Professor Akira Method offers a deeper connection for DINKWADS and their dogs
Japanese Shibu Inu Professor Akira and his DINKWAD (Double Income, No Kids, With a Dog) owner Monica Elkhalifa have discovered a deep bond through learning and communication.
Akira, who has been training daily with his owner since he was a puppy, has mastered basic addition, counting to 20, recognising 11 colours, 20 shapes, 10 animals, and identifying flags. He can answer questions with yes/no answers and is able to do all of this in English and Japanese.
Monica says: “I wanted Akira to live his best life. He is a clever dog, but I believe that all dogs have the potential to be clever. DINKWADS often have fewer distractions and more time to focus on connecting with their pet, so I would encourage giving the Professor Akira Method a try.”
Monica trains Akira using a system of flashcards, which are available to buy on her website. Originally, Monica began giving Akira two answer card options offering a fifty per cent probability of success, which has now progressed to Akira being able to select the correct answer from three possibilities. Akira can now answer Monica just by listening to her voice, without seeing her, and is practising more advanced addition.
“People were sceptical about whether I was giving Akira clues to the right answer, and I wanted to demonstrate what I knew all along, that Akira is capable of connecting with me on a conversational level. He enjoys being able to tell me about his world too, in a way that he knows I understand.”
The Professor Akira Method of flashcard training takes as little as ten minutes per day, and Monica believes that all dogs can master the basics, regardless of age or breed. A set of flashcards costs £20 and can be ordered online.
Follow Professor Akira at @ProfessorAkiraDog on Instagram and find out more about the Professor Akira Method plus watch Akira in action at professorakira.com