I did not get to meet Rudi until he stepped off the plane in El Paso, TX. He was 9-weeks-old when he arrived. When we were looking into Shiba's, which started several months prior to meeting our choice of Breeders, it was the Breeder we were most concerned with at the time. We inquired with quite a few, but Janice at Shiba's-R-Us in Tennessee was the person that stood out. Her emphasis, after interviewing us extensively on our dog history and breed understanding, was that her pups were handled daily by her family (which included small children). The pups were born inside amongst the smells and noises of a "real" family. This was so important to us. Those initial moments are so crucial and can be the difference of a lifetime of trust.
As for conformity in a small baby I am not sure what anyone here is referring to. All puppies are the most beautiful babies, regardless of breed, and the truth behind the adult physical attributes lie in the parents. However, even with our pups, their Grandparents and Great-Grandparents factor in. I was able to see both of Rudi's parent's pedigrees. Rudi's Dad is such a handsome boy; his mother who is no longer in the breeding program was quite stunning herself.
With all that was said I aggree with the disposition of a pup as being very important; but remember that disposition is a growth in itself too. Rudi has gone through so many personal challenges from all my other critters to even the monster tractors that run past my front door (I live on a working farm). He had a shell bigger than a walnut at first. I didn't even attempt to bring him into the "mainstream" of other dogs or people until he was 10 months old. I just did not feel he was ready. My vet scolded me for his behavior when he was 12-weeks-old and I had to take this with a grain of salt. She just did not understand him like I did. She just did not understand me. I think I worked intuitively with Rudi, but again, my intentions are not to have him for showing or breeding. My intentions are not to make him the best for the rest of the world, he is best for me and my personality and he really shines. His behavior in public is astounding. He has never behaved badly to other animals or dogs, and those moments that are confusing for him are treated by me with his concern in mind. I admire him ever day. My only real intention is that I will be in my 60's when he passes away (20 years to go).
I guess by now I am rambling, and the only thing I can say is that if you trust yourself in your choices you will make the right one and will never face disappointment. And, even if you place conditions on what it is you expect from a puppy, you might be surprised that in the end, regardless, your Baby will be the Champion of the Heart and no one can ever compete against that.
Wishing you luck in your search. Don't let the stage lights blind you; all of them are worthy of your Love!
There is some really great advice in here! I am glad my comment had some use Osy, cause after I read it, I realized I really didn't do the best job answering your actual question!!
Osy, I had the pick of the litter when we brought Nola into our family. And while I say 'we' had the pick of the 'litter', I really mean that the LITTER had the pick of US. Since we lived so far away from the breeder, we were only able to meet the breeder and the pups for the first time when they were 6 weeks old. Which I guess is a good thing, because their personalities were really coming out. We got to spend a good hour with the pups and another couple of hours with the breeder. Nola had the best personality (for us) out of the litter of 4 and won our hearts after about 10 minutes! The breeder also felt it was a great match. So we made arrangements to come back and pick her up in two weeks. It was a great experience. And while Nola was the only pup in the litter that did not meet colour standards, I felt we made the best choice. And now we are one furry happy family!
When the time comes, you (or you breeder, if you choose one who is too far away to visit) will make the right decision. And as for not know what type of doggie personality you will fit with best, that too will come in time. Spend some time at a dog park getting to know some of the many different personalities there. One particular type will probably catch your heart more than the others. If it still fails to come to you, you will probably fit best with a middle personality. One that is confident, yet slightly reserved.
I didn't pick Kuma. There were only two males in that litter and another person had the pick. Kuma came me after the Shibas Silvia had there came wanting my attention. He came and gave me a good smellin' :-), his brother was much more skittish and took his sweet time before even coming close. Kuma had me at first look, pretty much.
With Nyx, when we went to get her form the rescue, me and Nat told each other "I don't want to choose one of them, the first one to come out comes with us". Nyx was hanging onto the metal door of their space, and the rest is history ;-P Terrorist right from the start.
When we went to Castro Laboreiro and met a litter of 5 week old puppies, there was one of them that came straight to me and didn't let go of my side for the rest of the time we were there. It took a great deal of will power not to bring him home. Will power and the thought it was too early to take the little man form his mom. I'm sure that pup would have been a very loyal friend.
I would have to say if your goal is conformation you should go meet the dogs and meet the breeder in person. You will really have to make sure you are fully dedicated in many ways if you take on a show or breeding prospect. Brad has some good points on the selection process in that case.
