Training any dog requires time, patience, consistency and gentleness. Akitas require all this and more. They are an intelligent, independent breed, not given to obeying commands simply because they are asked. They want a reason, a motivation to obey. This requires the owner to be especially patient and creative, since insisting that an Akita do anything can only lead to frustration on both sides.

Akitas are also a dominant breed, which means a firm hand is necessary in their training and upbringing. Do not give them something for nothing, as they will come to feel this is their due as alpha dog. You must be alpha or risk turning your Akita into a belligerent, possibly aggressive rival rather than a well-behaved companion. As with most alpha breeds, Akitas may constantly feel the need to test their limits. You must be consistent, firm but fair in your approach to corrections and generous with praise. Akitas also do not respond well to physical punishment and may react with some aggression.

It is also essential that training begin early. This breed will grow very large and powerful very fast. If you have not established control and your position as alpha early, when it's easier to physically control the puppy, you will run into difficulties later when you're suddenly faced with a 100 lb. ball of determination who does not want to do what you ask him. Early socialization is also required with Akitas, so that they do not grow up to be anti-social and a possible danger to themselves and others. Introduce them to as many children, adults, other animals, and as many different places and situations as you can. This way, you can be assured that your dog will not be overly aggressive or shy, and will react with proper equanimity when faced with a new situation.

Akitas are natural guard dogs, so no special training in this area is required. As a matter of fact, some believe training an Akita to guard can have detrimental effects on his temperament, bringing out the latent aggression in the dog, and making him harder to control and predict. This is already ingrained genetically in every Akita; it is not necessary to encourage this side of their nature.

It should also be expected that an Akita have a high prey drive and be dog aggressive. This is absolutely not the same thing as human aggression. Akitas should in no way, shape or form be allowed to be human aggressive. That is the incorrect temperament for this breed, and that dog will have to be watched carefully, or he may end up hurting someone. But dog aggression, especially same sex dog aggression, is something that has been bred into this dog. Bearing this in mind, you will have to keep your Akita secure when you are not with him, and he cannot be allowed to roam freely. They are known as escape artists, and can be very determined when wanting to get another dog or animal, so their run or kennel must be maintained regularly and kept absolutely secure.

A properly trained Akita can only be an asset to his owner, as his loyalty and protection values are unsurpassed by any other breed. Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions.