Everything You Need to Know About Training American Akita
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
The American Akita is a magnificent breed that commands respect and admiration wherever it goes. With their bear-like appearance, dignified bearing, and powerful build, these dogs are truly impressive. However, beneath that regal exterior lies a complex personality that requires understanding, patience, and proper training to bring out the best in your canine companion.
Originally developed in Japan before being refined in America, the American Akita carries the traits of both ancient lineage and modern breeding. These dogs were historically used for hunting large game and serving as guardians, which means they possess strong protective instincts and an independent nature that can prove challenging for novice dog owners.
Understanding the American Akita Temperament
Before diving into training techniques, it's crucial to understand what makes an American Akita tick. These dogs are renowned for their loyalty and devotion to their families, often forming incredibly strong bonds with their owners. However, this loyalty comes with a price – they can be aloof with strangers and potentially aggressive towards other dogs, particularly those of the same sex.
American Akitas are naturally independent thinkers. Unlike breeds that live to please their owners, Akitas will often weigh up whether a command is worth following. This isn't stubbornness per se, but rather an ingrained trait from their working heritage, where they needed to make decisions independently whilst hunting or guarding.
Their intelligence is undeniable, but it's coupled with a strong will that requires firm, consistent handling. They're not the type of dog that will blindly follow orders – they need to respect their handler and understand their place in the family hierarchy.
Early Socialisation: The Foundation of Success
The importance of early socialisation cannot be overstated when it comes to American Akita. These dogs have a critical socialisation period between 3 and 14 weeks of age, during which they're most receptive to new experiences. Missing this window can result in a dog that's fearful, aggressive, or overly protective.
Begin socialisation as early as possible by exposing your Akita puppy to various people, animals, sounds, textures, and environments. Take them to puppy classes, invite friends over, and ensure they encounter people of different ages, ethnicities, and appearances. The goal is to teach your Akita that the world is full of interesting but non-threatening experiences.
When socialising with other dogs, be particularly careful. American Akita can be dog-aggressive, especially as they mature, so controlled, positive interactions are essential. Always supervise play sessions and remove your puppy if they become too rough or dominant.
Establishing Leadership and Boundaries
American Akita respond best to calm, confident leadership. They need an owner who can establish clear boundaries without resorting to harsh or punitive methods. These dogs are sensitive to their owner's emotions and energy, so maintaining a composed demeanour during training is essential.
Consistency is absolutely vital. Every family member must enforce the same rules and use the same commands. If one person allows the dog on the furniture while another forbids it, confusion will arise - and the training progress will be lost.
Start with basic household rules from day one. Decide where your Akita is allowed to go, what furniture they can use, and how they should behave around food and visitors. Enforce these rules consistently, and your Akita will learn to respect the boundaries you've set.
Basic Obedience Training
Begin with fundamental commands such as "sit," "stay," "come," and "down." American Akitas are intelligent enough to learn these commands quickly, but their independent nature means you'll need to make training sessions engaging and rewarding.
Use positive reinforcement techniques, rewarding good behaviour with treats, praise, or play. However, be mindful that American Akitas can become bored with repetitive training, so keep sessions short (10-15 minutes) and varied. End on a positive note to maintain their enthusiasm for future sessions.
The "come" command is particularly crucial for Akitas, as their independent nature can lead them to ignore recalls if not properly trained. Practice this command in a secure, enclosed area before attempting it in open spaces. Never call your Akita to come and then do something they perceive as negative, such as ending playtime or giving medication.
Addressing Behavioural Challenges
American Akitas can present several behavioural challenges that require specific approaches:
Resource Guarding: Some Akitas may exhibit resource guarding behaviours, which can include protecting food, toys, or certain spaces. It’s important to address this issue early on by teaching your dog that positive experiences occur when people approach their resources. Regularly practice the commands "drop it" and "leave it," and avoid forcibly taking items away from a dog that is guarding them.
Same-Sex Aggression: Many American Akitas, particularly males, can be aggressive towards dogs of the same sex. This trait often emerges as the dog matures. Careful socialisation and neutering may help reduce this tendency, but some level of dog selectivity should be expected.
Protective Instincts: Whilst their guarding instincts can be valuable, they need to be properly channelled. Teach your Akita a "quiet" command to control barking, and ensure they can differentiate between genuine threats and normal daily occurrences.
Physical Exercise and Mental Stimulation
American Akitas require moderate exercise but aren't as high-energy as some working breeds. A daily walk, some playtime, and mental stimulation are usually sufficient. However, young Akitas (under 18 months) should have their exercise limited to prevent joint damage during their growth period.
Mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and new experiences help keep their intelligent minds occupied. A bored Akita can become destructive or develop unwanted behaviours.
Advanced Training Considerations
Once your American Akita has mastered basic obedience, you might want to consider advanced training options such as agility, tracking, or therapy work. These activities provide excellent mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between dog and owner. Once your American Akita has mastered basic obedience, you might want to consider advanced training options such as agility, tracking, or therapy work. These activities provide excellent mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
However, be realistic about your Akita's limitations. Their independent nature and potential for dog aggression may make some activities unsuitable. Always prioritise safety and your dog's comfort level.
Common Training Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can derail American Akita training:
Inconsistency: Mixed messages from family members confuse the dog and slow progress.
Harsh Methods: Punishment-based training can make an Akita shut down or become defensive.
Inadequate Socialisation: Failing to properly socialise an Akita puppy can result in fearfulness and aggression.
Expecting Immediate Results: American Akitas mature slowly and may take longer to fully grasp training concepts.
Treating Them Like Small Dogs: Despite being affectionate, Akitas are large, powerful dogs that need appropriate handling and expectations.
Professional Help and Training Classes
Given the challenges associated with training American Akitas, many owners benefit from professional help. Look for trainers experienced with spitz breeds or large, independent dogs. Puppy classes are excellent for socialisation, whilst advanced obedience classes can help refine your dog's skills.
Be wary of trainers who advocate harsh correction methods or dominance-based techniques. These approaches can backfire with American Akitas, potentially creating fear or aggression issues.
Conclusion
Training an American Akita requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the breed's unique characteristics. These magnificent dogs can become wonderful companions when properly trained and socialised, but they are not suitable for everyone. Their independent nature, protective instincts, and potential for aggression toward other dogs mean they need experienced and committed owners who can provide firm but fair guidance.
Success with an American Akita comes from building a relationship based on mutual respect rather than dominance. When approached correctly, training becomes a rewarding journey that strengthens the bond between you and your remarkable canine companion. Remember that every dog is an individual, and what works for one Akita may need adjustment for another.
With dedication, proper techniques, and perhaps some professional guidance, your American Akita can become a well-behaved, confident member of your family – a true testament to this noble breed's potential when given the training and respect they deserve.
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