Just a few questions about Shiba's
First of all, thank you all for being so welcoming 
I've done quite a bit of reading online and just had a few questions left.
1.) Gender, most articles lead me to believe that females are friendly with other dogs and people, as well as smaller, getting only around 20 lbs full grown, while males are a bit larger and can be a bit more stand-offish when meeting new people.
2.)If the Shiba is socialized early with other dogs, is it safe to say that it will have little to no issues living with other dogs?
3.)Breeders, are there any great ones that you have had experience with that you would suggest? I'm going to start contacting breeders today to see what they might have available early next summer.
4.) Shiba's are often described as being unlike any other dog, and being very independent. What are some personal examples some of you might be able to give that show that the Shiba is certainly it's own dog.
A bit more background on the living situation and why I'd like to get it in May. I'll be graduating college and be home for the summer, roughly four months. During that time I'll be working part time, 15-20 hours a week. I'd love to have the dog then because I'd have a great deal of time working with it, training it, and building an early bond with it. At my house, like I mentioned in my intro, I have 2 playful cockapoos that I would work with getting the Shiba used to socializing with.
Come August, I'm coming back to where I live now (Indiana PA) and beginning my masters. I'll be out of the home at class around 10-14 hours a week, so I'll still have a great amount of time to work with training the pup. When I come back This fall I will be moving in with two friends, one of which has a cocker spaniel, which I already know is GREAT with other dogs, big and small. My concern is that maybe the Shiba isn't right for that type of living environment, being brought to live with a new dog. Maybe I should wait until I'm at the apartment to get a pup? I have also talked with both roommates about what Shiba's can be like, and provided some of the articles I found online and they are both ready and willing to help train and care for the animal.
And I've read these dogs are great apartment dogs, and my place will be huge. Plenty of roaming and play space, and the woods I walk in everyday are ten minutes from where we live so the dog will be getting plenty of exercise with me. (Just hope I can hold on to that leash when he takes off!)
I'm just nervous I suppose. (really nervous lol) That I can provide everything that the dog needs. (is this how expected parents feel?) I guess that means I'm looking at things the right way. I'd also like to add that though I'm young, I understand I'm making a 10-15 year commitment by getting an animal. I have seen so many beautiful dogs dropped off at humane society because their owners could no longer care for them, or could no longer have a pet due to housing. This dog will be my best friend, and I hope I am his as well. There is no question this animal will be surrounded by love and care.
To anyone that read my giant wall of text, thank you
I've done quite a bit of reading online and just had a few questions left.1.) Gender, most articles lead me to believe that females are friendly with other dogs and people, as well as smaller, getting only around 20 lbs full grown, while males are a bit larger and can be a bit more stand-offish when meeting new people.
2.)If the Shiba is socialized early with other dogs, is it safe to say that it will have little to no issues living with other dogs?
3.)Breeders, are there any great ones that you have had experience with that you would suggest? I'm going to start contacting breeders today to see what they might have available early next summer.
4.) Shiba's are often described as being unlike any other dog, and being very independent. What are some personal examples some of you might be able to give that show that the Shiba is certainly it's own dog.
A bit more background on the living situation and why I'd like to get it in May. I'll be graduating college and be home for the summer, roughly four months. During that time I'll be working part time, 15-20 hours a week. I'd love to have the dog then because I'd have a great deal of time working with it, training it, and building an early bond with it. At my house, like I mentioned in my intro, I have 2 playful cockapoos that I would work with getting the Shiba used to socializing with.
Come August, I'm coming back to where I live now (Indiana PA) and beginning my masters. I'll be out of the home at class around 10-14 hours a week, so I'll still have a great amount of time to work with training the pup. When I come back This fall I will be moving in with two friends, one of which has a cocker spaniel, which I already know is GREAT with other dogs, big and small. My concern is that maybe the Shiba isn't right for that type of living environment, being brought to live with a new dog. Maybe I should wait until I'm at the apartment to get a pup? I have also talked with both roommates about what Shiba's can be like, and provided some of the articles I found online and they are both ready and willing to help train and care for the animal.