Otherwise, I would take Jessica's suggestion and go with what works when meeting the dogs and let the dog pick you. In most cases the breeder will be able to help narrow that selection for you.
Don't rush into things because puppies are tugging at your heartstrings....You are getting educated first and in the duration maybe you could get involved with a breed club, or as I have mentioned on another discussion, be a puppy raiser or mentor even if you can't have a dog right now. Guiding eyes and delta pet partners are always looking for people to help .....It will only prep you for getting a Nihon later.
great advice! can we have more information or tips on how to judge the puppy's personality? info on how the traits observed as a pup translates to their temperament when they grow up. some info on how to determine how they will look when they mature would be great as well! color patterns and how their faces change. kind of like a guide to help in choosing the pup.
I got the pick of the litter when I bought my siberian in '89 - I chose the runt of the litter. He sat back while the other puppies mobbed me. Once they were done, he very calmly walked over to me, propped his little head on my lap, and then sank to the ground, all the while staring at my face. I was done for - it was a perfect match - he was the best of the litter of that breeding pair.
I would HOPE that I'd leave the scared puppy and the dominant puppy and go for the one who seemed calm but inquisitive and attentive, but I am not sure I'd make the right decision.
The older sheltie we used to have in our family, came from an A-class breeder. What he did was really great, he brought out ALL the puppies so we could play with them, but he had one picked out for us the whole time and was like "and this is your dog here." Turned out to be a really great dog. Confident, calm, friendly, really had a heroic and princely air to him. Basically, among his litter, there was a very dominant female, and he was apparently her favorite.
The younger of the shelties we used to have, the breeder was not so reputable, and I picked him out because he was boucing all over the place like a little hellstorm. He was a terrific dog and was really trainable, but he had a tendancy to constantly harass the older dog and the older guy just never seemed as happy. He also had a bunch of health problems and died too young; I take this as a lesson to be careful about choosing a breeder.
in photos that we have of both dogs, the younger one is always front and center, facing directly at the camera, and the older one is always slightly behind him, turned slightly away from the camera.
I'm hoping to get a dog that is relatively calm, confident, and inquisitive, but I think I'd rather the breeder pick for me.
Miisan has the dogs for 3 months and will pick the dog best for you, your home and your family. Niko was the only one in the litter and we got her because we had put a deposit down first. Of course we now know this breeder SUX but we truly lucked out with Niko. She fits us perfectly.
A friend gave me this book to read, and I'm finally getting around to it - Edgar Sawtelle is the book. They breed dogs and keep them for over a year to train them and get to know them for permanent placement. Wouldn't it be great if breeders did that? Puppies can be overrated, and you'd be getting an adult dog, already adjusted and trained.
Again, that perfect world.. the book is pretty good though.
More power to you Osy... I don't know if I would do it again - Tsuki was rough! I said goodbye to a lot of things and hello to a lot of other things, it wasn't easy! But I know how vital that time is, and I know I could do it because Tsuki is one of the most well adjusted dogs I've ever known, so I would probably do it again for the right reasons...
It's weird and cliche, but I will say it any way. When you meet the right dog, everything will click and you will know which dog is for you. If it doesn't click than don't rush it. I am glad my breeder allowed me the pick of 2 older boys, I preferred the other man shiba over Ike initially given that he was mellow and leaned into me for loves and Ike was a butt and was too busy enjoying his freedom in the shiba yard to allow himself to be brought to meet me. However, the second time we met it was just him and me and his breeder.
Checking for personality-I had three main things I was looking for: focus, prey drive, sweetness.
I said his name, he came right over to me and heeled perfectly next to me eyes glued to me, he brought me toys for fetch game and was gentle about sharing them, and he gave me his tummy and allowed me to handle him all over. Done deal, amazing dog.
Unless you know exactly what you are looking for, it may be hard to find "your" puppy without the guidance of an experienced breeder. They know their pups. However, if it isn't a potential show litter, and assuming they are healthy, as Brad said, look for the medium tempered pup that is most stable-not too shy, and not too bold.
What "sums" it up is basically, which puppy will best suit you.
- What DO YOU want in your puppy? - How dependent and how independent? - Is this puppy going to be mainly a house pet or used for working? <--- what are you going to do with the dog? - How much time are you going to spend with said puppy? - How often will you exercise? - How is the puppy going to be kept? Crated, Kenneled, Loose? - Mainly Indoors or Outdoors? Or have access to both?
