Akitas are hardy, athletic dogs but are they naturally good swimmers, given their background?
Akitas can be great swimmers if introduced to water and swimming early and gradually, although many Akitas do not like water right away. Use positive reinforcement and games to invite your dog into the water. Keep in mind that Akitas do not like hot weather and many dogs of this breed do not do well in crowded beaches and pool areas.
AKITA DOGS AND WATER
Swimming has never been an important skill for Akitas. Historically, they were hunting companions. Many were guard dogs, whose stamina, strength, and loyalty were extolled by their owners, as well as artists.
In other words, water just was not a part of the Akita’s environment.
Akitas Are Athletic Dogs, And Swimming Can Be A Great Way To Exercise
An hour of walking or another physical activity daily is the minimum amount of exercise a dog as energetic as an Akita needs. Swimming and playing in the water can be a great outlet for a dog’s energy.
Aquatic activities are also a wonderful way to escape the heat and lower body temperature in the summer. So, if your Akita does develop a taste for swimming, aquatic activities can become a fabulous way to exercise, adding variety to your dog’s routine.
Akitas Do Not Do Well In Hot Weather
Due to the breed’s history, the Akita dog never acclimated to the conditions of high ambient temperatures and high humidity.
That might not be an issue if you would like to swim with your dog in moderately warm weather but swimming is often associated with the hottest part of the year.
While swimming does help to cool down, spending hours on the beach can be very challenging for Akitas, unless you take measures to keep your pet cool.
Please read our post on Akitas and hot weather and how to keep them cool.
The Akita’s Personality
Stereotypically, Akitas are complicated pets.
These dogs have strong instincts and can be challenging to train. They could also be variable around people, unfamiliar dogs, and small animals. Akitas can also be uncomfortable in crowded areas.
Since swimming can take place in a variety of settings and every Akita is an individual, there is probably no need to elaborate further on this. Just consider your pet’s personality, although that recommendation is probably not even breed-specific.
How To Teach An Akita To Swim
- It is easier to introduce your dog to water when your pet is still young but the methods are similar for dogs of all ages.
- The idea is to introduce your pet to water in a low-stress environment. The dog should begin to associate water and swimming with playing and having fun.
1. Start With Shallow Water
Kids’ pools are great to start with, very shallow water in a lake is also good.
- Start with playing with your dog to make your pet feel at ease.
- Spark your dog’s interest with a squeaky toy. See if your pup enters the water on his or her own, and whether or not you need to provide some guidance.
- Your dog might just start swimming instinctively while following your lead.
2. Train In A Familiar Environment With Few Distractions
Many Akitas are afraid of water in the beginning so starting in a kids’ pool in your yard or on your balcony has some advantages. Not only is it great from a safety perspective, but it also addresses a couple of other problems:
- If your pet is easily distractible or anxious, a familiar environment makes it easier to focus and avoid all the distractions of a busy beach
- Starting in a low-stress and safe place allows the dog to build up confidence and gain new skills
3. Swim With Your Dog
Have fun with your dog! If other family members (human or canine) can join, that will help, too.
- Your pet is more likely to relax if he or she can follow your lead
- As with many activities, if another dog can join, that could be key to quick success! Dogs often feel more confident when they have canine company, especially if the other dog is comfortable in the water.
- Let your furry friend set the pace. Some dogs start swimming right away, others take a long time to get used to the idea.
4. Offer Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is essential in teaching a dog a new skill.
Treats could be important in the beginning but eventually, verbal praise could be enough. Akitas are a very stubborn breed, and positive reinforcement is most effective with them if you start training the dogs from a young age.
5. Read Your Dog’s Cues
If your pet looks uncomfortable, try another time.
Any encouragement should be limited to inviting the dog to follow your lead. It is okay to pause and try again later if the dog is not enjoying the process or seems distracted.
6. Prioritize Safety
Never leave the dog unattended even if your pet appears confident in the water.
Dogs often lose self-awareness when they enjoy an activity. Your pet may not be aware of his or her fatigue when retrieving a ball or a stick, for example. Many dogs also focus on pleasing the owner and refuse to stop despite fatigue.
7. Consider A Life Jacket For The Dog
Consider investing in a good life jacket for your pet if your dog swims in open water. Have your dog wear the jacket at home a couple of times before putting it on for swimming. Dogs often need to get used to wearing a new item, especially one as bulky as a life jacket.
8. Keep Your Pet Hydrated To Prevent Him From Drinking Sea Or Lake Water
Staying hydrated is important in general but it also reduces the amount of sea, river, or lake water that your dog will drink inadvertently while swimming.
Salty sea water is not good for the dog and can cause nausea and vomiting. Dogs tolerate lake and river water better but there is a risk of ingesting some bacteria that way, so it is also not ideal.
To Conclude
It is hard to predict if your Akita will develop a fondness for water and learn to swim at all. These dogs are just not natural swimmers.
However, introducing your dog to water while he or she is still young and letting the dog set pace is a good general strategy to help your Akita become comfortable in the water. If the dog feels safe, especially if he or she seems to enjoy playing in the water, he or she will probably learn to swim just fine.
