There is a book "Raising the Perfect Puppy" by The Monks of New Skeete, they raise Shepherds in a monastery in up-state New York. They do a very good job of explaining "pack mentality" and how large breeds (such as Akitas) that are not so far removed from their wolf ancestors. I do not advocate striking a dog, but I do strongly advocate establishing the owner as the alpha, their spouse as the beta, and so forth until the dog is the lowest ranking member of the pack. This can be done without striking or beating....if you would like more info pm me....I have had akitas for more than 50 years. I am 53 years old and have pictures of me as a toddler in diapers climbing all over out male akita......