Honestly, to me "pick of the litter" doesn't really have much meaning. Cause everybody has their own ideas of what "their" pick would be. "My" pick of the litter probably wouldn't be everybody's type of dog:
I like the puppy with insane drive, super mouthy, good bite/grip, confident and a bit pushy and who always jumps up to greet you (more independent). While another might like the puppy who is a bit more cautious, less mouthy, some drive but not super crazy, confident but not pushy, one who sniffs and maybe sits by your side to rub up against your leg when greeting you (more dependent but not clingy). And yet another might prefer the puppy that shys away, is a bit insecure, needs constant attention and coddling (constantly wanting to be held or hugged for comfort), lacking in drive (sits around the house and doesn't do much), not at all mouthy and creeps up to you, licks your face, is generally excited but "careful" with greeting (clingy - extremely needy!).
Every puppy in the litter can be "pick" depending upon who is choosing this pup. Innitially "Breeder's pick" is a puppy the breeder is striving to produce. The breeder hopefully gets what she or he wants and then the rest of the litter is suited for other people's needs in a dog -smiles-. All bred to a generalize standard and for a purpose, yet there will be enough variety and personalities for the world. As no individual is exactly the same.
What "sums" it up is basically, which puppy will best suit you.
- What DO YOU want in your puppy? - How dependent and how independent? - Is this puppy going to be mainly a house pet or used for working? <--- what are you going to do with the dog? - How much time are you going to spend with said puppy? - How often will you exercise? - How is the puppy going to be kept? Crated, Kenneled, Loose? - Mainly Indoors or Outdoors? Or have access to both?
Honestly, to me "pick of the litter" doesn't really have much meaning. Cause everybody has their own ideas of what "their" pick would be. "My" pick of the litter probably wouldn't be everybody's type of dog:
I like the puppy with insane drive, super mouthy, good bite/grip, confident and a bit pushy and who always jumps up to greet you (more independent). While another might like the puppy who is a bit more cautious, less mouthy, some drive but not super crazy, confident but not pushy, one who sniffs and maybe sits by your side to rub up against your leg when greeting you (more dependent but not clingy). And yet another might prefer the puppy that shys away, is a bit insecure, needs constant attention and coddling (constantly wanting to be held or hugged for comfort), lacking in drive (sits around the house and doesn't do much), not at all mouthy and creeps up to you, licks your face, is generally excited but "careful" with greeting (clingy - extremely needy!).
Every puppy in the litter can be "pick" depending upon who is choosing this pup. Innitially "Breeder's pick" is a puppy the breeder is striving to produce. The breeder hopefully gets what she or he wants and then the rest of the litter is suited for other people's needs in a dog -smiles-. All bred to a generalize standard and for a purpose, yet there will be enough variety and personalities for the world. As no individual is exactly the same.
I guess...I really want a hiking companion...a pup I can take with me on a 15 mile hike and that will be be happy all along the way, that I can take running with me every day [ about 2 miles three times a day ] and who will also be happy to do that. I'd also like a camping companion when the time comes. At the same time, I'd love to do obedience & agility with him, and a pup that will have the energy to play, not just sit around doing nothing for most of the day. Probably a mostly indoor pup, unless we're doing out door activities like walking / running, hiking, or romping, but most of the places I might be moving into will have small fenced-in yard or these huge balconies / florida rooms so we may spend time outside more than I imagine. [ I love being outside ] The pup would be mostly free-roam when in my presence and crated when I'm not there. Once he's old enough to be trusted though, I'd love to have him free roam so he's not confined. [ depending on where I move, he may get a room all to himself anyway ]
Looking back...I'm thinking of the two shibas I met at the Dog show. The son was super playful and just full of energy, while the father was more reserved & laid back...if I was told to pick one I'd probably pick the more energetic son. I think I want a pup who is confident, but not so independent that he could care less if I was there...if that makes sense.
Ok, That was REALLY hard. It took me like...twenty minutes to type up. I guess I really just want a pup that I can, you know...DO stuff with lol I don't want a lazy pup, or a pup that's like a cat. [ nothing against cats, they're just not dogs ]
I feel bad, like I'm expecting so much from this pup already & he's not even been conceived yet -_-
Thanks Corina. I guess when the time comes I'll just have to let Katja know what exactly I'm looking for then wait til my pup is born, even if it takes a while. I hope, like everyone says, it'll just...click! ~
I like your motivations behind wanting a pup. Most folks get an energy ball and try their best to turn it into a couch potato like themselves.
