Now that Japanese Akita Dog knows how to lie down, teach the dog to stay in the down position, directly in front of you, back slowly away. If the dog gets up with out permission, get the leash quickly and put the dog down again. After the correction, back away slowly to see if the dog stays in the down position then move slowly and if he tries to get up, tap the dog lightly on the nose or pull down on the leash to make the dog stay down. Tell the dog more firmly “Stay!” If your dog is Akita puppy, stand over the dog in a crouch position. Hold both hands close to, but not touching the puppy. If the dog starts to get up, push the dog down quickly and tell the dog “Stay!” After the dog relaxes, distance yourself slowly. Circle your puppy while the puppy is lying down.

When you leave your dog in a down position and when the dog is at your left side, signal the stay with the left hand and step on the right foot. When you face the dog, hold both hands with palms toward the dog’s muzzle and with fingers pointing down. If the dog starts coming towards you, block the dog and make the dog back up. With your dog stays in the down-stay position, face the dog and gently pull the leash taut or draw tight. If the dog uses the tight leash as an excuse to move forward, correct the dog by putting the dog down again and telling the dog in a more strict tone, “STAY!”