Akita training

Train your dog in a respectful way

Many views exist on Akita training. Some people refer to this dog breed as being dominant but the wrong conclusion would be to act dominant when training your Akita.

ignore undesired behavior from your Akita

Don't punish, but ignore!

Exercise is very important in a dog – dog owner relationship. Being your dog's owner by law or by payment does not mean your dog will acknowledge that fact. You have to deserve being the alpha, the guy or woman in charge! And you may want to look into the alpha in wolf packs… it's about harmony.

According to Cesar Millan, the "Dog Whisperer", you should maintain a healthy relationship with your dear Akita via this formula: 50% physical exercise, 25% discipline and 25% affection. Exercise, including playing with your dog, establishes and confirms your and his position every time.

Don't use ANY aggression when you train your Akita - it won't work! Be respectful towards your dog and he will reciprocate.

Using training snacks is very effective

In order to be able to enjoy exercising your Akita and take him out often for long walks, he (or she!) should learn to behave well on the lead. This also implies YOU should learn how to use the leash well. Too many dogs are just being dragged around on a leash.

Think about elephants or horses being taught tricks. By no means a man can force an elephant to do something he doesn't want. There is no aggression or force involved. Only gentle instructions and motivational rewards, and a lot of patience.

Remember this when you train your Akita puppy. No matter how small the animal to be trained: don't use force! It will damage your relationship and work counterproductive. If you feel the urge to do so, then bang your head against the nearest tree and start over.

Shorter training sessions are better

An Akita typically won't be happy when you ask him to SIT - LIE DOWN - SIT - LIE DOWN - SIT - LIE DOWN etc. Train for success. This means you only give a command when you know he's going to obey (so yes, he'll sit down… perhaps twice in a row just to do you a favor. Not that he thinks it's very useful.)

Don't just flood an Akita with commands just because you can, that's not respectful. Especially with these intelligent Akitas your commands need to be functional.

Perhaps you understand - and appreciate - this trait more if you know that Akitas were bred as rather independent hunting dogs. They worked in pairs and had to make decisions on their own. Only after they found and cornered their target, the hunter would show up and make the kill. So much less cooperation between man and dog as compared to working with a Retriever.

Akita puppy at 7 weeks.

One ear up, one ear to go.

When you're still thinking about adopting an Akita, you may want to ask yourself: is this the kind of temperament I really like and appreciate? I really think it's great of course.