I like taking Rudi out for walks/hikes/and drives, but if I dare try jogging just a bit he turns into a spinning "jump on dad" monster. At first he begins to pick up the pace looking back at me, but then he thinks I am chasing him and he begins to spin like a top and then go crazy on me. It makes me laugh so hard and it takes all my might to keep from just having belly crunches. After about five minutes, forget it, I have to stop and calm him down and convince him that we will just briskly walk without me trying to "get him". LOL
My only take on all of this is that once you begin a routine a Shiba is a stickler for protocol. Oh man, try to squelch them on one walk past the normal walk time and you have a pup that is just devastated. So now that the weather is changing and his first walk begins before the sun rises, they are filled with crunchy frozen leaves and body extremities that are wondering why we couldn't just have that first cup of coffee and just turn on the tv weather instead. BRRRRR!
One day I might gain enough nerve to let him off the leash, one day, as for now there is no way that could happen. Once he did get out past me through the fence of the yard. I remembered what I read here and instead of heading towards him to retreive him I turned the opposite direction saying "lets go", "come on", "wow, we are going here", and sure enough he went right through with it and we went around the house and into the outside kitchen door entrance. Wow, I was scared. If I had tried to go after him I would never have been able to catch him. We do practice walking with the leash in the fenced area and I let the leash go and let him drag it behind him. He behaves as if I have him and that we are on an official walk. Not at all zipping about like he usually does when he is off the leash. So if that one day ever should come it will be him with the leash attached so I am still in control.
Shibas can be the energy monsters of a lifetime, but equally so if there is no activity it is like they are recharging for the next go. Mine will be bouncing from one end of the house to the other and the very next he is sitting quietly with me and letting me play personal masseuse. Of course I put on my best swedish accent for those occasions. LOL
Rudi went from crate to corral to free-roaming the house in all of six months. I really thought for sure that he would be corraled longer but I really felt he let me know when he was ready to move forward. Only once when he was about six months old he woke me in the middle of the night and I rolled over and ignored him. I woke the next morning to a nice surprise on the floor. It has never happened since. Now if he wakes me he goes outside immediately, but that is so rare I cannot remember when it has happened recently.
Now my next thoughts on Shibas, or at least Rudi, he will not go pee or poop now in our own yard. Ever since we started our routine walks. I still have yet to catch him doing it. I have even reached down to check if he has a wet dribble spot on the end of his pecker to see if I can determine if this is even happening. When I wake in the mornings he stays in bed until I am fully dressed and ready for our first walk. Sometimes I manage to kick him outdoors until I am ready only because I am so concerned he will rupture his bladder if he does not go right away in the mornings (I know I would). It just seems so unnatural to me not to have to release first thing in the morning. Yet he wont. I just don't know what I would do if we got the kind of snow other folks have to deal with, or rain for that matter (rain here is like winning the lottery). Once we do get on our walks he will "pretend" pee on any objects close to the house but will not let it flow. Once we pass a certain distance he lets it go with a vengence. Then we have to pee on every object at 5 foot intervals LOL, and it does not take long before he is peeing blanks but still going through the process. As for getting him to poop, I can walk for five miles and he wont find "that special spot", but if he hears other dogs barking he immediately goes. So in the mornings we have our "inner suburb" trips where he gets to hear and see other dogs, and in the afternoons we go to the Wild World of the Rio Grande River (in New Mexico, and no the river is not Grande it is less than a foot deep). The river does illicit a movement easily but it is much further than our other paths. We are very good at carrying our waste bags for clean-up.
Well, I hope this didn't scare you too much, you are going to find that your pup will train you whether you like it or not. Not much is really in your hands other than setting the pace. Good luck, I cannot wait to hear all about the antics of a new pup and such. Once you allow a Shiba to do something, it is highly unlikely they will let you "take back" the action; in other words if you offer something to them it becomes theirs.....forever! So be careful what you begin and then try to stop.
Sorry for such a long-winded post, I am up early today to go to the Farmer's Market to sell roses. My other half will wake up much later and then take Rudi out for his second morning walk (which only happens on Saturdays) and then Rudi gets to come to the Market and meet all of his fans and intermingle with other dogs, kids, and people. He is always surrounded with folks who have to touch him and he just loves the attention and focus. Once he arrives at my booth he gives me a greeting and then lays down to watch the world at work. He is my best sales tool LOL. He loves Saturdays. ( I swear the boy knows his calander/days) God forbid if I should ever get sick.
ive been reviewing puppy choosing tips as it has been a little while since ive had to choose a pup. i might be choosing one soon and i wanted to make sure i brush up on what to look for. sorry for digging up an old thread.
anyways i came across this site as well and was wondering what you guys think about the info here
If I were attempting to start my own line or wanted a dog for a specific purpose, like Dave and his hunters, I might want to (after researching bloodlines, etc) make my own choice from a carefully selected litter. Even then, it takes loads of experience and a good eye to choose a young puppy for a potential breeding program.
