we are the same way.. they are truely independant, cant ever take em off the leash, unless you wanna go for a run tring to chase em down.. and hope they dont get a burr up the ass and pull you across the planet when they want something...and 18 months is about right for being semi trained lol.... but wont ever look back.. we have loki the husky because he was given to us.. other wise it would be anouther akita.. and as soon as we get a house we will be getting a male japanese akita we a have a really good friend thats a breeder. im sure you know the background of the akita inu... basically means Bear of Japan. the males were the hunters help they would back bears into a corner and hold them at bay till the hunter arrived.. and the females would be left at the house with the wife and child and wouldnt let any one but the master into the house