My Demanding Child
Lately, Jake has a hard time leaving my side. He is beginning to insist that I join him outdoors if he is to go out at all.
I've got the sliding door open so he can go onto the screened porch, but the screen door is closed. He hears a dog bark and becomes excited and wants to investigate. I open the screen door and he tears off like a bull in a china shop.
That gives me time to go to the mailbox, but no, I can't get to the front door without hearing yelps of distress 'wait for me' 'don't leave me'. I have to listen all the way to the mailbox and back.
This disgression seems to have occurred after my gruesome discovery of the tunnel he was digging under the border fence forcing him back into the kitchen during work days.
This all suggests to me we have got to get out of his comfort zone this weekend, but it's gonna be hard. I've got 2 events scheduled tomorrow beginning at 11:00 ending at 9pm and another one on Sunday mid-day.
Verily I say unto you, no rest for the weary Shiba owner.
Comments
A kong that is stuffed with a mixture of yogurt and peanut butter and then frozen, goes a long way in keeping a shiba busy. So does a smoked knuckle bone from the butcher.
You just have to learn that walks are relaxing, and resting. At least that's what I tell meyself.
I don't believe it's separation anxiety as much as wanting to spend time with me after I've been away for 10 hours. He did not have to fight the traffic or be in a pressure cooker with type A procrastinating lawyers who need it yesterday. He didn't even have to stop for gas on the way home to spend $55 for a fillup, only to repeat this cycle over the next 5 days. He's not tired, he's waited patiently all day and now it should be his turn.
I'm gonna have to work with Jake and our walks. He's a puller so the walks have been straining and not as pleasant as they should be. He's got to be in the lead! On hikes, the lead hiker normally walks him or he pulls til he chokes. I need to get another harness that fits, but I am sure he would still want to take the lead. He's not the alpha, just a typical Shiba (I think!)
And, I'm the butcher's favorite customer. I usually get the uncooked knuckles, about 5 in a pack for $1.50. I always leave a frozen one in the kitchen when I leave so he has that, along with every toy existing in a dogs world.
Have you tried a gentle leader harness to try and stop some of the pulling?
I forget that premier also makes a toy called the buddy squirrel or something, from their busy buddy line. It functions just like a kong, but instead of being a red blob, is shaped like a squirrel.
I just returned from "Kong" shopping. It's in the freezer now. I also got a re-fill for his 'ever-lasting' toy. He likes it, even when the snack is gone.
Jake has too many toys to enjoy. Reminder to self: Limit access to number of toys.
I have a gentle lead but he rolled like an alligator with it. I will need to take the time for him to adjust. I did also pick up yet another harness, seemingly simplier to put on and we'll try that. He has a deep chest, but I think I got one that should he grow even deeper, I can adjust.
Ha, also picked up some info on training, expressing Jakes need for a small group because of selective hearing. I may or may not decide to go forward with that. I'd like to hear Dave's thoughts on that, and whether he believes we need it.
Totally limit the toys! I have only bones and virtually indestructible toys (hard rubber). We have a toy box that closes but a shiba nose HAS been known to open it.