At this point, however, I am just looking for a good companion with whom to do nothing in particular, so I like the 'potential owner' list approach. In fact, for my purposes, just call it the "Nakōdo (Matchmaker) list" The breeder gets to know me and the puppies, and makes the best Omiai.
By developing a puppy temperament test, Dr. Clarence Pfaffenberger (based on Dr. Paul Scott's research) revolutionized the Guide Dogs for the Blind program. They struggled with an amazing drop out rate, but after using the test to choose for the genetic qualities that resulted in a service dog, the rate dropped (I think it dropped from 80% failure rate to 20% failure rate). The Volhard test is just about the same as Pfaffenberger's.
Mainstream training techniques are now much improved, and many wonderful puppies are not service dog material, so the definition of "pass" is relative to what the person is looking for. At one time, I would have insisted on a 49-day-old puppy with drive, but now I would choose 'from the middle' as Brad suggested.
I have chosen dogs, had dogs chosen for me, and have been chosen by dogs - and it has all worked out well in the long run.
Comments
I did not get to meet Rudi until he stepped off the plane in El Paso, TX. He was 9-weeks-old when he arrived. When we were looking into Shiba's, which started several months prior to meeting our choice of Breeders, it was the Breeder we were most concerned with at the time. We inquired with quite a few, but Janice at Shiba's-R-Us in Tennessee was the person that stood out. Her emphasis, after interviewing us extensively on our dog history and breed understanding, was that her pups were handled daily by her family (which included small children). The pups were born inside amongst the smells and noises of a "real" family. This was so important to us. Those initial moments are so crucial and can be the difference of a lifetime of trust.
As for conformity in a small baby I am not sure what anyone here is referring to. All puppies are the most beautiful babies, regardless of breed, and the truth behind the adult physical attributes lie in the parents. However, even with our pups, their Grandparents and Great-Grandparents factor in. I was able to see both of Rudi's parent's pedigrees. Rudi's Dad is such a handsome boy; his mother who is no longer in the breeding program was quite stunning herself.
With all that was said I aggree with the disposition of a pup as being very important; but remember that disposition is a growth in itself too. Rudi has gone through so many personal challenges from all my other critters to even the monster tractors that run past my front door (I live on a working farm). He had a shell bigger than a walnut at first. I didn't even attempt to bring him into the "mainstream" of other dogs or people until he was 10 months old. I just did not feel he was ready. My vet scolded me for his behavior when he was 12-weeks-old and I had to take this with a grain of salt. She just did not understand him like I did. She just did not understand me. I think I worked intuitively with Rudi, but again, my intentions are not to have him for showing or breeding. My intentions are not to make him the best for the rest of the world, he is best for me and my personality and he really shines. His behavior in public is astounding. He has never behaved badly to other animals or dogs, and those moments that are confusing for him are treated by me with his concern in mind. I admire him ever day. My only real intention is that I will be in my 60's when he passes away (20 years to go).
I guess by now I am rambling, and the only thing I can say is that if you trust yourself in your choices you will make the right one and will never face disappointment. And, even if you place conditions on what it is you expect from a puppy, you might be surprised that in the end, regardless, your Baby will be the Champion of the Heart and no one can ever compete against that.
Wishing you luck in your search. Don't let the stage lights blind you; all of them are worthy of your Love!
Warmest of Wishes! Ron and Rudi
When the time comes, you (or you breeder, if you choose one who is too far away to visit) will make the right decision. And as for not know what type of doggie personality you will fit with best, that too will come in time. Spend some time at a dog park getting to know some of the many different personalities there. One particular type will probably catch your heart more than the others. If it still fails to come to you, you will probably fit best with a middle personality. One that is confident, yet slightly reserved.
With Nyx, when we went to get her form the rescue, me and Nat told each other "I don't want to choose one of them, the first one to come out comes with us". Nyx was hanging onto the metal door of their space, and the rest is history ;-P Terrorist right from the start.
