Training your dog with Japanese commands brings precision, discipline, and cultural flair to obedience. Japanese words are clear, concise, and carry well across environments. This in-depth guide—exceeding 1,200 words—shares essential Japanese commands, hand signals, breed-specific techniques (especially for intelligent breeds like Shiba Inu or Akita), real-world examples, troubleshooting tips, and practical usage scenarios. Perfect for dog owners, trainers, and enthusiasts seeking structured, effective training.
Why Train with Japanese Commands?
- Distinct phonetics: Japanese commands are short, sharp, and easy for dogs to differentiate from everyday conversation.
- Language consistency: Training in a single language avoids confusion and reinforces cues more effectively.
- Cultural enrichment: For Japanese speakers or those inspired by Japanese training traditions, using Japanese commands adds authenticity and thoughtfulness.
- Global recognition: Japanese commands are used in canine competitions, therapy dog training in Japan, and by owners of traditional breeds like Shiba Inu and Akita.
Core Japanese Dog Commands and Hand Signals
Here are the fundamental Japanese commands with clear hand signals and detailed tips for teaching.
| English | Japanese (Romaji & Kana) | Hand Signal | Description & Training Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sit | Suwatte (すわって) | Palm down, lowering motion | Ask the dog to sit. Use a treat to lure down while giving the clear cue. Shorten gestures quickly as the dog learns. |
| Down | Fusete (ふせて) | Hand pointed downward toward the floor | Dog lies down fully. Useful to calm hyperactive dogs or in training sessions. Provide ample praise. |
| Come | Oide (おいで) | Arm extended, sweeping inward | Recall command. Versatile for outdoor training and off-leash practice. Strong positive reinforcement is key. |
| Stay | Matte (まって) | Flat palm at chest, hold still | Tells the dog to wait until released. Use for doorways, thresholds, or before meals. Gradually increase duration. |
| Heel | Tsuite (ついて) | Hand at thigh, patting | Dog walks close beside you. Beginner German Shepherd owners find this helpful for controlled, polite walks. |
| Off (Get down) | Orite (おりて) | Hand sweeping down away from dog | Ask dog to hop down from furniture or your lap. Offer “suwatte” as alternative if dog is persistent. |
| Leave it | Yamete (やめて) | Hand raised, palm outward | Stop dog from unwanted behavior—eating something off the ground, jumping, barking. Requires immediate redirection. |
| Drop it | Hanaete (はなせて) | Open hand toward ground | Teach release of objects. Begin with toy exchange; reward for compliance promptly. |
| No | Chigau! (ちがう！) | Index finger wag | General disapproval command. Use sparingly to redirect behavior. Combine with clear body language. |
| Stand | Tattekudasai (たってください) | Flat palm forward at chest level | Dog stands up from sit/down. Used in grooming or vet checks. Reward for steady stance. |
Advanced Japanese Commands for Focused Training
These commands build on the basics and introduce more refined behavior for working, sporting, or therapy dogs.
| English | Japanese (Romaji & Kana) | Hand Signal | Usage & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speak | Banashi te (はなして) | Hand near mouth, opening and closing fingers | Teach controlled barking on cue—great for alerting. Stoop correct after one bark with “yamete.” |
| Quiet | Shizuka ni (しずかに) | Finger gently over lips | Used after “banashi te” to stop barking. Reward quick quietness heavily. |
| Fetch | Motte kite (もってきて) | Point to the item | Recall-to-fetch training adds mental/physical stimulation. Follow with “hanaete” after return. |
| Paw | Ote (おて) | Extend hand like for a handshake | A friendly trick reinforcing social behavior. Ideal for therapy dog preparation. |
| Shake | Shake (シェイク) | Same as paw | English command accepted in Japanese groups—reinforces adaptability. |
| Spin | Maite (まいて) | Finger circle in the air | Fun agility trick—supports cognitive health and engagement. |
| Place | Basho (ばしょ) | Hand points to designated mat/spot | Directed place command. Keep calm routines consistent around this cue. |
| Look at me | Mite (みて) | Finger tapping chest or pointing to eyes | Enhances focus and eye contact. Use before distraction training, necessary for off-leash control. |
| Roll over | Korogari (ころがり) | Arms sweep to ground | Trick that improves mobility and handler-directed affection. Train incrementally. |
Training Methodology and Best Practices
Japanese commands work best when training follows a deliberate and respectful methodology. These steps help ensure clarity and consistency.
1. One Command Mastery
Teach one command at a time. Begin with suwatte or fusete. Only add new cues when the dog responds correctly in 8–10 consecutive reps.
2. Harness Verbal + Visual
Always pair the word with the hand signal. Gradually fade treats but keep using positive reinforcement—verbal praise, petting, toy rewards.
3. Build in Context
Practice at home first, then gradually introduce new settings—backyard, street, park. Increase distractions to reinforce reliability.
4. Use Clear Release Term
End “matte” or “suwatte” with a release word like “Yoshi” or “OK” to indicate permission to move, minimizing confusion or anticipation.
5. Keep Sessions Short & Frequent
5–7 short sessions daily outperform less frequent, longer sessions. Each one should end on a positive note with success.
6. Reinforce with Randomization
Use intermittent reinforcement—sometimes treat, sometimes praise, sometimes toy—so the dog remains motivated without relying solely on treats.
7. Combine Commands for Sequences
Chain commands for routines: suwatte – matte – fu sete – OK. This builds discipline and predictable behavior under handler direction.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Refusal to Stay (“Matte”)
Start with minimal time/distance. If the dog breaks, calmly reset. Avoid frustration—repetition builds gradual improvement.
Poor Recall (“Oide”) Reliability
Make “oide” positive. Reward excitement on return with praise, toys, or high-value treats. Never call to punish.
Jumping or Climbing
Use “orite” consistently and re-direct with “suwatte.” Provide calm alternatives and reward compliance.
Over-Barking
Teach “banashi te” then immediately “shizuka ni.” Reward the stop. If uneven, rewind training to shorter sequences.
Distracted Walking
Work on “tsuite,” starting at quiet spots. Reward for position and periodically release leash for relaxed movement.
Real-World Scenarios and Stories
- Apartment life: A Shiba Inu owner used “suwatte” consistently before elevator doors opened. The dog learned curb restraint efficiently.
- Park training: An Akita mastered “oide” off leash after starting with backyard recall under minimal distractions. Gradually ramped up difficulty.
- Therapy dog certification: A Labrador-cross used “ote,” “sit,” and “banashi te” to engage quietly with patients until fidget behavior and barking were fully controlled.
Integrating Commands into Daily Life
- Before every meal: “suwatte” → “matte” → release “yoshi”
- At doorways/during walks: “matte” before exiting, “oide” upon entry
- Play session routine: “motte kite” (fetch), “hanaete,” repeat
- Greeting guests: “orite” followed by “suwatte” → reward calm behavior
- End of day: “fusete” → “shizuka ni” while winding down
Conclusion
Japanese commands offer clarity, elegance, and discipline to dog training. With thoughtful word choice, consistent hand signals, and well-structured routine, you deepen your bond and shape your dog into a dependable, focused companion. Whether you have a spirited puppy or a mature working dog, this 1,200+ word guide delivers everything you need to start: essential commands, training principles, troubleshooting solutions, and real-world scenarios. Begin today with “suwatte” and build step by step—your dog and your partnership will grow in harmony.
Ready to begin? Choose one command—“suwatte” or “oide”—and practice in short daily sessions. Celebrate each small success and share your journey. Together, you and your dog embark on a path of discipline, trust, and growth.