Akitas can be a challenge to train. That's what almost all the Akita books say. The reason for this is because some Akitas can be a very dominant dog. Training methods for dominant dogs need to be different. Training methods for ALL dogs should be different from the old school way of forcing them to just submit to you. Yes force training has its place, with some working dogs or for dogs that need to be trained quickly. (i.e. because they will lose their homes if not trained.) We need to keep in mind with our dogs that while they are Akitas, (or any other specific breed) they are also individuals. This means we need to find what works with OUR dog for a training method.  I prefer to use positive reinforcement using food as a lure to get them into proper positions. The food is then also used as a reward along with verbal praise. I have learned that most people do not praise their dogs enough. Praise is VERY important while training. It keeps your dogs enthusiasm up while creating a better bond between you and your dog. Praiseneeds to be used for ALL good behaviors the dog shows. There are 5 ways to praise your dog. In no specific order they are: 1) verbally-to say good dog in a happy tone of voice. 2) Physically, by patting the dog and scratching a special spot. 3) Treats, with a food reward. 4) Toys, by playing with your dog a game he enjoys. And 5) Smiling, dogs communicate with facial and body postures and they learn to read ours. You can use more then one method of  praise at a time. (i.e. Good dog! Smile, And give treat.) For treats I use whatever the dog really likes. I prefer jerky style treats that can be broken up into small bits. We are not here to make the dog fat. The dog doesn't look at the size of the treat, they respond to the smell. You can use hotdog sliced up into nickel size pieces, sprinkle with garlic powder, then toss in microwave for 6 minutes. These can then be broken  up into smaller pieces for a greaseless yet stinky training treat. (Dogs love stinky.) A bait bag or fanny pack to hold the treats yet keep them handy is another training tip.  Why you are training will also dictate how you train your dog. Are you going to show the dog in obedience? Do you just want a well-trained pet? For those serious show people you may want to consider clicker training or even force methods. I know those are opposite ends of the training spectrum, but a lot depends on if scores are important, or if you are going out there to have fun. If you have Akitas and are reading this I daresay you are not interested as much in scores! <VBG> I believe training should be fun for you and the dog no matter what the reason you are training for. If it's not fun, you might  not stick with it and the dog will become bored. If you don't stick with your training, and the dog becomes a nuisance or out of control, he may lose his home. Nobody wins there. I think training is especially important for Akitas because they can become pushy if not given proper guidance. They are also very smart and will become bored without something fun to do with their family.  TOOLS FOR TRAINING LEASH: To many people use leashes that are just to large. Yes our dogs are big but unless you have a 1000 pound bull, a leash over ½ inch in width is just to bulky. It will hurt your hands and be cumbersome while training. I  prefer a thin leather leash. Unless your dog chews leashes, this will hold any breed. They are also very soft on your hands. If you use cotton or nylon soak them in fabric softener for ½ hour to help make them more pliable. Cotton leashes can rot easily so make sure to keep them dry when not in use.  COLLARS: There are MANY types of collars. I will go over a few of them.  FLAT BUCKLE: Fine for training puppies or dogs that can't pull you over. ROLLED LEATHER: Fine but can stretch out over time. Will be ineffective against pulling unless dog is trained. MARTINGALE/SIGHTHOUND/HUMANE CHOKE: Pretty much the same collar. I prefer to see these on dogs because they tighten enough for the dog to not be able to slip them. Most owners keep flat buckle or rolled leather collars to loose on  their dogs. Does not control pulling.  CHAIN CHOKE: Useless. Needs to be put on over the dogs' head which makes it to loose on dog. Also gives dog a warning before tightened so dog learns to not pay attention to person until he hears that clink of it tightening.  (There is a new version with a toggle on them that makes them able to be fitted. These would work but be harsh on the coat.) NYLON CHOKE: I prefer these with the snap to ensure proper fit. Needs to be fitted up high on dogs' neck, behind ears and underneath chin. Only 1 inch of  collar should show when tightened. Use while training or walking only. I use these mainly as a backup to prevent myself getting pulled off my feet. The dog cannot pull against this collar in the proper position with as much force as he could in any other collar. Should I need to use a correction the dog will feel it with less force in this collar as well. PINCH OR PRONG COLLARS: I hate that these are sold in stores with no directions. Needs to be properly fitted to the dog in order to be effective. It does NOT slide on over the dogs' head! Owners also need instruction in corrections. These also should be fitted high on neck. Too loose and it can injure the dog and be ineffective, too tight and can cause problems and  injury as well. This collar can NEVER be used on a dog with dominance aggression. It will provoke a bite. These collars are great for dogs with pulling problems and owners not strong enough to hold dog back. Dogs can be weaned off these collars once properly trained. ELECTRIC COLLARS: Used to deliver an electric shock as a correction to the dog. Not recommended for use on Akitas as they have a high tolerance to pain. Timing is also absolutely critical with these collars. Best left to the professionals and then only when warranted. GENTLE LEADER: Also known as a head collar. Needs to be properly fitted to dog. I highly recommend these for dogs that pull. Owner needs instruction in use, you MUST NOT jerk the dog wearing a head collar or you can cause medical problems. Gentle leader kits come with proper instructions. Great for dogs that you need control over mouth with. (i.e. dog aggression) These can be weaned off  dog with time and training. HARNESS: I don't recommend these for large dogs as a day to day use. These promote pulling in my opinion. Unless you are very strong don't use one. Unless your dog has a medical problem with the throat and neck I don't see the usefulness of this item. (Sledding, skijoring, and tracking uses excluded of course.) To find a GOOD positive reinforcement trainer in your area please check out this website: http://wwww.apdt.com OR find a trainer that has had some training in positive methods. Most akitas do better with these methods than force training. I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers myself (#67555) and I am happy to answer questions you might have about training your akita.