to a quiet enclosed outdoor space. Keep the recall rate high before making the next change.
Also popular on Amazon
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
- Close range indoors: Call from a few feet away and reward every turn and arrival.
- Longer indoor distances: Add a hallway or another room while keeping the environment quiet.
- Secure outdoor area: Start on a regular leash. Use the same cue and reward pattern.
- Long line: Move to a supervised long line when the dog succeeds on the shorter leash. AKC describes a 20-foot line; choose a length and setup that you can control safely.
- Distractions: Add mild smells, toys or movement one at a time, then gradually work near stronger distractions.
RSPCA Australia recommends progressing only when the dog is succeeding and suggests achieving at least 80% reliability on a long leash in highly distracting situations before considering off-leash work in a secure, low-distraction, lawful area. That 80% is a practical training threshold from RSPCA Australia, not a population statistic or a guarantee that the dog is safe everywhere. Even after meeting it, retain a leash around hazards.
How can I stop recall from ending all the fun?
During a walk, call your dog, reward it and then release it to sniff or explore again on the long line. Mix the outcome: sometimes the reward is food, sometimes a tug or chase game, sometimes praise, sometimes a leash clip, and sometimes an immediate “go sniff.” If every recall ends the walk, the dog has a reason to avoid you.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Keep sessions brief and scatter them through ordinary activities. Several successful repetitions separated by exploration are more useful than a long drill that produces frustration. Gradually make the reward less predictable only after the behavior is strong; continue occasional high-value rewards so the response remains worth choosing.
What should I do if my Akita or Shiba ignores the cue?
Do not chase, shout or repeat the cue until it becomes background noise. RSPCA Australia advises that after two unsuccessful attempts, go and collect the dog safely, then practice again at an easier level.
- Ignored indoors: Move closer, use a better reward and remove competing activity.
- Ignored at a distance: Shorten the line or distance until the dog can respond promptly.
- Ignored near a distraction: Increase space from the distraction, then reward looking back at you before trying the recall.
- Returns slowly: Reward anyway. Slow success is information, not a reason to punish; make the next repetition easier.
- Runs away when you reach: Practice collar touches and leash clips as separate reward-based exercises.
- Stops responding after repeated failures: Retire the cue temporarily, rebuild a strong response in easy settings and consider teaching a fresh cue only if a professional advises it.
If your dog repeatedly escapes, is fearful of handling, displays aggression or cannot be managed safely, seek individualized help from a qualified reward-based trainer or veterinary behavior professional. Do not test recall near traffic or wildlife while troubleshooting.
Should I use an emergency recall cue?
An emergency recall is an optional, separate cue reserved for urgent situations. VCA recommends building it gradually with exceptionally valuable rewards and practicing it during ordinary activities so the cue retains meaning. Choose a word or sound you do not use casually, say it once and deliver a large, special reward when the dog arrives.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchAlso popular on Amazon
- SYMBIOTIC DIGESTIVE ECOSYSTEM: Our dog probiotics build a 4-way digestive ecosystem: Digestive enzymes pre-break nutrients for easy absorption, while probiotics + prebiotics balance and nourish gut flora. Pumpkin helps dogs with a sensitive stomach maintain regular bowel movements. These layers go beyond ordinary probiotics, turning every meal into steady nourishment, digestive ease, and enduring energy*—so your dog stays balanced and full of life.
- TRIPLE IMMUNE SUPPORT: Gut health drives immunity, and our probiotics for dogs target it. Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and support mucosal immunity, while plant antioxidants* (Rosemary & Green Tea) and natural Vitamin E help protect immune cells from daily wear and tear. Formulated for triple immune support - helping your dog stay vibrant and ready for everyday adventures.
- DUAL-ACTION SKIN & COAT NOURISH: True skin and coat health starts from within. Gut and immune support work in sync with Salmon and Flaxseed Oils (Omega-3 & 6) to nourish skin and coat from the inside out. This dual-action care promotes a soft, shiny, and glossy coat you’ll love to touch.
- PURE INGREDIENTS: We believe in complete ingredient integrity. Every batch of our dog probiotic chews is crafted in GMP-certified facilities using trusted, premium sources. They are free from grains, soy, and artificial additives. This commitment to safety and quality ensures a clean formula you can trust for your dog’s overall wellness.
- TASTE DOGS LOVE: Made with natural duck flavor, our probiotic chews are loved by most dogs, even picky eaters. Unlike other hard chews, these soft, easy-to-bite chews are perfect for puppies and senior dogs. They help support digestive comfort, gut balance, and skin & immune health: areas commonly affected by occasional diarrhea, seasonal allergies, itchy skin, or paw licking. A tasty daily chew your dog will love.
