How to Train an Akita to Hunt

The first thing to do is enroll your Akita in group obedience classes. This will teach him a range of useful commands you may need later on, from ‘Wait’ to ‘Down’. It will also help socialize him with other pets and people which can be valuable when hunting with others.

Spend a few minutes each day playing fetch and tug-of-war with a decoy toy. This has a dual purpose. Firstly, you’ll get Leo familiar with his future prey. Secondly, you’ll naturally develop the hunting skills he will need later on.

Make sure Leo gets a reward every time he chases prey, even if he comes back empty-handed. This is particularly important at the beginning. If he doesn’t get a reward, he may quickly give up trying.

Start taking Leo out in his future hunting environment, from as early an age as possible. Get him used to the sights, smells, and sounds. You don’t want your Akita sprinting for the hills whenever he hears a gunshot. Start slow and work your way up.

Do not use punishment techniques to train your Akita to hunt. Akitas can grow up to be big and strong, and you don’t want an overly aggressive dog that you can’t control. Akitas respond far better to positive reinforcements.

Secure Leo to a leash and head out onto your hunting ground. Keep him close to your side and quiet. Keep an eye out for prey. Once you find some, point, whisper, and try your best to draw your Akita’s attention. It may take a while to start with, so don’t get frustrated and give up.

Once he's followed suit and is watching the prey, start charging towards it, arms outstretched. You can even shout as you go to get him worked up. Hold the leash as you run so he has to follow you.

Now you simply need to do this regularly, at least several times a week. This technique works because Akitas mirror their owners behaviour. So when your Akita sees that you always get worked up by the prey, he will too.

It’s important Leo always gets a reward when he gives chase. To start with, give him a reward even if he doesn’t succeed. You can use treats, his favorite food, or you can play with a toy for a minute. If you use a clicker when you train, you can also click as soon as he returns.

Keep practicing until your Akita actively seeks out prey by himself. At this point, you can stop running towards any yourself. It will now have become habit for Leo. You can then gradually phase out the treats. The chase itself will be stimulation enough.

Apply scent spray to a decoy toy. Spend ten minutes or so each day playing around with it. Really try to get Leo worked up by being animated and playing tug of war and fetch. You can even leave it in his bed at night. You want to get him familiar with the smell and itching to get his mouth around the decoy whenever he sees it.

Now head into your yard with the toy. Apply some scent spray and then wipe it along the ground around the yard and hide it somewhere. You’re going to teach your Akita to sniff out prey.

Secure Leo to a leash and take him to the beginning of the trail. Get low to the ground, point, and whisper to draw his attention. He will soon catch on and start following the trail. If he gets distracted, gently pull him back on track and encourage him.

Make sure your Akita gets all the way to the end of the trail and finds the toy. It’s important he knows there is always something waiting if he keeps looking. You can then shower him in verbal praise, give him treats, and play with a toy. Remember, the happier he feels afterwards, the more eager he will be to play again.

Now you simply need to make scent trails a few times a week. However, make them harder each time and have them run through fields and large spaces with distractions around. Continue to create them until your Akita starts actively sniffing out prey all on his own. At this point, your work is done. Simply be waiting with a generous reward for when he returns.