And I've read these dogs are great apartment dogs, and my place will be huge. Plenty of roaming and play space, and the woods I walk in everyday are ten minutes from where we live so the dog will be getting plenty of exercise with me. (Just hope I can hold on to that leash when he takes off!)
I'm just nervous I suppose. (really nervous lol) That I can provide everything that the dog needs. (is this how expected parents feel?) I guess that means I'm looking at things the right way. I'd also like to add that though I'm young, I understand I'm making a 10-15 year commitment by getting an animal. I have seen so many beautiful dogs dropped off at humane society because their owners could no longer care for them, or could no longer have a pet due to housing. This dog will be my best friend, and I hope I am his as well. There is no question this animal will be surrounded by love and care.
To anyone that read my giant wall of text, thank you
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
I have a 1 year old Male and a 4 month old Female.
Early socialization is KEY! These dogs can be skittish and reactive if not socialized properly. Both my furkids have been around people, dogs, puppies, cats, the beach, the bus, the subway etc. Neither of them are afraid of dogs or people and are both VERY friendly. Sake who is the baby is still learning so she can be a bit scared at first but warms up to situations nicely. Both my dogs have NO problems when another dog approaches them or enters "their" territory. It's all play to them. Neither has ever become snarky or reactive and I chalk this up to my major socialization efforts.
Miso my male is small - 20lbs. Sake my female is 11lbs at 5mos. I think she is going to be bigger than Miso! You really have to look at the parents to see a rough estimate of pup's size.
Miso is a puppy mill/pet store pup and Sake came from a crappy BYB. This forum has taught me SO much of what I did wrong when choosing my pups. PLEASE read the info here, it's priceless!
We currently live in a 1bd apartment with a small fenced yard. As long as they get PLENTY of exercise they are okay in a small space. But beware, they get bored easy and when that happens...WATCH OUT, distruction time.
Shiba's are very independant, strong willed, stubborn and a little crazy at times, but it's this personality that makes us love them so damn much. Each Shiba is different, yet they all hold some similar characteristics. There is so much great knowledge on this forum about the shibas, read all the posts and you will see. Crazy little dogs who will make you their slave, and you will thank them for the rest of their lives for it!
o2. You must socialize these dogs an unbelievable amount. Puppy classes &/or Obedience classes regularly will be key to developing a well-rounded pup. The pup must meet tons & tons of other dogs to be socialized properly [ not just one or two or even ten ] So yes, if there is heavy socialization at a young age, a shiba is fine living with other dogs.
o3. I've not bought a shiba from any breeders, but I have contacted a few. These are things that will tell you a breeder is "bad" right off the bat; Having too many puppies a year, Breeding Cream Shibas, Breeding "Mini" Shibas, Breedings shibas that are too big or too small, Breeding more than two or three different breeds, Breeding "mixes" of shibas or creating "mixed" shibas, Not be willing to answer your questions & not being patient with, only concerned with getting your money, and not allowing you to see their facilities. Also, try to make sure they test their sires & dams for genetic disorders & ask to see the results. Don't be afraid to ask the Breeder a TON of questions.
o4. No personal experiences here, so I'll leave this to the other forum members. Expect them to be clean, indipendant but loving, and requiring a lot of patience. Read the threads in the "Shiba" category on this forum to get a better idea.
Age has little do with it, so long as you are committed. Living space has little to do with it, so long as the dog is exercised regularly [ I'd say walked at least for an hour & a half a day, these guys are working dogs, and as Kristin said, if they are not heavily exercised physically & mentally they will get bored & destructive ] I don't know if it would be good though to get a puppy, have him / her get settled, only to move again in a few months. I'm not saying you can't do it, just be aware your pup might have difficulty adapting. [ or they might not, depends on the pup ]
Hope that was helpful
2.) yes, but you have to do your work too with socialization throughout their lives and structured intros and routines.
3.) I haven't worked with any breeders specifically. You can get great breeder references from Shiba Rescues. They want to see you support reputable breeding as much as they want you to support rescue. I have a 'do not use' breeder list though who've earned it with the criteria Osy mentioned above.