When we went to Castro Laboreiro and met a litter of 5 week old puppies, there was one of them that came straight to me and didn't let go of my side for the rest of the time we were there. It took a great deal of will power not to bring him home. Will power and the thought it was too early to take the little man form his mom. I'm sure that pup would have been a very loyal friend.
Otherwise, I would take Jessica's suggestion and go with what works when meeting the dogs and let the dog pick you. In most cases the breeder will be able to help narrow that selection for you.
Don't rush into things because puppies are tugging at your heartstrings....You are getting educated first and in the duration maybe you could get involved with a breed club, or as I have mentioned on another discussion, be a puppy raiser or mentor even if you can't have a dog right now. Guiding eyes and delta pet partners are always looking for people to help .....It will only prep you for getting a Nihon later.
Snf
can we have more information or tips on how to judge the puppy's personality? info on how the traits observed as a pup translates to their temperament when they grow up.
some info on how to determine how they will look when they mature would be great as well! color patterns and how their faces change.
kind of like a guide to help in choosing the pup.
The older sheltie we used to have in our family, came from an A-class breeder. What he did was really great, he brought out ALL the puppies so we could play with them, but he had one picked out for us the whole time and was like "and this is your dog here." Turned out to be a really great dog. Confident, calm, friendly, really had a heroic and princely air to him. Basically, among his litter, there was a very dominant female, and he was apparently her favorite.
The younger of the shelties we used to have, the breeder was not so reputable, and I picked him out because he was boucing all over the place like a little hellstorm. He was a terrific dog and was really trainable, but he had a tendancy to constantly harass the older dog and the older guy just never seemed as happy. He also had a bunch of health problems and died too young; I take this as a lesson to be careful about choosing a breeder.
in photos that we have of both dogs, the younger one is always front and center, facing directly at the camera, and the older one is always slightly behind him, turned slightly away from the camera.
I'm hoping to get a dog that is relatively calm, confident, and inquisitive, but I think I'd rather the breeder pick for me.
Niko was the only one in the litter and we got her because we had put a deposit down first. Of course we now know this breeder SUX but we truly lucked out with Niko. She fits us perfectly.
Again, that perfect world.. the book is pretty good though.
Maybe I won't like it so much after experiencing it firsthand lol ~
: )
Maybe I'll end up pulling my hair out lol
Checking for personality-I had three main things I was looking for: focus, prey drive, sweetness.
I said his name, he came right over to me and heeled perfectly next to me eyes glued to me, he brought me toys for fetch game and was gentle about sharing them, and he gave me his tummy and allowed me to handle him all over. Done deal, amazing dog.
Unless you know exactly what you are looking for, it may be hard to find "your" puppy without the guidance of an experienced breeder. They know their pups. However, if it isn't a potential show litter, and assuming they are healthy, as Brad said, look for the medium tempered pup that is most stable-not too shy, and not too bold.
- What DO YOU want in your puppy?
- How dependent and how independent?
- Is this puppy going to be mainly a house pet or used for working? <--- what are you going to do with the dog?
- How much time are you going to spend with said puppy?
- How often will you exercise?
- How is the puppy going to be kept? Crated, Kenneled, Loose?
- Mainly Indoors or Outdoors? Or have access to both?
Honestly, to me "pick of the litter" doesn't really have much meaning. Cause everybody has their own ideas of what "their" pick would be. "My" pick of the litter probably wouldn't be everybody's type of dog:
I like the puppy with insane drive, super mouthy, good bite/grip, confident and a bit pushy and who always jumps up to greet you (more independent).
While another might like the puppy who is a bit more cautious, less mouthy, some drive but not super crazy, confident but not pushy, one who sniffs and maybe sits by your side to rub up against your leg when greeting you (more dependent but not clingy).
And yet another might prefer the puppy that shys away, is a bit insecure, needs constant attention and coddling (constantly wanting to be held or hugged for comfort), lacking in drive (sits around the house and doesn't do much), not at all mouthy and creeps up to you, licks your face, is generally excited but "careful" with greeting (clingy - extremely needy!).
Every puppy in the litter can be "pick" depending upon who is choosing this pup. Innitially "Breeder's pick" is a puppy the breeder is striving to produce. The breeder hopefully gets what she or he wants and then the rest of the litter is suited for other people's needs in a dog -smiles-. All bred to a generalize standard and for a purpose, yet there will be enough variety and personalities for the world. As no individual is exactly the same.
- What DO YOU want in your puppy?
- How dependent and how independent?
- Is this puppy going to be mainly a house pet or used for working? <--- what are you going to do with the dog?
