How much will change? (added cuddle pictures!)

Comments

• tsukitsune

  July 2008 edited July 2008

  sometimes my shibas will cuddle but its rare, more so they want attention on their terms, most times they'll sit still for a good petting.
  
  to prevent separation anxiety when you have to go back to work, try creating a routine and stick to it now with the pups.
  Here is info on crate training - its a real life saver when dogs see a crate as a den rather than solitary confinement: http://www.humanesociety.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/crate_training.html
  
  she will change, they all do, they are like children who gain independence and fear and rebellion as they grow and experience more of the world. She will try to test your limits and she will need real boundaries, its a learning process, especially with shibas! They are nuts.
• BradA1878

  July 2008 edited November -1

  Jen and I have raised a few puppies, and I can say that whatever their core personality is as a puppy will exist in them as an adult too just might show up a little differently. If your pup is a snuggler now, she will be a snuggler later too - tho I would not be surprised if the snuggling stops for a while, like between 6 - 12 months.
  
  The separation thing is a big deal, imo, you need to work very hard to control that. The last thing you want is a Shiba with bad separation anxiety - it can lead to other insecurities that can cause big issues. Most of the problem I have seen in dogs come from a lack of confidence or insecurity. These problems I am talking about are serious behavioral problems, not little things.
  
  What changes puppies personalities as they grow is YOU and their experiences - the more socialization and confidence you can build in them the more likely they will maintain the care free attitude that you love.
  
  I hope that helped a little.
  
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• Kaddy

  July 2008 edited November -1

  That helped a lot - the separation is really my main concern at this point. We're trying to find friends with dogs small enough to socialize with right now... but our closest friend has a Great Dane... don't want her to be terrified of him lol (our Dachshund is best friends with him... so maybe it would be ok). As soon as we get more immunizations we're going to go to one of the puppy pre-school classes near us.
  
  The link on crate training was great - there were a few things I hadn't though about before (like feeding her in the crate).
  
  Hopefully I'll still have my little cuddler!! )
• BradA1878

  July 2008 edited November -1

  On the cuddler note - our Shibas are SUPER snuggly... they LOVE to snuggle. Maui was like that as a pup too... so I think she will probably always be snuggly.
  
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• LoveMyMylie

  July 2008 edited November -1

  I'm jealous of your cuddly shiba. Mine is only cuddly when she's not feeling well, or while being apologetic for misbehaving.