Kishu Crazy
So it took a while, but after my boyfriend and I spoke more and more about it, we decided out of all the Kai, Kishu, and Shikoku, the Kishu had really grabbed us the most.
Between videos, pictures, and descriptions, BOTH of us started to fall in love with the breed and even though a Shikoku introduced me to the world here, I've gotten a chance to email and speak to Carleen at Kishu Ken-nel a handful of times and she said she could put me on a waiting list even though I probably won't be looking to add another dog until next spring (though, if I feel ready enough to do it before then and I have the opportunity, that'll be great too - I'm just not holding my breath).
She's trying to get in touch with some Kishu owners close to my area because I'd REALLY like to see a Kishu in person and see how they act with their "people" and just generally... BEHOLD one, I suppose, before it comes time for a puppy. I can't even REMEMBER all the questions I asked her, but she was very nice every step of the way and tolerated my rambling (I'm horribly awkward on the phone) so well.
So... there's that. I just wanted to announce something happy since my last post was gross. o/
Between videos, pictures, and descriptions, BOTH of us started to fall in love with the breed and even though a Shikoku introduced me to the world here, I've gotten a chance to email and speak to Carleen at Kishu Ken-nel a handful of times and she said she could put me on a waiting list even though I probably won't be looking to add another dog until next spring (though, if I feel ready enough to do it before then and I have the opportunity, that'll be great too - I'm just not holding my breath).
She's trying to get in touch with some Kishu owners close to my area because I'd REALLY like to see a Kishu in person and see how they act with their "people" and just generally... BEHOLD one, I suppose, before it comes time for a puppy. I can't even REMEMBER all the questions I asked her, but she was very nice every step of the way and tolerated my rambling (I'm horribly awkward on the phone) so well.
So... there's that. I just wanted to announce something happy since my last post was gross. o/
Comments
Unfortunately, I live all the way on the other side of the country - in Rhode Island - but if I get to visit my SoCal pals before puppy time comes around, I'd love to take that offer, should it still stand if/when that happens!
I take my boys (a Malamute and a mixed-breed) hiking most weekends and we go for long off-lead walks every day (this is in addition to being able to go to work with me and play all day). I know Russell (my mongrel) is always ready for more more more running but London (the mal) is usually beat and needs his beauty sleep at the end of the day. I expect a Kishu to be on the higher end as far as energy level goes, but how much running around time would you recommend/how much do you give your dogs?
I seem to recall there was one Kishu owner somewhere on the east coast ( @Kenshi I believe ), but I could be making that up. It's been a while since Cliff has been on the forum.
@JessicaRabbit I've heard of Canine Mastery before - I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the heads up!
Saya's top three favorite thing was the dog walk, tunnel, and a frame.
Good luck with things I bet your kishu will be great pet.
Tomoe is great with people, but she goes CRAZY with other dogs.
That's a very big challenge for training her. She has been making progress with obedience classes, slowly, but the thing is, she just can't stay focused on me in class with other dogs. She is just too receptive to the other dogs' energy, and a bit slow to switch her attention to me when I need it.
She is very obedient in the house, and loves to play games for treats. When she is outside, though, she is like a teenager who is in the middle of trying to beat a boss monster at dinner time. "COME ON there is like a rabbit or a frog over here somewhere. I'll come in in a minute!"
And good lord, if she gets LOOSE...
She got out of my parents' house the other week. Neighbor two doors down comes by after we rounded her up and says, "Well I was looking outside my kitchen window and I saw this white streak go shooting by. Then five minutes later, about eight deer come charging the other direction and the white streak is right behind them."
But honestly, she's a very happy dog if you give her a walk or two every day. She likes to walk around the same circuit and keep tabs on all the various leaves and trees. She's a great companion dog. I think adding a dog to the pack might be good for her.
She's been good with her crate since day 1, and we've lately been able to leave her in the back room without her going to the bathroom...would like to leave her at large when we are out of the house.
I think one of the reasons I'm drawn to the Kishu is because it sounds like they're a mixture of London and Russell's behavior. Sort of like Lodon's type of primitive/punky attitude with Russell's intensity.
Any dog I have is going to have a lot of running-around time - on or off the lead - but when a bit of stress on was put on agility/activities (to be fair, I asked), I guess I went a bit nuts. I won't want to "force" a pooch to do something for fun that they obviously don't like, so I guess I should relax and just play it by ear. I'm getting this dog to be a companion, after all.
I like kishu breed too coarse all Nihon ken are pretty neat.
You can do lots for fun with your dog work on tricks, obedience, scenting whatever you and your dog wants to do.
Luckily with this forum there's a few people who own kishu and can give you first hand info on the breed.
I feel like the hurdles help you to get closer to your dog. Maybe that's why I've been attracted to the Japanese breeds. The bonds they have with their owners while still - very much - having their own personality is amazing... but of course it doesn't come without work.
Every time I read the comments on this thread and look back at the older Kishu threads I get more excited, so I'll take that as a good sign!