You Mustn't Have Heard Me...

santuzza

... so I'll have to be louder! Arroooooo roo roo roo roo roo!

Tosca does not like it when I'm on the computer. I've been trying to involve her more in the experience by holding her on my lap and fussing over her. While that's happening she's fine, but once she's off my lap again the vocalizing starts. I know that you're supposed to ignore the barking because you shouldn't reward bad behavior and that's what I do, but I don't think I'm getting the desired result - she stops barking and starts howling, running round the room, and throwing toys. I tried crating her once - bad idea. It only made her more upset. I don't like crating her unless it's absolutely neccessary anyway. She isn't as freaked out my it as she used to be, but it definately is not on her list of favorite things to do. I also tried throwing her a treat when she stayed quiet, but then she wouldn't leave me be and got loud again because now she'd been lured over to me and I was ingoring her. I would be bothered by her hatred of my computer time, but there's a possible imployment opportunity I've been alerted to and it would require some researching time on a regular basis and that's not too easy with a shiba on your lap.I'm considering making her a comfortable place on the corner of my sofa, but I'm not sure how that will go over, her Ladyship is very particular about her napping places. This and the foul weather pottying are our only training issues right now and they both seem rather minor.

kekti

lol sounds like she has seperation anxiety, though I know what your talking about, if roxy isn't being distracted by someone or something else and I'm on the computer she'll come up to me and instead of being vocal she's nip at me then bark and if I keep ignoring her she'll jump up on my leg and grab my arm in her mouth and start pulling on it....while funny at times it can  be annoying so I know what you going through, what are you living arangmnts like? appt or house, if you have a house do you have a fenced in back yard or a run or somethng you could put her in? we have a 30ft lead that we put her on to go outside with cause we don't have a fence yet. so try that, or try just throwing a ball or something and when she comes back just throw it agian doesn't have to be hard or anything just enough to get her away for a min.

StaticNfuzz

You are going to have to practice some tough love (LOL). No coddling her while you work. I suggest multiple items such as buster cubes or some filled dice from planet dog and kongs and chews. She will have to learn to amuse herself and adjust on your terms otherwise you will set her up for more separation issues down the road. Reward her with pats when she chews on the items you give her and not when she pokes you under the arm or your leg etc etc. Shibas will do just about anything to get attention once they know what will make you give in.

Snf

dlroberts

Do you have a laptop?

I know this is probably horrible in terms of posture, but I have a reclining chair in my office that I frequently will sit in with my laptop. Lucy and I have a little routine when it comes to that. Once I recline and settle in, Lucy will approach the foot of my chair and sit. I look at her, pause for a second, then I tap the arm of the chair and she hops up. She walks up so her front paws are on the arm of the chair and her rear paws are down by my legs. I'll pet her for a minute or two and when I stop, she curls up either next to or between my legs and will sit there as long as I'm using the computer (sometimes for hours).

Alternatively, when I use my laptop on the couch downstairs, Lucy will curl up on the couch next to me so I can periodically pet her for a few seconds when I'm between thoughts.

Could you try something similar with Tosca? Just a thought.

tsukitsune

I'm a grad student with a one class load (teaching) per semester. I have a lot of computer time required of me each semester. Luckily during the week I can use my office on campus, but sometimes on weekends or nights when I have extra work to do, I have to bring it home. Usually the dogs amuse themselves (one of the benefits of 2 shibas) but more often Tsuki will get bored and come sit by my leg for attention, or Kitsune will 'rub up' like a cat on my leg for attention.
We keep an arsenal of chews (bully sticks, jerky, etc) so I can give Tsuki one by my foot and she'll chew and be happy. Occasionally we'll have to whip out the big boys like a kong with frozen cottage cheese or something.
Other times, like Dave, I'll just let Tsuki up (kitsu won't) to lay on my legs while I work.
Also, before I do my work, the dogs eat and walk - then after they get a long play session.

But for now, until she can control herself, work on what Patrice suggested since Tosca's tactics annoys you - you can teach her that she will get affection and attention on your terms if thats what you desire.