- How much time are you going to spend with said puppy?
- How often will you exercise?
- How is the puppy going to be kept? Crated, Kenneled, Loose?
- Mainly Indoors or Outdoors? Or have access to both?
Honestly, to me "pick of the litter" doesn't really have much meaning. Cause everybody has their own ideas of what "their" pick would be. "My" pick of the litter probably wouldn't be everybody's type of dog:
I like the puppy with insane drive, super mouthy, good bite/grip, confident and a bit pushy and who always jumps up to greet you (more independent).
While another might like the puppy who is a bit more cautious, less mouthy, some drive but not super crazy, confident but not pushy, one who sniffs and maybe sits by your side to rub up against your leg when greeting you (more dependent but not clingy).
And yet another might prefer the puppy that shys away, is a bit insecure, needs constant attention and coddling (constantly wanting to be held or hugged for comfort), lacking in drive (sits around the house and doesn't do much), not at all mouthy and creeps up to you, licks your face, is generally excited but "careful" with greeting (clingy - extremely needy!).
Every puppy in the litter can be "pick" depending upon who is choosing this pup. Innitially "Breeder's pick" is a puppy the breeder is striving to produce. The breeder hopefully gets what she or he wants and then the rest of the litter is suited for other people's needs in a dog -smiles-. All bred to a generalize standard and for a purpose, yet there will be enough variety and personalities for the world. As no individual is exactly the same.
I guess...I really want a hiking companion...a pup I can take with me on a 15 mile hike and that will be be happy all along the way, that I can take running with me every day [ about 2 miles three times a day ] and who will also be happy to do that. I'd also like a camping companion when the time comes. At the same time, I'd love to do obedience & agility with him, and a pup that will have the energy to play, not just sit around doing nothing for most of the day. Probably a mostly indoor pup, unless we're doing out door activities like walking / running, hiking, or romping, but most of the places I might be moving into will have small fenced-in yard or these huge balconies / florida rooms so we may spend time outside more than I imagine. [ I love being outside ] The pup would be mostly free-roam when in my presence and crated when I'm not there. Once he's old enough to be trusted though, I'd love to have him free roam so he's not confined. [ depending on where I move, he may get a room all to himself anyway ]
Looking back...I'm thinking of the two shibas I met at the Dog show. The son was super playful and just full of energy, while the father was more reserved & laid back...if I was told to pick one I'd probably pick the more energetic son. I think I want a pup who is confident, but not so independent that he could care less if I was there...if that makes sense.
Ok, That was REALLY hard. It took me like...twenty minutes to type up. I guess I really just want a pup that I can, you know...DO stuff with lol I don't want a lazy pup, or a pup that's like a cat. [ nothing against cats, they're just not dogs ]
I feel bad, like I'm expecting so much from this pup already & he's not even been conceived yet -_-
Thanks Corina. I guess when the time comes I'll just have to let Katja know what exactly I'm looking for then wait til my pup is born, even if it takes a while.
I like your motivations behind wanting a pup. Most folks get an energy ball and try their best to turn it into a couch potato like themselves.
I like taking Rudi out for walks/hikes/and drives, but if I dare try jogging just a bit he turns into a spinning "jump on dad" monster. At first he begins to pick up the pace looking back at me, but then he thinks I am chasing him and he begins to spin like a top and then go crazy on me. It makes me laugh so hard and it takes all my might to keep from just having belly crunches. After about five minutes, forget it, I have to stop and calm him down and convince him that we will just briskly walk without me trying to "get him". LOL
My only take on all of this is that once you begin a routine a Shiba is a stickler for protocol. Oh man, try to squelch them on one walk past the normal walk time and you have a pup that is just devastated. So now that the weather is changing and his first walk begins before the sun rises, they are filled with crunchy frozen leaves and body extremities that are wondering why we couldn't just have that first cup of coffee and just turn on the tv weather instead. BRRRRR!
One day I might gain enough nerve to let him off the leash, one day, as for now there is no way that could happen. Once he did get out past me through the fence of the yard. I remembered what I read here and instead of heading towards him to retreive him I turned the opposite direction saying "lets go", "come on", "wow, we are going here", and sure enough he went right through with it and we went around the house and into the outside kitchen door entrance. Wow, I was scared. If I had tried to go after him I would never have been able to catch him. We do practice walking with the leash in the fenced area and I let the leash go and let him drag it behind him. He behaves as if I have him and that we are on an official walk. Not at all zipping about like he usually does when he is off the leash. So if that one day ever should come it will be him with the leash attached so I am still in control.
