Temperament & Training

The Akita Inu is a primitive breed. It is one of the oldest Japanese native breeds. Breed restoration has preserved much of its natural aptitude as a highly efficient hunting breed.

"A typical Japanese Akita Inu is proud, independant, courageous and alert."


An Independent Hunting Dog

The Matagi hunter brought the dog into mountainous region normally single dog, on rare occasions, a pair to track and hunt down mid-large preys. The dogs were able to detect, follow the trail and quickly track down the hide out of  prey, making them superb hunting companions for the Matagi hunter. Its function primarily was to track trail of prey, corner the prey and let the hunter to finish the job.

With the long hunting tradition behind them, the breed retains their natural hunting capabilities that make them excel in certain modern dog sport disciplines such as scent work, man trailing, lure coursing, a few even make it to competitive agility and (obedience) rally with their owners changing impression and stereotype on what the breed can do.



The scent could be placed underneath a piece of furniture/item hidden from the dog. Dog would need to work it out how to reach the scent or indicate the direction where the scent is hidden.
The scent could be placed underneath a piece of furniture/item hidden from the dog. Dog would need to work it out how to reach the scent or indicate the direction where the scent is hidden.
Scent work is a brilliant exercise for the Japanese Akita Inu. It provides mental stimulation and helps build dog's confidence.
Scent work is a brilliant exercise for the Japanese Akita Inu. It provides mental stimulation and helps build dog's confidence.
Typical scent training involves dog to locate source of scent. Dog is taught to alert handler the 'hide' was found.
Typical scent training involves dog to locate source of scent. Dog is taught to alert handler the 'hide' was found.

Obedience & Good Citizen Awards

With constant promotion from the kennel club, the Good Citizen Dog Scheme has become a popular obedience training many pet owners would start with their Japanese Akita Inu. Here is the list of accredited trainers and facilities you can refer to. The main objective of KCGCD is not competitive obedience but responsible dog ownership and control. Most exercises are simple tasks involved dog and handler working together. There are 4 levels in KCGCD scheme starting from 1. Puppy foundation. 2. Broze level 3. Silver level and 4. Gold is the highest and final level.

There are training schools offer 'puppy foundation' training for puppy less than a year old. Look up for more obedience trainings with accredited trainers from the Kennel Club website.

Be consistent, methodical and firm during training

Basic obedience and good manner training should start as soon as the puppy is ready to hit the ground post required vaccinations and taught through dog's various life stages.

The akita inu, like its cousin breed, is a fast learner. They would do well with reward base positive encouragement during training. It is not a breed keen on excessive repetition like certain herding breeds. Therefore keep training short and fewer repetition with occasional breaks would help keeps their interest level.

Be consistent in cueing and rewarding the dog during training. Timely firm correction when executed precisely helps consistency.

Useful links: Introduction to dog training, Good Citizen Dog Scheme, Dog Trainers & Obedience Clubs , Scent Work UK