4.) I just adopted a female shiba out to a woman who had very little experience with spitz/primitive type dogs. She said it is incredible the intelligence that this dog has. She really keeps her on her toes, she says its a lot like working with horses, you have to respect them as intelligent beings or they want nothing to do with you. Shibas are a lot like that, you have to earn their respect while creating a structured existence for them. I hate calling myself the 'pack leader' because really in my multi-shiba home, its more of a partnership, a give and take, than who is or isn't alpha. They are dogs, but they are almost like equals in some ways (That makes me a crazy dog lady, doesn't it?
Shibas are great apartment dogs, but they need to be sufficiently exercised and stimulated (outdoors, playtime, get their brains going) daily or they become destructive. That part of shibas websites that say "they will find a way to occupy themselves" - thats what this means. Your shoes will feel the wrath of shiba boredom! Mine reminded me recently that sleeping in is not an option by chewing a handful of books. Fun stuff.
I think your situation lends itself to a level of uncertainty, but if you can make the dog a priority and really give it a socially structured and obedience driven first year, you'll be off to a great start.
Tendo....I know you are mostly familiar with the poodlies.....Make sure you know that most Shibas will not be cuddly and as dedicated to your needs as the poodle family. The Spitzies can be self-serving, meaning they will leave you out in the cold if they have another agenda or just do not feel like being held or petted. They can be all or nothing....all are different and no two Shibas are alike.
1.) Gender, most articles lead me to believe that females are friendly with other dogs and people, as well as smaller, getting only around 20 lbs full grown, while males are a bit larger and can be a bit more stand-offish when meeting new people.
A1: each dog is its own being ….females are not necessarily friendlier…It is about socialization and genetics. Same goes with size there are so many variations depending on the source.
2.)If the Shiba is socialized early with other dogs, is it safe to say that it will have little to no issues living with other dogs?
A2: It never is certain, dogs may get along well with dogs they live with and not like the dogs next door or new pets in their space. Again ongoing socialization is important. As adults many Shibas get more picky about the friends they choose.
3. Breeders, are there any great ones that you have had experience with that you would suggest? I'm going to start contacting breeders today to see what they might have available early next summer.
A3: Look up how to find a good breeder on this forum. There are far more crappy ones than good ones. Select carefully.
4.) Shiba's are often described as being unlike any other dog, and being very independent. What are some personal examples some of you might be able to give that show that the Shiba is certainly it's own dog.
A4. Shibas have to have a reason and be given a motivator to change their agenda. They can have a one track mind, determination and focus that supreme if it entails something the like to do. I have one that loves to hunt voles, moles chipmunks you name it. The other night I let her out for the last evening pee and its 1 am. My Shiba decided she did not want to come in because there was something lurking under the siding. After some stealth work she pulled a small rodent out and in its last act of defiance it bit her on the nose hanging on for dear life, all the while my dog is screaming like a banchee waking half the neighborhood. My girl shook the rodent loose and then proceeded to try and gulp it down ….no matter of convincing was going to sway her determination after a hard won fight. I am glad no one called the police and she seems no worse for wear with exception of parasites, that the vermin may be carrying. All other dogs in the house were then very excited and so it took a great deal to settle everyone for the night. Expect the unexpected and at the least convenient moment!
5. A bit more background on the living situation and why I'd like to get it in May. I'll be graduating college and be home for the summer, roughly four months. During that time I'll be working part time, 15-20 hours a week. I'd love to have the dog then because I'd have a great deal of time working with it, training it, and building an early bond with it. At my house, like I mentioned in my intro, I have 2 playful cockapoos that I would work with getting the Shiba used to socializing with.
A5. Although you socialize a Shiba pup with your own dogs from your parents or own house hold, you can not make the assumption your shiba will be accepting of all others, there isn’t a guarantee . Some dogs they will like, others they will not. Shibas tend to choose their friends by some unwritten rules that we humans will probably never fathom. On going socialization is important so that they will choose more friends from a given selection pool that you provide them. Expect to be a slave in that regard.
