yeahshedo

[yeahshedo]

It’s been awhile so figured I’d post some updated pictures of the boys 💕

[yeahshedo]

Please give Finn and Jake (and Mama Shoko!!) the gentlest scritches from me. Yesterday was a hard time at my vet clinic and I want to pass some love and positivity on to everyone I follow with dogs <3

Consider it done! I’m sorry you had a rough day, hopefully the coming days will be better. 💕 Here’s a bonus Shoko cuddling Finn for you:

[yeahshedo]

Love to hear people's breeding plans - what are you expecting from the Shoko/Kai puppies in terms of structure and temperament?

Temperament was definitely a big driving factor for this litter. I have had so many people who have met Shoko ask to be on my waiting list specifically for a puppy from her, since they liked her so much.

The thing is, she is kind of a unique Shikoku. That's not to say she doesn't have a lot of the typical Shikoku traits, and her temperament is within the realm of what someone might see in a Shikoku. But so many of the things people like about her and are looking for are things that definitely cannot be guaranteed in a Shikoku.

One of the biggest things is just that she's extremely laid back. She has a super stable, easy-going personality that takes everything in stride. She's really thoughtful and observant, zero reactivity, and I can take her anywhere without worrying.

She is also good with other dogs. I mean, not every dog appreciates her somewhat-rude play style (typical of Shikoku), and she's pretty picky about who she wants to play with in the first place. But I have absolutely never worried about her being around other dogs. In her early years we spent a lot of time at dog parks (large sprawling ones with hiking trails). 99% of the time she just ignores other dogs, or gives them a polite sniff then moves on. Typically Shioku will do well with dogs they are raised with, but reactivity and even aggression are definitely not uncommon, especially with same sex or strange dogs.

Similarly, she does well with strangers. She's definitely not lab levels of friendly, but she will give people a little wag and maybe a kiss, and then probably ignore them for the most part, lol. Unless they are kids, she loves kids. She is also fairly low energy for a Shikoku, and surprisingly low prey drive. She will sit in the yard and watch squirrels run by six feet in front of her without moving.

SO, with all that in mind, the goal was to highlight and maybe even further bring out some of these traits, while not sacrificing the spitzy traits we love about her (independent, spunky, good off-switch, etc). And Kai just really seemed like the perfect fit to me. He's got that laid back, go-anywhere attitude, while maintaining some spitz spunk. I'm also hoping he can bring in a bit of biddability and brains, lol. Shoko can be super stubborn, and not the brightest...

As far as structure goes, I'm admittedly not the best at evaluating structure, so someone with a better eye may have a better analysis. But to me they both seem to have moderate and functional builds. They are definitely the same general flavor of dog, lol. I think Kai will bring in a bit heavier bone, and obviously he's a lot bigger too.

[yeahshedo]

Even baby puppies do the leg thing!

[yeahshedo]

hi! only just found your blog, your pups are so cute and you clearly take wonderful care of them! was wondering if haru is intact as well, and if so, how you keep him away from shoko to prevent pups? I don't know much about keeping intact dogs, so I was curious! thanks for your time!

Hello! Yes, Haru is intact. When Shoko is in heat, we usually have three levels of separation between them. So if Shoko is out and about, Haru will be in his crate, behind a closed door, with a gate in front of the door. And then same thing when Haru is out, we have Shoko away in a similar set up. We will also sometimes have Haru go stay with his mom for a week or so, since she lives nearby, just to make things easier on everyone. It takes some extra management, but it is doable!

[yeahshedo]

The babies are one week old and growing so well!! And Shoko continues to be best mom 🥰

[yeahshedo]

I literally can not get over this video of Jake suddenly deciding he needs to go cuddle Finn

[yeahshedo]

I haven’t posted in awhile but I wanted to announce Shoko’s current litter! Two boys born 9/26/21 - puppy names are Finn and Jake 🥰 Sire is @justslowdown’s Kai

Mom and puppies are both doing super well. You can definitely tell Shoko has more experience this time around. She’s been so sweet and attentive.

[yeahshedo]

How’s Koji doing? Have you found a home for him yet?

He’s doing super well! He impresses me every day with what a good dog he’s becoming.

And nothing official yet! Don’t wanna jinx anything so I will leave it at that :)

[yeahshedo]

him!!!

[yeahshedo]

I was just walking by to put something away in the fridge, and uh.

[yeahshedo]

Koji says “thank you” to everyone who shared his available post!

[yeahshedo]

Well now that I know you live in the state next to me I’m even more saddened that I can’t take Koji. I am not experienced with dogs nor can I have one right now in my parents house.

Awh, I’m sorry the timing isn’t better! I hope someday you can find a good pup for you! 

 Sometimes I feel like no one else lives in this area, so I’m happy to know there’s another midwesterner around :)

[yeahshedo]

Hi I was wondering where Koji and you are located? Thanks!

We are in Minnesota, USA! Would be great if he could stay somewhat close but transport can always be arranged.

[yeahshedo]

2yo male Kishu Ken available to an experienced home

Koji is an intact male Kishu Ken from my Oct 2018 Kishu litter. He is Haru’s littermate, and Cosmia is their dam. In January Koji was returned to us for resource guarding. Having been evaluated by a professional trainer, he is now looking for an experienced home.

Koji is an extremely sweet boy with a typical Kishu temperament. He does well with strangers and, so far, strange dogs as well. He has lived with cats, and with proper introductions could do well in a household with cats.

Koji is high drive with moderate energy levels. While he hasn’t had much formal training, he is smart and engaged, and catches on quickly. He would make an excellent hiking, camping, and general adventure companion, and likely would enjoy trying out some sports as well. Like all Kishu, he thrives with getting out and doing things with his person. Indoors, with proper enrichment and exercise, he is happy to snuggle up on the couch and sleep. He is extremely affectionate, goofy, talkative and sweet.

Koji will need some basic manners training, confidence building, and general patience and understanding. Kishu bond very strongly to their people, but it takes time, and Koji is still a little uncertain about all the major changes in his life recently.

If you are interested, please reach out to me for more details! If you would like to learn more about the Kishu Ken, this is an excellent breakdown of their temperament. If you know of someone who may be interested, please share. Thank you!

[yeahshedo]

One of Haru’s littermates has been returned to us. He’s currently staying with his mom who lives with her co-owner, but I was able to visit him today and he’s an absolute sweetheart 💕

[yeahshedo]

also here is a pic of Shoko with the heelers in question. they are VERY good dogs.

my friends released an album today, and one of the many excellent tracks includes this love letter to their dogs. it’s so so sweet and tender i’m emotional i love my dogs

ever present our companion post up between you and me

the whole album can be found here. please consider supporting the artist by purchasing the album for one single dollar (or more if u want!!) lots of people worked very hard on this record and they’d love to get it into as many ears as possible. so if you like it, share it around!

anyway i’m going back to listening to this song on repeat and hugging my dogs