Doggie Entertainment

Niko's level of energy doesn't quite always match ours.  Nor does he have the same preference of entertainment as us human adults have. Niko likes to play tag, fetch toys, do tricks, and run wild.  For some reason, he especially likes to do those things when we're trying to watch TV.
When this happens, I sit on the floor and play fetch and tug of war. 

We did find a new-+ form of entertainment for Niko, his idea of TV, actually.  It's a view of the neighborhood, right at the tips of his paws. For days, I was thinking I need to get some kind of platform high enough so that Niko can look out the window.  Serendipitously, someone had discarded a small arm chair and I happened to see it. It was the perfect size and in great condition. I almost think it was a children's chair. Now it is Niko's!

Initially, he needed some persuasion to get on it, but once he's on, he loves looking out the window. I leave some toys on it and now he jumps on his chair whenever he wants. This morning, moments after letting him out of the crate, I found him watching his version of the saturday morning cartoons. The birds flying by, cars, squirrels, leaves dancing in the wind, walkers, and dogs all fascinate him. Good thing is, he doesn't bark at them.

The next step is probably getting him night vision goggles so he can watch his primetime tv shows =)

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 Niko's new bed (2nd one)

The lil pumpkin

Hiking adventure

Fall Drive & Apples

It's Niko's first fall season. With his thick fur, I believe he will enjoy the colder months.  We took a nice drive and saw some beautiful fall foliage. Niko helped pick apples, or rather, chew and chase apples...

Not trusting the GPS very much, Niko helped navigate our route....

Musical Ears

Niko hasn't shown interest in what's on the TV visually, but I noticed he is sensitive to certain noises. He will turn his head and both his ears would perk sideways when a dramatic soundtrack is on (like when a single violin is playing).  Last night I was watching a old school musical called "High Society" and Niko stopped whatever mischielf he was up to and directed his attention to the TV. He sat for the entire number watching and listening to the band (led by Louis Armstrong). It was the cutest thing ever. his ears would move sidways (almost 90 degrees) whenever Louis had a solo on the trombone. Niko tilts his head also like he's bobbing to the beat.  So, I discovered Niko likes the trombone and Louis Armstrong.

I didn't have a chance to capture it on video but this is what he looks like when he hears something and directs his focus to it:


As cool as it is that Niko shows he can discern musical sounds from other noises, I have to say he also has selective hearing. There are stubborn moments when I know he hears me but he just won't listen to my command. Here's a site I found about good and bad traits of Shiba Inus.
http://www.shibashake.com/shiba-inu/ss_shiba-inu-personality-good-bad-traits.html I agree with most of the good traits. Niko is still young to display all the bad traits. I have heard from several sources that Shibas can sing. I can't wait for that to happen!