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A black and tan Shiba Inu puppy leaps toward a round snowball in a snowy backyard with a red sled in the background. 8 / 20

Kuro Gave the Snowball Exactly One Second Before He Pounced

AI imageshiba inusnowballbackyard

Caught in a full pounce, the black and tan Shiba Inu puppy stretches both front paws toward a round snowball that has just rolled to a stop. His tail is curled high over his back, his ears are forward, and his eyes are locked on the target. The backyard around him is a happy jumble: a bright red sled leans against a pile of boxes, a blue bucket sits near the steps, and fresh snow covers everything.

Chasing games are classic puppy behavior, and they help young dogs practice coordination and burn energy. Shibas are agile and quick, with a strong prey drive, so a snowball is the perfect moving target. If you play with your pup outside, it's best to keep him in a fenced area or on a long line, since Shibas can be fast and sometimes selective about coming back when called.

Snowball play is mostly safe, but avoid letting a puppy eat large amounts of snow or chew hard packed ice, which can bother teeth and tummies. A bowl of fresh, lukewarm water after play is a better way to quench his thirst. Talk to your vet if you have questions about winter exercise for a young pup.

Let's say his name is Kuro. The snowball didn't see it coming, and honestly, neither did the sled.

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