How to Train Japanese Akitas

Originating in Japan in the 1600s, Akitas were bred to hunt large game such as deer, wild boar and even bears. They can weigh anywhere from 65 to 130 pounds, on average. Akitas are affection, loyal and protective of family but they can be shy of strangers and other animals. They are intelligent, independent and stubborn, and they need thorough and consistent training to make good pets.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Socialize your Akita when it is still a young puppy, if this is possible. Older Akita can be socialized, but previous negative experiences with strangers, other dogs and certain situations may make the process more difficult. Expose your Akita to new people, new situations, new sounds and new smells as often as possible. Reward your Akita for being calm in each new situation. This will teach it not to fear or act aggressively toward strangers, dogs or new experiences.

    • 2

      Establish house rules for your Akita. These strong-willed dogs can be domineering, and your Akita will take over if you allow it. Decide which rules you want your Akita to follow. Some options include staying off the furniture, staying out of the dining room at meal times, waiting several feet away from the door to greet visitors or sitting patiently at the door before being let out. Don't ever allow your Akita to break its rules.

    • 3

      Correct behavior problems and bad habits by interrupting the behavior. Reward your Akita for responding to the interruption and stopping the behavior. This will teach your intelligent Akita what type of behavior you expect, rather than simply forbidding it from doing things. Your Akita will feel more secure if it has an alternative course of action. Don't punish your Akita for its mistakes. This can cause resentment, fear or aggression. Simply reward the behavior you do want.

    • 4

      Teach your Akita basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, lie down and come as early as possible. Use treats to lure your Akita into the correct position and reward it with the treat and praise for obeying correctly. Give verbal commands in a firm voice to let your Akita know you are serious. These independent dogs will decide if obeying a command is in their best interests.

    • 5

      Hold short training sessions of no more than five to 10 minutes every day. Akitas are easily bored and will lose interest if your training goes longer than that. Keep sessions fun by being excited and generous with treats and praise. Teach your Akita that obeying your commands brings positive rewards.

    • 6

      Be consistent with your training methods. Don't switch from positive to negative reinforcement or you will confuse your Akita and discourage it from trying. Enforce your Akita's basic training in its everyday life by requiring it to sit at the door before going out, sit and wait patiently for meals, stay away from the door when visitors come over or lie down while you eat.

    • 7

      Exercise your Akita every day. These are medium-energy dogs that don't require heavy exercise, but they do still have some extra energy to burn. Daily walks or games will exercise your Akita's sharp mind while eliminating extra energy that can lead to boredom, mischief and bad habits.