BEHAVIOR ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES:
Popsicles ~ Use an icecube tray and place a piece of fruit inside each compartment fill with water and freeze. Take ice out of try and place the ice in your akitas water bowl and they will fish them out! Fruit is optional. No sticks please.
Ice Bowls ~ Use a glass bowl and fill with water. Freeze and take ice out of the bowl (it should just pop right out, but if not run warm water over the bottom of the bowl. Warm the water slowly as glass bowls have a tendency to break if they are heated too quickly), place it outside and your akita will love scooting it, licking it and eating it. Fruit is optional.
Ice Bottles ~ In a washed out plastic water or pop bottle fill with water (do not fill to the top). Freeze on its side. Take out of the freezer and remove lid and the plastic ring just below the lid. Give the whole frozen bottle to your akita and watch them play while they cool off.
Box Toy ~ Take a box (anything bigger than 7 inches is safe) put your akitas favorite treat inside and use white glue (be sure the glue is safe for your dog. I recommend the glue that children use in school) to glue the box flaps closed. Let it dry over night and then give to your akita for hours of fun. This one can be messy so you will need a clean up crew for the left over box particles.
Swimming Pool ~ A children's size, plastic swimming pool is an akita's best friend when they're hot. They will splash, run through, sit in, lay in and step in a pool all through the day if you let them. I place one in each kennel for my dogs during the hot summer months. Please be sure to dry your akita off well after water play to avoid hot spots and other skin irritations.
Homemade Dog Treats ~ There are many books on the market as well as receipes on the internet for incredible dog treats that your dog will love. The great thing about cooking for your dog is that they will never complain!
Recommended Toys ~ There are many toys on the market to give your akita while you're away and cannont supervise play. We have had great success with "Kong" toys when placing food inside it keeps the dogs busy for extended periods of time and keeps them out of trouble. Be sure to change them around weekly or even daily to ensure interest.
Interactive Toys ~
Interactive toys are toys that you and your akita can play together. Personal suggestions are:
Disks ~ Dog disks found at any pet supply store
Tennis balls ~ Tennis balls are easily found at any department store
Akita Fishing ~ Dog safe stuffed toys tied to the end of a long rope for you to drag for your akita
Some of these activities may take some encouragement on your part to get your akita interested. Akita's do not always make good fetch players although I have had several that will bring back whatever is thrown just so they can retrieve it again. They do tire of silly games quickly when they find that the game is in no way beneficial to them so short, frequent play times are required.
Akitas become bored very easily and so it is important to out think them before they chew up your favorite belonging, dig up your yard or sit in their kennel yelping. I personally have used the following behavior enrichment activities and have had great success in keeping my akitas busy. It is important to stop unacceptable behavior before it begins and behavior enrichment, when used properly can be the solution. If you have an akita who has already developed some undesireable habits, give one of these activities a try in order to encourage positive redirection.
WARNING: Please note that activites involving plastics, and boxes or any other foriegn material should always be supervised due to the risk of choking as well as ingesting hazards. I have had dogs for a very long time and never had a problem, but I wouldn't want to be he cause of any animal becoming injured. Please use good judgement!
