Temperament
Akitas are a large breed and are not considered to be a dog for novice owners. The dog's master should be assertive in showing the dog its place in the pack and should have some experience of dog behavior. Akitas are naturally wary of unknown people and animals and should be well socialized to avoid undesirable aggression.
Left unattended in the backyard or in a kennel, they can develop behavioral problems and may become destructive to the yard due to boredom. They are highly pack-oriented, thus isolating them from a social environment causes them great stress. The Akita is a dominant dog and may expect other dogs to be submissive. Akitas should never be taken to off-leash in dog parks due to this dominant behavior, as well as the fact that the dogs are large and strong, and would be difficult to restrain physically its not properly trained.
In the Home
They are excellent house dogs. They require moderate, but regular exercise. Akitas are known to be very quiet dogs, only barking when there is something to bark about.
An Akita is not likely to shower affection on someone who is not a member of his family or a close friend that he sees frequently. The dogs are known for their loyalty, and a pet Akita will patiently follow its master from room to room, without ever getting underfoot.
Akitas are devoted protectors of children in its pack, and it is said that Japanese mothers often left their children with only the Akitas to watch over and protect them. This devotion will not necessarily extend to other children, especially if teased. Common sense should prevail, and adequate supervision of pets and children is generally a good idea.
Trainability
Akitas may take a while to train because they are easily bored and can be stubborn. Akitas are highly intelligent, and will only obey a task if they see the point of it. They are a dominant species and will not take orders from a weak or abusive leader. The thrive with a firm but loving education where "no" always means "no". They are not trick dogs.