Shibas can be the energy monsters of a lifetime, but equally so if there is no activity it is like they are recharging for the next go. Mine will be bouncing from one end of the house to the other and the very next he is sitting quietly with me and letting me play personal masseuse. Of course I put on my best swedish accent for those occasions. LOL
Rudi went from crate to corral to free-roaming the house in all of six months. I really thought for sure that he would be corraled longer but I really felt he let me know when he was ready to move forward. Only once when he was about six months old he woke me in the middle of the night and I rolled over and ignored him. I woke the next morning to a nice surprise on the floor. It has never happened since. Now if he wakes me he goes outside immediately, but that is so rare I cannot remember when it has happened recently.
Now my next thoughts on Shibas, or at least Rudi, he will not go pee or poop now in our own yard. Ever since we started our routine walks. I still have yet to catch him doing it. I have even reached down to check if he has a wet dribble spot on the end of his pecker to see if I can determine if this is even happening. When I wake in the mornings he stays in bed until I am fully dressed and ready for our first walk. Sometimes I manage to kick him outdoors until I am ready only because I am so concerned he will rupture his bladder if he does not go right away in the mornings (I know I would). It just seems so unnatural to me not to have to release first thing in the morning. Yet he wont. I just don't know what I would do if we got the kind of snow other folks have to deal with, or rain for that matter (rain here is like winning the lottery). Once we do get on our walks he will "pretend" pee on any objects close to the house but will not let it flow. Once we pass a certain distance he lets it go with a vengence. Then we have to pee on every object at 5 foot intervals LOL, and it does not take long before he is peeing blanks but still going through the process. As for getting him to poop, I can walk for five miles and he wont find "that special spot", but if he hears other dogs barking he immediately goes. So in the mornings we have our "inner suburb" trips where he gets to hear and see other dogs, and in the afternoons we go to the Wild World of the Rio Grande River (in New Mexico, and no the river is not Grande it is less than a foot deep). The river does illicit a movement easily but it is much further than our other paths. We are very good at carrying our waste bags for clean-up.
Well, I hope this didn't scare you too much, you are going to find that your pup will train you whether you like it or not. Not much is really in your hands other than setting the pace. Good luck, I cannot wait to hear all about the antics of a new pup and such. Once you allow a Shiba to do something, it is highly unlikely they will let you "take back" the action; in other words if you offer something to them it becomes theirs.....forever! So be careful what you begin and then try to stop.
Sorry for such a long-winded post, I am up early today to go to the Farmer's Market to sell roses. My other half will wake up much later and then take Rudi out for his second morning walk (which only happens on Saturdays) and then Rudi gets to come to the Market and meet all of his fans and intermingle with other dogs, kids, and people. He is always surrounded with folks who have to touch him and he just loves the attention and focus. Once he arrives at my booth he gives me a greeting and then lays down to watch the world at work. He is my best sales tool LOL. He loves Saturdays. ( I swear the boy knows his calander/days) God forbid if I should ever get sick.
Take care, Ron
I'm sure you'll here some insane stories from when the time comes. I will definitely be appropriately trained
[ I love how Rudi "fake pees" by the way, what a little trickster! haha that would drive me insane lol ]~
i might be choosing one soon and i wanted to make sure i brush up on what to look for.
sorry for digging up an old thread.
anyways i came across this site as well and was wondering what you guys think about the info here
http://www.volhard.com/pages/pat.php
At this point, however, I am just looking for a good companion with whom to do nothing in particular, so I like the 'potential owner' list approach. In fact, for my purposes, just call it the "Nakōdo (Matchmaker) list" The breeder gets to know me and the puppies, and makes the best Omiai.
By developing a puppy temperament test, Dr. Clarence Pfaffenberger (based on Dr. Paul Scott's research) revolutionized the Guide Dogs for the Blind program. They struggled with an amazing drop out rate, but after using the test to choose for the genetic qualities that resulted in a service dog, the rate dropped (I think it dropped from 80% failure rate to 20% failure rate). The Volhard test is just about the same as Pfaffenberger's.
Mainstream training techniques are now much improved, and many wonderful puppies are not service dog material, so the definition of "pass" is relative to what the person is looking for. At one time, I would have insisted on a 49-day-old puppy with drive, but now I would choose 'from the middle' as Brad suggested.
I have chosen dogs, had dogs chosen for me, and have been chosen by dogs - and it has all worked out well in the long run.