There are two different types of Akita. The Japanese Akita (or Akita Inu) and the American Akita. The main differences between the two are the size and a slightly different appearance.
The Japanese Akita has a size range from 23-25 inches (59-64cm) and can weigh between 65 and 120 pounds (30-55 kg).
The American Akita can grow to a height of 24 and 26 inches (61 and 71 cm) and can weigh between 70 and 130 pounds (32 and 60 kg).
When it comes to the exercise needs of the two types of Akita there is no real difference. Every dog is an individual so the energy levels and exercise requirements can vary from dog to dog regardless of which type of Akita they are.
How much exercise does an Akita need
Although the Akita is not a super hyper high energy breed they are still fairly active and energetic. They require at least an hour of daily exercise to maintain good health and condition. Up to two hours a day of activity would be even better.
There are three main types of exercise and activity you must provide your Akita every day.
- 1. Daily walk
- 2. Purposeful Moderate Intensity Activity (see Akita exercise ideas below)
- 3. Mental stimulation
This recommended exercise quantity and ideas are for a healthy adult Akita. The exercise needs of a puppy are different as they are still growing. The Akita can be prone to joint issues later in life. The wrong quantity and type of exercise can cause injury to a puppy with growing bones and joints. See the bottom of this post for more about how to exercise an Akita puppy.
As a dog gets older they become less active and have lower energy levels. However, it is still important that they remain reasonably active to keep their joints and muscles mobile and to manage their weight. See the bottom of this post for more on the exercise needs of an older dog.
Akita exercise in hot weather
The Akita is better suited to cold climates. Avoid exercising them outside when the weather is hot and the sun is blazing down. Allowing them to overheat can result in heat stress or even heat stroke. For tips on exercising a dog in hot weather see here.
Akita Walking Time
The daily walk is essential for an Akita not only to release some pent-up energy. The walk allows your Akita to stimulate the mind with the sights, sounds and smells they come across.
The length of the daily walk should ideally be between 30 to 45 minutes. This can be just once a day, or two walks a day would be better if your schedule allows. Dogs also like routine, so try to schedule the walk for around the same time each day. Daily walks are much better than nothing all week and a big walk at the weekend.
If your Akita has good recall and comes on command, walks at the park off the leash are ideal. Alternatively, you can use a retractable leash or long lead to allow them more freedom while maintaining control. Not all Akitas are good with other dogs so ensure you are aware of any potential situations that may arise.
You can add extra resistance to the walk by using a weighted vest or dog backpack. It is recommended that no more than 10% of their body weight be added. This is more than sufficient to tire them and strengthen their muscles without overworking them. Other ways of increasing the resistance on the walk are to walk on sand or include uphill sections in the walk.
Akita Exercise ideas
The daily walk is a crucial component of any dogs daily exercise. In addition to going for walks, it is important to provide other types of purposeful activity and exercise in your Akitas daily exercise routine. This will aid in burning pent up energy, providing enrichment and keeping their muscles strong.
Here are some suggestions of ways to provide exercise and purposeful activity for your Akita.
Flirt Pole
A Flirt pole is like a giant cat tickler for dogs. It has a long handle with a bungy type rope with a lure or toy attached to the end. You simply move the lure along the ground around in circles or in different directions as your dog chases it. This activity is ideal for an Akita as it works the whole body and strengthens their muscles. It is also a very good training exercise as it teaches impulse control. Be sure they have a good “leave it” command and don’t allow them to destroy the toy. It is important that this be a controlled exercise. See video for tips on flirt pole use.
For a full guide to flirt pole exercise for dogs see here.
View Flirt poles on Amazon.
Fetch
Playing Fetch with your Akita is another fantastic way to burn pent-up energy. The Akita loves to chase and this is why they are not good with cats. A great alternative is to use an Automatic Ball Launcher so your dog can play Fetch by themselves. As the Akita is trainable as long as you focus their attention they learn to use this with a little patience. For more information check out “Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs”
Tug of War
Tug of war is a great strength-building game for all dogs. Make them crouch and pull back to use extra energy. Ensure that this is a controlled game and they release when you want them to.
The purpose of strength-building exercises for dogs is not necessarily to build muscle bulk. Strong muscles provide protection for the joints and tendons helping to prevent potential injury.
Spring Pole
A spring pole is simply a spring connected to a rope that hangs from a tree branch or beam with a lure or toy attached to the end. This allows your dog to play tug of war with him or herself even if you are not there. Popular with a lot of dogs and particularly strong breeds like the Akita that love a good game of tug of war.
Backyard agility
Set up an agility or obstacle course in your backyard. You can use items you have around the home, build your own agility or you can get reasonably priced agility sets on Amazon. You can include tasks such as the weave, hurdle jumps, tunnels or jumping through hoops or a platform to jump on and stay.
Frisbee Toss
Most dogs can chase and catch a ball. But a Frisbee requires a little bit more skill, coordination, and timing. Akitas look spectacular playing this due to their power and agility. Roll the Frisbee on the ground towards your dog. They will instinctually want to grab it in his mouth. Once you’ve accomplished this, try tossing it at a very low level first to your dog. If you feel like your dog is ready to go to the next level, toss the disc a little higher and further. Great energy burner and you may be amazed at your dog’s agility and acrobatic skill.
