New Shikoku Pup
Just figured I'd post some pictures of my new Shikoku pup from Katja. He is from Mike and Mura and was born Oct 5, 2008. So far he is following the same path as most of everyone's shikokus growing up. He is a big chewer like tenji. I'll keep everyone posted on his development. He is a quick learner as expected, and I've been training him from when I got him to be an off leash dog, although I've been training him on leash as well. I'll let you all know how it goes as he gets older and his prey drive increases.
Comments
Jesse
I am SO envious & yet SO happy for you. I remember Katja telling me about this litter a few months ago. So JEALOUS!!! But that's ok, promise you'll spam me with lots of photos so I can watch him from afar?
Shika puppy ;____________; ~
what good looking pup!!!!
He's very good looking!!
We love him more and more as each day passes by.
Did you name him Banshee? Where do you live?
He is adorable. Enjoy every minute.
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I've been doing training with my Shiko boy, Shoushuu, both on and off leash (it depends upon location). He is getting better focus as the days pass by. I went to a park today and had him on a short line (it's actually a horse lead). I didn't even bother holding the line. His recall is becoming more reliable but there really wasn't much distraction today (at least nothing he was interested in). Just to see how his training is coming along, I gave the free command so he can go do what he wants. Then I called his name and the "hier" command, he stopped what he was doing and came to me. He'll follow me too, even if I don't ask anything of him. He just anticipates my next move. So if he keeps this up I may be able to trial him for his first obedience title soon (as in sometime next year).
I do short sessions and make sure everything is exciting to keep his attention. I reward almost instantly, so he doesn't have too wait long. I find that when I do too long of a session he gets tired and bored. Same if I wait too long for the reward or to give my next command, he'll lose interest.
So keep everything short and sweet! Always end on a good note.
Not much to report on my Shika girl, Kotomi, just yet. She mostly only knows sit. Still working on the recall with the front for her. She comes all crazy when I call her, lol. Silly puppy.
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I'm happy that you got your pup and that you're training. Do you plan on doing Obedience or any kind of venue with him later on? Or are you just working on basic every day life stuff?
I can't wait to hear more about your boy and see how he progresses in his training. By the way, we'll be needing some video of him! Of him just being cute. Oh, and more photos -smiles-.
Your Shikoku is so cute and beautyful!
I want one!!!!
More pics! ^_^
I too work off lead like ShikokuSpirit with my guy (who is a few months older than her male). But I pick and choose my location very carefully for the off lead work. And as long as he is in "working" mode (ie, obedience work) he concentrates really well. It is when he is in the "hunting" mode that I worry (and I live on a farm with lots of small game around). I think that you will find that Shikoku are amazingly fast learners and actually enjoy the obedience work if it is kept fun. Lots of short sessions with play interspersed helps keep them excited to do obedience. I know that in my puppy class and the basic obedience class (grouped into sections based on breed type; we were in the hunting dog section), the Shikoku was the best of all the dogs (about 12 other hunting dogs on average) at learning new things and perfecting the old things.
Have fun with your boy!!
PS My boy was perfect off lead even on "farm walks" until he was about 6 months of age when his hunting drive kicked in.
I take Rakka off-leash all the time. She's very focused on whatever she's doing, so if she's focused on me playing with her or training her, then she ignores pretty much anything. If she's focused on pestering the other dogs, it's really hard to get her attention! And if she's focused on chasing a rabbit, then I just have to wait for her to finish chasing the rabbit - luckily, I have lots of space so I can afford to just watch her chase the rabbit and then come back. I would be really wary of taking her off-leash in a strange place or in an area with lots of trees where I couldn't see her for long distances. I want to get a radio tracking collar eventually... Anyway, do let us know how off-leash training goes.
I totally agree with this comment. If I lived where you lived (ie, few trees, lots of open and flat ground -- so you can see far away) I would have no problem letting Kuma off lead. He is generally very well behaved and it is only the chances that a rabbit/squirrel comes by that I have to worry. But (unfortunately), where I live on the East coast is very hilly with lots of woods (ie, read "thickets") that he can go thru easily but I cannot (and then I cannot see him at all). So once he disappears into a thicket or over a hill, it is hard to discern which direction I should walk to retrieve him...
I have Tenji's brother, Ronan. Ronan chewed walls, sheets, pillows, window sills...
I haven't done much work with Ronan lately, but need to. He's super loving, but has some fear issues he's going through with the vet right now.