Riley decided to let her energetic Portuguese Water Dog , Mako , spend the weekend at her parents’ house .
But what was supposed to be a peaceful stay ended up turning into a series of adventures (and small disasters).
The owner told Newsweek that it was the first time she had left Mako alone with his parents. He already knew them and got along well with their dog, Bo.
But without Riley’s presence, the situation got a little out of control… And to help, there’s a beautiful koi pond in the house.
“He loves to swim and takes any opportunity to get into a body of water,” Riley explained. “It’s become a joke how many times Mako takes a dip while he’s there.”
Within the first few hours, the parents began sending messages with updates on their guest’s behavior. And, let’s just say, the report wasn’t very good.
The family even kept a count of the “dives of the day” , such was the frequency with which the cub threw himself into the lake.
Between dives, Mako still found time to break a glass (accidentally, while slipping on the wooden floor), eat flowers and steal “Uncle” Bo’s favorite twig.
“Thank God he’s okay!” Riley said, laughing. “He’s still just a puppy, so he’s learning new things every day!”
Despite the chaos, the parents didn’t mind as much as their daughter expected. They already knew that accidents happen with puppies, and they continued to welcome their grandson with open arms.
When Riley picks him up, his parents are already planning their next visit.
The video with the records of this unusual stay was shared on Mako’s Instagram ( @mako_thepwd ) and went viral, reaching more than 241 thousand views.
While some followers were amused by the mess, others completely identified with it.
“These are exactly the stories I get from my mother about my girls!” reported one internet user.
But if there’s one thing Mako made clear this weekend, it’s that the Portuguese Water Dog’s aquatic instinct is strong and uncontrollable.
Born to swim
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic, affectionate, and extremely adventurous breed .
Originally created to help fishermen with tasks such as retrieving objects that had fallen into the water and carrying messages between vessels , “Portie” (as he is affectionately called) is known for his intelligence and inexhaustible energy .
Their thick, curly coat helps protect them in cold waters, and their enthusiasm for water activities is practically genetic.
“They were made for water work,” the AKC describes. It’s no wonder Mako is irresistibly drawn to any lake, pool, or even puddle in sight.
The adventurous side comes with a curious and independent mind , which may explain why, despite being obedient, Mako couldn’t resist so many temptations over the weekend.
These dogs respond very well to positive training and need daily physical and mental challenges. When bored, they can turn any environment into an amusement park (or war zone).
The “water gene” that everyone understands
In 2023, a dog experienced the “enchantment of the water” for the first time: Bindji, a golden retriever who discovered the farm after spending his life in an apartment .
