Our current Zen Puppy Kindergarten class is an incredibly bright and energetic pack of puppies and from the group we wanted to feature little Mugi, an Icelandic Sheepdog. Mugi is our first Icelandic Sheepdog and we are smitten by his bold, sassy character and outstanding temperament. Besides, he is as cute as a button. The first time he entered the classroom, Mugi owned the building.
Born December 13th, Mugi comes from Cowichan Icelandic Kennel on Vancouver Island. According to Mugi’s people, the breeders are an inspiration because of their passion and knowledge for the breed and their desire to learn.
Icelandics are only one of about 50 of the northern breeds referred to as spitzes. They are known for their highly social nature and tolerance of children. As a working breed that has a talent for herding/driving livestock they have a reputation for using their voice and are highly intelligent.
Mugi pretty much loves all food (especially chicken hearts and cod skin chews), making him very easy to train. His challenge is his social nature and the excitement that comes when he gets the opportunity to interact with other puppies or people in the class. Part of our curriculum includes Susan Garrett’s “It’s Yer Choice” concepts for impulse control and it is one of Mugi’s favourite exercises. Working on simply staying put is a high priority for Mugi! Being social is such a good problem to have.
Mugi’s people are aiming for the Canine Good Neighbour certification for their puppy (link: https://www.ckc.ca/en/Raising-My-Dog/Responsible-Ownership/Canine-Good-Neighbour-Program ) and starting off with a good socialization class puts Mugi on the right training track.
Mugi’s extra curricular activities include escaping his exercise pen by using his double dew claws to scale the panels. When he is finished being a busy puppy, he loves to curl up and fall asleep against his humans.
We look forward to more adventures from Mugi – and are sure there are many to come! He is a delightful little dog.
