NYC Shiba Rescue (NYCSR) is an all volunteer group dedicated to contributing to the quality of life of Shiba Inus in and around the New York City metropolitan area (NY, NJ, PA, and CT primarily). To that end, NYCSR actively works to rescue Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu mixed breed dogs from dangerous environments and shelters in order to find them loving, permanent homes. We will, among other things, foster and evaluate Shiba Inus in order to prepare them for adoption and seek out proper adoptive homes for the dogs. NYCSR also promotes responsible dog ownership by educating the public in the selection, care and training of dogs.
Rounder aka Henry is doing very well. He’s trusting his foster family more and more as the days pass and has even allowed his family to pick him up! He was a little unsure of it but allowed it without protesting. It’s great to hear that Henry is adjusting.
He still likes to rip paper if he gets his paws on it and sometimes rips up the wee wee pad. His foster mom, Mandy, told us she’s working on curbing this behavior. He’s progressed a lot in the last month. He’s not as fearful of things like he used to be and is calmer when meeting new people and checking out new places. Still apprehensive, but doing MUCH better. He now knows that he will not be hurt.
Henry is still not super friendly with dogs but he’s not aggressive; he stands there and waits for them to pass him or go away. However, he’s good with children and is becoming more and more affectionate as he becomes more trusting.
Mandy told us, “I have now been able to put the leash on him with very little fight. This is a great thing as it was always a BIG problem I’ve had. It used to take me 1/2 hour, then 15 minutes, and now 1 minute! I just have to use a harness that do not require looping through the legs.”
This month’s update for Saya is written by one of our very own volunteers, Jenn. She visits Saya frequently at Country Haven Kennels and has first hand experience with watching Saya transform into a gentler Shiba. Here is Jenn’s update on Saya’s superb progress so far:
Saya is a wonderful and high energy Shiba Mix. Originally she was very cautious as she met new people, but her experiences with strangers have all been positive during her stay at Country Haven Kennels and she seems like she is letting her guard down. Once Saya has met you, she will remember you and will run up to you tail wagging and doing her adorable Saya dance.
Saya is a high energy dog who LOVES taking long walks through the County Park. This is by far her favorite thing in the world, well except for food. Saya loves her food – any kind of food. If you want Saya to do something, reward her with a yummy treat. Saya has very little interest in toys and would prefer running around with her human than playing fetch or chewing on a plushy. Saya is so motivated by food that she can tend to guard her food bowl because she doesn’t want anyone to take it away from her. Saya is just starting obedience training, so this will be one of the areas that will be addressed. She is such a quick learner, that we believe once she realizes that the food isn’t being taken away forever and she will get it back, that her guarding will settle down a bit.
Saya is all smiles when she's outside on her leashed walks!
Saya can be dog reactive, so she will need to be in a home where she is the only dog. During her stay at Country Haven Kennel, Saya has been on several walks a week with another NYCSR dog Ren. At first, they had to be walked with a considerable distance between the 2, but now Ren and Saya can peacefully walk together side by side with little or no incidents unless they bump into each other. Saya also recently participated in a group walk with about 10 other dogs. It seems that when she is comfortable with her leader, she puts her trust in that person and is able to walk nicely with other dogs. She may never be the dog park kind of dog, but for someone who enjoys long walks and the outdoors, Saya will be the perfect companion.
Due to Saya’s food guarding and high energy level, we do not recommend Saya in a home with small children. It would also be wonderful if she were placed in a home that had a fenced in yard for her to run around and with someone that will continue her obedience training. If you are looking for a dog that is not necessarily a snuggler, but can be your running/hiking/walking best friend, Saya is your girl.
Jenn has also included a video that showcases Saya’s natural personality. Notice how Saya is able to work out her Shiba 500 sprints even in the small lobby space? She would surely love a home with a fenced yard to run around!
Ren has been with NYCSR for almost 2 months now and has begun training with Marissa at Above and Beyond Dog Training. He is progressing quickly and is participating in individual and class instructions. He has mastered some basic commands, but not all. Ren is so smart that we expect he will be completing at the top of his class.
In addition to basic obedience, Ren is being worked with to understand that not everything in the world is his. When he gets something that he treasures, he tends to guard the object to prevent it from being taken away. Marissa is using techniques to help Ren understand that he doesn’t need to guard. Good things happen if he doesn’t guard and Ren is a quick learner.
At this time, we aren’t entirely certain how Ren is with other dogs. He tends to ignore those he “knows” and is familiar with, but can be reactive to unfamiliar dogs. We will continue to work with him on this. He has not been tested with cats, but his prey drive and high energy level may be too much to have him homed with a cat. Until more conclusive tests can be done, we do not recommend Ren live in a home with other dogs, cats, or small children.
Ren’s trainer also told us that Ren may have had some previous agility training. Or he is just naturally inclined to master the feats associated with agility. Because of his talent and high energy level, Ren would be a WONDERFUL dog for the agility enthusiast and we would love to see Ren placed with a family that will continue his obedience and agility training.
As you can see from the video Ren is very playful and amuses himself when he has an audience. He also likes to play catch and tug, but sometimes gets over excited and has to be calmed down by stopping play for a bit. He loves to go for long walks through the neighboring park and does quite nicely on a leash.
All in all, Ren is a great dog that needs an experienced and active home committed to continuing his training and possibly including agility training as part of his repertoire. If you are an agility enthusiast and are looking for that winning dog, look no further then Ren.
Smokey is having a great time at his foster home with foster siblings and mom, Jenna. He’s in great shape and his fur and skin have improved radically. He’s adorable and loves being snuggled. When Smokey wants attention and some affection, he will hop up and ask for it with a look on his face [continue reading...]
Rina had a great holiday season and celebrated the days like any shiba should – in a big warm fluffy bed! Rina is happy and has become quite affectionate. She gives kisses and is incredibly sweet according to her foster mom, Judy. Sometimes Rina is stubborn and sometimes she also does the Shiba 500 and [continue reading...]
Musashi has won over the hearts if his foster family and will soon be adopted! We are thrilled. They are working with Musashi to help him lose some weight since he’s about 32 lbs and could slim down some. His stitches were removed from surgery and his ear mites are now gone. He’s getting healthier [continue reading...]
Update on our very happy Shiba named Brian. This little Shiba is thriving in his foster home. He loves his long walks with his foster dad and is more than willing to let you know when he wants attention! [continue reading...]
Rounder has been named Henry and responds better to it. So from here on out, he’s Henry. Henry’s foster mom, Mandy, told us that he’s been doing well. His fur is all fluffy, thick, and the bald spot he had is now gone. He’s also warmed up quite a bit to her. Henry has become [continue reading...]
Rina’s foster mom, Judy, told us recently that Rina’s fur is improving and growing in after her summer cut. She is looking healthier and fluffier, which is great, since winter is here. Rina is also comfortable with Judy and has become a very friendly and playful dog in the time she’s been fostered. Judy describes [continue reading...]
Our little Freckles is a fully vaccinated, neutered, 2.5 years old male Shiba who is ready to find his forever home! He currently weighs in at 21 lbs and has the sweetest cream face with speckles of light red fur across his nose. Freckles is a Shiba that gets very excited when anyone from his [continue reading...]
Ren has been with NYCSR for almost 2 months now and has begun training with Marissa at Above and Beyond Dog Training. He is progressing quickly and is participating in individual and class instructions. He has mastered some basic commands, but not all. Ren is so smart that we expect he will be completing at the top of his class.