6. Come August, I'm coming back to where I live now (Indiana PA) and beginning my masters. I'll be out of the home at class around 10-14 hours a week, so I'll still have a great amount of time to work with training the pup. When I come back This fall I will be moving in with two friends, one of which has a cocker spaniel, which I already know is GREAT with other dogs, big and small. My concern is that maybe the Shiba isn't right for that type of living environment, being brought to live with a new dog. Maybe I should wait until I'm at the apartment to get a pup? I have also talked with both roommates about what Shiba's can be like, and provided some of the articles I found online and they are both ready and willing to help train and care for the animal.
A6:
Ok so the best laid plans are just assumptions until you get into your classes, new living situation etc etc. Yes, your friends may be up with helping and their cocker may appear great until it meets your Shiba and then all hell breaks loose. It takes A LOT of work dealing with a puppy and tons of patience dealing with roommates who may not see raising a puppy in the same way you do. Puppy/child rearing causes more differences than one can image even in close- knit families. Also, count your free time wisely. A masters program is draining, it goes way beyond 10 to 14 hrs per week in work. Without the help of my husband I would go bonkers in dealing with a puppy. Shibas remain puppies for a long time say 18 months or more. When bored they are destructive and clever enough to figure out how to pluck your last nerve.
7. And I've read these dogs are great apartment dogs, and my place will be huge. Plenty of roaming and play space, and the woods I walk in everyday are ten minutes from where we live so the dog will be getting plenty of exercise with me. (Just hope I can hold on to that leash when he takes off!)
A7: Size of the place is not the issue it is the energy level of the dog and your personal dedication to expending it and training with other obligations that suck your time away from fun canine play time. Personally I would wait until further down the road. In the mean time find out as much as you can vicariously through the forum and meeting others who have the breed.
Snf
http://www.nihonken.org/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2643&page=1#Item_100
-Joe
Also if he is socialized he may be accepting to the spaniel...but like another member said, you never know with a shiba, They will decide on their own if they like their new “roommate” or not. I will mention this, I have read (and experienced) one trait that seems to hold true for shibas..The females seem to be more dominant than the males. In fact, when we went to get our pup it was suggested to get another male, because the females could fight for position in the house..shiba males seem not to care as much.
But in the end we love our Shibas, they are great dogs, they have plenty of perks and distinct traits that keep us on our toes, but you have to be patient with them and understand they are unique, each and every one of them.
4) The independent thing. I was expecting them to be much more independent then Remy is and I think this is more relative to something like a lab/golden. Remy follows us around the apartment all the time and loves laying near us. Though he's not a lap dog, when we actually let him up on the 'sacred couch', he is a snuggle fiend!!
Please just allow me to add, I don't think I could ever have a dog as a single person without hiring a dog walker and doggie daycare. I literally quit my job to devote more time to my dogs. To be completely honest, I would probably hold off on adding a puppy to your life until you are established in a career. I was just talking with a behaviorist friend of mine and we both agreed that the main difference between puppies and babies is babies eventually learn to talk...
The big thing to consider when making the decision to get a puppy as a student is cost. Aside from the obvious costs like paying for the puppy itself, the food, crate, bed, toys, bowls, treats, leashes, collars, etc., there are usually a lot of hidden costs. Routine veterinary care for your puppy can run you ~$500 or more in the first year if your puppy is perfectly healthy. If you have a dog like my Lucy with medical problems you can multiply that amount by 10 or more. I'm very lucky to have had some savings and VERY generous parents that gave me a loan when Lucy needed a $3,000 knee surgery.
That being said, I'm a graduate student and I have two puppies (well, I guess Lucy is technically a dog now that she turned 2). So it can be done if you plan accordingly and are willing to make sacrifices. I'm not trying to persuade you not to get a dog (that would be hypocritical of me), but I do want to paint an honest picture of what I go through.
http://www.nihonken.org/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2635&page=1#Item_16
I graduated college a couple years ago and I knew I couldn't handle a puppy even though I'm (still) at home, so I got an adult rescue. I'm not exactly the most mature, organized individual and my career choice is far from normal, but I too had meticulously well-laid plans in which everything was seemingly accounted for. My biggest piece of advice - have a "Plan B" both financially and otherwise (a back-up dog sitter person ect...) and never become complacent.