Practice first indoors, then in secure areas and on a long line. Do not spend the cue on routine requests or use it when you cannot safely follow through. An emergency cue improves your options; it does not justify off-leash practice in an unsecured area.
Are reward-based methods safer than aversive recall training?
Use reward-based training and management. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s 2021 position statement supports humane, reward-based methods and reports that, in the recall/stop-chasing comparison it summarized, “Even in the hands of experienced trainers, no difference in the effectiveness was found between remote electronic shock collars versus reward based methods.” The statement’s wording applies to that reported comparison; it should not be expanded into claims about every behavior or circumstance.
For daily training, rewards let you reinforce the exact turn, approach and calm handling you want. Punishment after a return risks making the dog avoid you, while physical corrections can add fear or conflict around coming close. A long line, secure fencing and careful distance from distractions provide control without relying on pain.
How do Akita and Shiba Inu safety rules change the plan?
They change where you practice, not the basic learning sequence. Use enclosed areas for any off-leash repetition. Keep an Akita leashed outside a secure area because AKC warns about its independence and prey drive. Keep a Shiba Inu leashed outside a confined area because AKC says the breed should not be considered reliably off lead elsewhere.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsChoose a harness or collar that fits correctly, supervise the line to prevent tangles and avoid allowing sudden runs toward roads, fences or other dogs. A dog that recalls well in a yard can still ignore the cue when prey, a novel dog or a frightening sound changes its arousal. Management remains necessary for the dog’s entire life.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does a practical weekly training plan look like?
| Stage | Setting and goal | Move on when |
|---|---|---|
| Attention | Quiet room; name orientation and eye contact | The dog turns promptly for most repetitions |
| Close recall | A few feet away; turn, approach and arrival rewards | The dog comes without repeated cues |
| Handling | Collar touch, harness touch and leash clip paired with rewards | The dog stays relaxed and close |
| Distance | Different rooms, then a secure outdoor area | Response remains quick as distance changes |
| Distractions | Long line and gradually stronger smells, toys or movement | RSPCA Australia’s practical 80% long-line threshold is met in a highly distracting setting |
| Maintenance | Walks with recalls followed by rewards and release to explore | Continue indefinitely; do not remove safety management |
Keep each practice block short enough that the dog remains successful. If performance drops, return to the last easy stage rather than drilling through failure. Record the setting, distance, distraction and reward that worked; this turns vague frustration into a clear progression.
Also popular on Amazon
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
When should I get professional help?
Arrange help before attempting difficult outdoor work if your dog has a history of bolting, fear, aggression, severe prey chasing, panic when restrained or repeated inability to disengage from distractions. A veterinary behavior professional can assess medical, emotional and behavioral factors; a qualified reward-based trainer can design safe setups and coach timing. Bring the trainer’s plan into your normal leash and fencing routine rather than treating one lesson as a guarantee.
What is the bottom line for training either breed?
Teach attention, add one cue, reward the turn and arrival, practice handling, and increase distance and distractions in small steps. Make returning worthwhile by sometimes releasing the dog back to exploration. Use a long line for controlled outdoor practice, never punish a return, and keep both Akitas and Shiba Inus leashed outside secure, lawful enclosures. A dependable recall is an ongoing skill supported by management—not a promise that any dog will come in every emergency.
Recommended Free Tools
Sources
- University of California, Davis: Recall Training in Dogs
- RSPCA Australia: How can I teach my dog recall?
- American Kennel Club: Step-by-step recall training
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Training Your Puppy to Come, Wait, and Follow
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior: Humane Dog Training Position Statement (2021)
- AKC: Akita and AKC: Shiba Inu
- AKC Breed Temperament Guide (May 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to train an Akita or Shiba Inu to recall?
There is no fixed timetable. Progress depends on the individual dog, reinforcement history, environment and how gradually distractions are added; measure improvement by successful responses at defined distances rather than by elapsed days.
Can I practice recall at a dog park?
A dog park is usually too unpredictable for early recall work and may be unsuitable where dogs are unfamiliar or aroused. Build the behavior in a secure, controlled area first, and follow local rules and the facility’s fencing requirements.
What if my dog comes but will not let me attach the leash?
Make collar, harness and leash contact separate reward-based exercises. Touch briefly, reward, release, then gradually increase contact and clipping time; do not grab or scold, which can make the dog avoid your hands.
Is a whistle better than saying “come”?
A whistle can provide a consistent sound over distance, but it is not automatically stronger than a spoken cue. Condition it with the same turn-and-arrival rewards, protect it from casual use and continue using physical management near hazards.
Leave a Reply