Training a Kishu Ken to walk nicely on a leash can be a challenge, even for those who are experienced with dogs, experienced with primitive dogs, and experienced with Kishu Ken specifically. They are always hunting, which makes convincing a Kishu Ken to focus on their handler while walking something of a challenge. I struggle with it, too, even though we take daily long walks (each of my dogs get about 1 hour of paw-to-pavement exercise a day, minimum). 

It's become more and more difficult to manage multiple dogs on walks for me, due to my own handicaps, but training tools make it possible for me to get more dogs out at a time and feel I am safe, and my dogs are safe. 

Today, I utilized head collars on my daily walk through downtown Oregon City, which got a comment from what I imagine was someone who meant no harm, criticizing me for using gentle leaders on "such small dogs."

I can admit that maybe it looks a bit silly to an outsider who doesn't know that I sometimes have hand tremors and weakness that can make controlling two strong, fit, medium-sized dogs who may experience a novel distraction (like a rude, charging dog) difficult, but I'm not sure the boys minded their walk with extra head gear, so... as they say... ​whatever.

Akiyama no Roushya Kokuchou go, call name "Fionnuala", is looking for a co-owner! Fionnuala is my pick puppy from the Cúchulainn x Nami litter. She is a black sesame female born 7/9/2017 that I am open to placing on co-ownership. 

As part of this co-ownership, I will expect Fionnuala to eventually become part of our preservation program here in the USA. Her pedigree with NIPPO will remain in my name for this purpose.

My ideal home for Fionnuala is someone with few other dogs-- either a male dog with a complimentary personality or no other dogs. Fionnuala is untested with cats or small animals, but has a high prey drive. She can be somewhat possessive of novel objects toward other dogs, but has gotten along well with my 3 male dogs in-house with no scuffles. She was, however, returned to me after her initial placement at 8 weeks for inter-household dog aggression at 8 months old. 

Fionnuala would do well with an active person. She still barks sometimes at children, but is not aggressive. I would consider her to a family with children if that family could meet her first, and meet with me. She is a very clever and quick little dog who has an immense desire to please that sets her apart from my other Kishu. I think a dedicated owner looking for a dog to train up for sports, who understands Japanese, primitive, or other high-drive, high-intensity breeds would find a happy companion in Fionnuala.

If you are interested in Fionnuala or would like to know more about her, please comment here, contact me via email (my email response rate can be very slow!), or contact me through my kennel page on Facebook.

Hello all! It's been a while since I've updated. I'm currently experiencing a delay in responding to emails and processing puppy applications due to my situation at home. 

If it has been a while and you have not heard from me, please try connecting with me via my Facebook page and mention that you have filled out an application or already sent an email.

I apologize for the inconvenience - but it tends to be easier to be responsive on Facebook than any other medium.