A Shiba Puppy and a Pony Were Both Very Interested in the Hens
Two noses poke up to the fence, and four eyes are fixed on the same thing. The red Shiba Inu puppy sits with his ears alert and his foxy face turned toward the yard, while a cream pony with a long flaxen forelock stands right beside him, equally focused. Beyond the wire and boards, a handful of hens peck around by a blue bucket and a pair of rubber boots. It looks like the most interesting channel on television.
Shiba Inus are alert, independent dogs that were bred for hunting, so a flock of birds will interest them mightily. A strong fence is important, because a determined Shiba can be a clever escape artist. They also need early socialization and plenty of exercise. Ponies are curious animals and often enjoy watching what is going on around the farm. Watching other animals can be a form of enrichment for pets, but keep a safe barrier in place. Dogs and chickens often do not mix without careful training, and a stressed hen can be injured easily. Use a fence that is tall and sturdy, and supervise any contact. If you are bringing a dog to a farm, ask the owner about rules for safe visits.
The hens carry on as if nobody is watching. The two spectators, meanwhile, have not moved a muscle.
