One of the Coolest Things I Ever Witnessed …

edited February 2009 in Shiba Inu (柴犬)
So I take Koji, my now one year old Shiba, to the dog park today, where he is immediately beseiged by a “gang” of three terriers and a puggle that start chasing him (all in good fun). Nothing new as far as that goes, and Koji just delights in being the object of the chase, especially since he is always the fastest dog there. (Note: the park is split to segregate the smaller and larger breed dogs.)

After a while, I noticed that the puggle (named “Ollie“) became particularly obsessed with him, and kept the chase going the longest. As this went on, it got to the point where Ollie was almost besides himself in excitement, and started barking in a high-pitched tone, like a yelp almost, as he chased after Koji. During this time, I got to know Ollie’s owner and we were just chatting and observing the two of them together. Finally, Koji decided to stop and catch his breath, at which point Ollie just stood there, now face to face, making that same bark, as if to say, “Come on, I’m not done yet. Don’t stop”.

Here’s the cool part … I guess Koji had enough of Ollie's yapping, and with his head continued held high and chest out, he made barely more than an almost imperceptible move toward Ollie. Ollie then immediately lied down in front of him. I mean flat on the ground and looking up at Koji -- the kind of total submission that you normally only see a dog give its owner. Ollie’s owner just looked at me incredulously and said your dog just made my dog submit to him. Of course I had to agree, and was feeling very proud of my boy.

There’s a real yin and yang to these dogs. On the one hand Koji is very shy, and will often shrink at the most innocuous inanimate objects. But when he is with other dogs, he just exudes confidence. Here’s a fairly recent picture....

Koji, King of the Park. ; )

Comments

  • edited November -1
    Koji has that regal look about him befitting a "king" doggie! He is beautiful! Feel free to post more pics of him, and even his visits with the other dogs in the park, too...
  • edited November -1
    I have to say, very regal. It's funny, I think all Shibas have that "royal" bearing about them. They have their silly times but underneath it all is that dignity.
  • edited November -1
    Cute! The white tail tip makes him look particularly foxy & clever :) ~
  • edited November -1
    he is so beautiful how tall is he
    gosh I feel like toki is never going to grow up to be big like that
  • edited November -1
    haha cool story. i went to the dog park today too but unfortunately kelly got submitted by a much smaller dog like 3 times. i didnt really understand it, she would roll on her back shwoing her belly without even giving any effort. and the dog couldnt catch her so i dont know why she submitted but its all in fun.
  • edited February 2009
    Yes Cherie, Koji is tall for a Shiba. He's about 18 inches at the withers. Ollie's owner said Koji's long, slim legs and gait reminded him of a deer, which I've often thought myself.
This discussion has been closed.