Dog toys that move on their own
There are many dog toys available that shake, rattle, roll and move about on their own. These are ideal for an Akita as they cater directly to their chase and natural prey instincts. See “Dog toys that move on their own” to learn more.
Swimming
Swimming is a great exercise for an Akita as it burns energy and uses all the muscles groups, in particular, the front legs and shoulders. It is also a low impact activity so doesn’t put a strain on the joints and tendons. It is a good exercise for dogs recovering from injury. See “What is Canine Hydrotherapy” to learn more.
Akitas actually have webbed feet which makes them quite good swimmers. It is thought that this was more to help them walk on snow. Not all Akitas are keen on water and they can, in general, take it or leave. If you are wanting to take your Akita swimming it is best to introduce them to the water when they are young. If your Akita is simply not into it, don’t force them.
Provide them with toys
Toys are a great way to provide your dog with enrichment and keep them occupied to prevent boredom. Many toys are also a good way to exercise your dog. For ideas of dog exercise toys see here.
Mental Stimulation for an Akita
All dogs need an outlet for their minds. If they are not provided the opportunity to challenge their minds they will come up with their own ways to achieve this. This usually manifests itself in bad behavior such as excessive barking, digging, escaping and other destructive behaviors. Read “Mental stimulation and mind enrichment for dogs” to learn about the 6 types or categories of mind stimulation a mental enrichment and some great ideas to provide this.
Some ways to provide mental stimulation and enrichment include;
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are ideal for all dogs to challenge their minds and test their problem-solving skills. Due to their intelligence, try to find puzzle toys that are a bit more challenging as they tend to work these out quite quickly. Check out “Top puzzle toys for dogs” for my top picks.
Petgeek Automatic Rolling Treat Ball
This automatic rolling treat ball from Petgeek is activated by a soft touch from your dog and can last for up to 7 hours. Requires two AAA batteries and goes into sleep mode after a period of no activity.
Provides physical exercise and mental stimulation as they figure out how to release the treats. Can hold up to 380ml of kibble or small treats(sized up to 0.3 inches). This is ideal for the home alone dog also.
View the Petgeek Automatic Rolling Ball on Amazon
In addition to puzzle toys, Kongs for dogs are another great way to get your Akita to solve a problem and challenge the mind. Read “How to use a Kong for dogs“.
Scenting and nose games
All dogs can have a keen nose. Playing scenting and nose games helps to provide mental stimulation. Read “12 Scenting and nose games for dogs” for some ideas.
Chew Toys
Provide your Akita with good strong chew toys. Chewing is a great way to occupy them. In addition, chewing releases endorphins and helps to relax a dog. Many dogs hold stress in the jaw.
For more on the benefits of chewing and the best chew toys click here.
Learning
Teaching new commands and tricks is also excellent to provide mental enrichment. A popular game that involves learning is to teach them the names of their toys. Dogs can learn hundreds of words and names.
Food enrichment
Turn mealtimes into an opportunity for your Akita to get a mental challenge and enrichment. Instead of feeding them from a bowl, give them activities that require them to work for their food. To learn more about feeding enrichment for dogs see here.
Enrich their environment
Environmental enrichment is the process of making a dog’s living space more engaging and interesting. To learn more about environmental enrichment for dogs see here.
How much exercise does an Akita puppy need?
The exercise suggestions above relate to a healthy adult dog. The exercise needs of a puppy are quite different. With puppies, their bones, muscle, and joints are still growing and developing.
Overly strenuous walks are not necessary and in fact, could possibly cause harm. An activity that is high impact on the joints should also be avoided.
The best exercise for a young puppy is free play with age-appropriate toys.
Socializing with other puppies or friendly adult dogs is a great way to burn some of that puppy energy along with teaching them the social skills they need.
As your puppy gets older you can take them for short informal walks allowing them to sniff and explore and get used to being on a leash. Puppies under three months probably haven’t had all their vaccinations so shouldn’t be walked in public. Check with your vet when it is alright to venture out to the park or street.
The general rule of thumb for walking a puppy is around 5 minutes for every month of age. So, for example for a 4-month-old puppy, a walk of 15 minutes to 20 minutes is enough. Monitor your Akita puppy on the walk for signs such as lagging behind, lying down or panting. End the walk if they seem too tired.
Mental stimulation is important for puppies and can tire them just as much as physical activity. For more on mental stimulation for puppies see here.
For more on exercise for your Akita puppy read “How to exercise your puppy”.
How much exercise does an older Akita need
As a dog gets older they become less active and have lower energy levels. However, it is still important that they remain reasonably active to keep their joints and muscles mobile and to manage their weight. Read ” Dog exercise for a senior dog” to learn more.
Many dogs develop arthritis as they age. Exercise for them becomes a balancing act. It is important to keep their joints mobile and manage weight, but too much can make them sore. Read “How to exercise an arthritic dog” to learn more.
Summary – Akita exercise needs
Although the Akita is not a super hyper high energy breed they are still fairly active and energetic. They require at least an hour of daily exercise to maintain good health and condition. Up to two hours a day of activity would be even better.
This should include a daily walk of 30 to 45 minutes with additional purposeful activity and play. It is also important to provide mental stimulation to challenge their minds and prevent boredom.
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