Activities For Akita Shepherds

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Introduction

These pups may not be an official breed of the American Kennel Club but they sure are great dogs! Akita Shepherds are not only fiercely loyal to their owners but they can also be fairly independent and happy to play on their own. A dog that is willing to do anything for their owner deserves an owner who is willing to do anything for their dog and this includes setting up fun activates for their pet! Keep reading for great games to play with your Akita Shepherd.

Running Options

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Leash
Collar
Activity description

Akita Shepherds are a breed that requires a good amount of exercise so, if you have one of these great dogs, you probably are well aware of how much they truly need to run. While you can simply bring your dog for a run around your neighborhood, it doesn't have to be that mundane! Akita Shepherds will enjoy a change of pace (running pace and running location that is!) just as much as you would. They key is to get out there with your dog and go, go, go! Find how best to run your dog by trying each of these methods. The one both you and your dog enjoy together is the option to choose!

Step
1
Run loose
Bring your dog to a large fenced in area where they can run off of the leash. If you live near a high school track or a local dog park, these places are perfect for letting your dog run loose. Encourage them to run by bringing a tennis ball to chase or chasing them yourself!
Step
2
Run together
Hook your Akita Shepherd up to a leash and head out for a quick run with your pup. When you first begin running with your dog, it is important to start with a few shorter runs. Just like people, dogs need to build endurance and long distance running will take a little bit to get into.
Step
3
Indoor run
If the weather is not ideal for running outside, that doesn't mean your Akita Shepherd can skip their run. Encourage your dog to get a good stair workout by throwing a tennis ball up a flight of stairs for them to chase. Keep on throwing the ball so your dog can run up and down, up and down - this will tire them out for sure!
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Obstacle Course

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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Obstacles of Any Kind
Treats
Activity description

It is recommended that Akita Shepherds get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. This is plenty of time to teach your dog how to run through obstacles! An obstacle course will not only exercise your dog but it will also challenge your dog's mind by teaching them how to conquer new hurdles. Obstacle courses are also great for Akita Shepherds because you can change them as often as you'd like, making them more challenging or easier for your dog. Set up an obstacle course inside or outside, with official equipment or just things you can find around the house! 

Step
1
The obstacles
Go out and purchase some official dog agility course obstacles or simply find a few things in your home that you can use as obstacles. Two couch cushions set up as a triangle makes a perfect tunnel and a few pieces of firewood can stack to be a great hurdle!
Step
2
One trick at a time
After you have set up your course (make it easy the first few times with only one or two obstacles), begin by teaching your dog how to do each challenge individually. Train your pup how to go through the tunnel and make them do it a few times before showing them how to run under a tunnel and over a hurdle.
Step
3
Run the course
Once your dog has learned what you need them to do on each part of the obstacle course, link them all together. Over a hurdle, under a tunnel, around a cone and run to the finish line! Time your dog and see how long it takes them. Once the course gets too easy for your Akita Shepherd, rearrange the obstacles and start a new course!
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Couch Play

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Bubbles
Rope
Flirt Pole
Activity description

The focus on exercising your Akita Shepherd is important. This breed will be happiest and most well adjusted when they are able to get out their energy on a daily basis. However, sometimes you just might not have the energy to get up and run with your pup. Whether you are sick or just plain tired, you just can't get off the couch! Don't worry, you can still play with your Akita Shepherd in a way that they will love. These quick games will entertain your pup and help them run around without requiring you to ever leave your chair. 

Step
1
Bubbles
Grab a tube of bubbles from the dollar store and bring them home for your pup. Blowing bubbles near your dog will make them so excited! Jumping and biting the air, chasing them as they float away and waiting patiently for more is what your Akita Shepherd will do! Look for "indoor bubbles" that won't leave your floors slippery so you can also do them inside!
Step
2
Flirt pole
Buy a flirt pole for your Akita Shepherd to chase. A flirt pole is simply a pole with a string attached to one end. At the end of the string is a feather or small toy. You hold the pole and dangle it back and forth for your dog to chase. Move it quickly or slowly, up and down, all from the comfort of your chair!
Step
3
Tug toy
A strong rope toy is perfect for your dog to pull and you to hold as you play an epic game of tug of war. While some people are hesitant to play tug with dogs (saying it can encourage them to bite), be sure your dog knows the rules! Tug can be a great way for your dog to exercise inside.
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More Fun Ideas...

Sledding

Akitas are cold weather dogs who have a history of pulling sleds. Look for a dog sled training center in your area and head out with your dog in the snow to learn how to pull a sled. Great exercise and lots of fun for you and your pup!

Clean Up Time

Teach your Akita Shepherd to pick up their toys - a helpful and fun activity for everyone! Show your dog how to bring their toys to a designated bin when they hear the command "clean up". You will never trip on a dog toy again!

Conclusion

Akita Shepherds are fantastic dogs that just need a little attention and exercise. However, there are so many fun ways you can accomplish this goal with your dog. Bring your dog for runs, teach them to leap through an obstacle course or play with your dog from the comfort of your couch. As long as your dog is shown some love, give them a little fun and toss them a treat every now and then,  they will be loyal to you until the end!Â