Passers-by are always keen to stroll over and say hello to your Akita. The large breed that originates from the mountains in Northern Japan simply isn’t that common in the West. Plus, Leo looks cute and full of love, especially since his tail wags as soon as someone looks at him. However, while you love his soft nature, you had other ideas when you welcomed him into your home. You’d like to train your Akita to hunt!
It’s not that you don’t love heading out early in the morning with your rifle over one shoulder and optimism on the other. It’s just that you’d like some company. Then there’s also the fact that with Leo by your side you might increase your hunting success rate. Akitas are strong, powerful dogs which can be invaluable on the hunt, no matter what your quarry may be. Training your Akita to hunt will also drill into him strict obedience and any number of useful commands. If that isn’t enough, it will simply make for an enjoyable way for both of you to bond while doing something you love!
Training an Akita to hunt is no straightforward task. You’ll need to get him familiar with his future prey from as early an age as possible. You’ll also need to use games to develop his natural hunting skills. Training will consist of getting him used to being in a hunting environment including any sights, smells, and sounds. You'll need to lead by example and show your Akita how it’s done. But all of this will be possible if you have a mouth-watering incentive on hand.
If Leo is just a puppy, then he should be at his most receptive. This means you could see results in just a month or so. But if your Akita is stubborn and lazy, well, then you may need several months before you see consistent results.
If you can master training, you’ll make for a formidable hunting team, capable of tracking and bringing down prey with the utmost precision.
Before you and your Akita companion can get to work, you need to check that you have a few things. Treats or toys to motivate him throughout training will be essential. You’ll also need some decoy toys and scent spray of his future prey, both of which can be found online. A short training leash will also be required for one of the methods below.
Time will be the other most important ingredient. Set around fifteen minutes each day over the coming months. You’ll need to train in a yard and local fields.
Once you’ve got the above, just bring patience and a pro-active attitude, then work can begin!