A concise, practical guide summarizing Makoto Kai’s 2021 dog-training approach (methods, structure, and exercises) plus step-by-step practice plans you can use with most pet dogs.
Day A (basic cues) — 4 sessions: focus, sit, recall, loose-leash (5–8 min each).
Day B (proofing) — 4 sessions: place, leave-it, walking with distractions, short recall in a new location.
Alternate A/B; keep sessions short and end on a positive note.
This is the most esoteric and controversial pillar of Makoto Kai training dog jap 2021. makoto kai training dog jap 2021
The belief is that a dog’s reactivity (barking at strangers, lunging at bicycles) is a direct mirror of the handler’s suppressed anxiety. Western science calls this "emotional contagion." Makoto Kai calls it "Utsuri" (transfer).
During 2021, Japan saw a "pandemic puppy" boom. However, Japanese homes are typically smaller, and the stress of lockdowns created unique behavioral problems: separation anxiety, leash reactivity, and "Shikaku-tsuke" (corner fixation—a common Japanese urban dog neurosis). A concise, practical guide summarizing Makoto Kai’s 2021
Traditional Western positive-only training often failed in high-stress urban environments. Trainers in Tokyo and Osaka pivoted back to Makoto Kai for several reasons:
Western training demands a "down-stay" or "sit-stay." Makoto Kai trains the dog to choose tranquility. Alternate A/B; keep sessions short and end on
In 2021, a viral video from a Makoto Kai seminar in Hokkaido showed a Shiba Inu sitting in perfect Seiza posture for 45 minutes while a vacuum cleaner ran next to it. The secret? Ma (間) – the meaningful pause.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly throughout 2021, the dog training industry faced unique challenges. In-person classes were often limited, and pet owners found themselves spending more time at home with anxious or under-stimulated dogs.
During this period, Kai’s role shifted toward adapting high-level training concepts for a changing world. He focused on: