Hind Area / Tail Itching
So I've got a strange question. My vet can't find anything wrong with Skippy, my 6 month old Shiba. He tries to nip (nicely, though) if we pet or rub his tail area near the base. If he's lying down and we pet his tail, he has a little cry. We don't think he's in pain, just not sure if this is normal for a Shiba. Any ideas? Is this a sign of allergies? If so, now what?
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Comments
Maybe Skippy is the same way.
I can say that its not uncommon for dogs to be sensitive in that area. Unless its someone you are very close with, you'd be pretty uncomfortable if someone kept touching your lower back above your butt too. Shibas are known to be overly dramatic about EVERYTHING. The nipping is undoubtedly a correction. He's telling you in dog language that he doesn't approve of being touched there. The crying it totally Shiba drama. If I lift my leg too close to Lucy she lets out a scream that the neighbors can sometimes hear.
There is some value for being able to touch him in those areas without getting a reaction. It mainly has to do with vet visits and your ability to make sure he's healthy outside the vet. But don't push it. He is communicating his discomfort to you clearly, and you don't want to violate his trust by ignoring it. Your best approach would probably be to associate yummy things with being touched on his lower back and tail. I would wait until he's calm and resting near you, and then offer some yummy treats like cheese while you gently touch him there. No reaction from him, he gets a treat. If he does react, respect his communication but also don't offer the treat. That will help to desensitize him to being touched there, while preserving trust because he controls the situation.
Hope that helps!
I think Skippy is just being a turd :P
Jesse
Anyways, thanks....my fears are lowered.
Jesse