# 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 ope… ## Thread In General · started by scarlet · 14 replies - **Category:** [General](https://nihonken.org/community/c/general) - **Forum:** [Nihon Ken Forum](https://nihonken.org/community/) ## scarlet · 2008-04-18T20:46:01.000Z 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. ## _dlroberts · 2008-04-18T20:48:30.000Z Sounds like Jake may be developing some separation anxiety? ## okiron · 2008-04-18T20:49:34.000Z Aww poor mommy lol. Rest and shiba will never go in the same sentence lmao. ## scarlet · 2008-04-18T20:58:25.000Z I'd like to separate his anxiety   Like others have noted, after a long week, I'd like to come home, rest, chill and vegg....  Where is that Shiba ability to entertain for self?  Guess he lost it in that escape tunnel. ## _dlroberts · 2008-04-18T21:01:35.000Z Hahaha. It sure sounds like he did. Sorry Elaine. :-/ ## Romi (admin) · 2008-04-18T21:12:29.000Z Hey Elaine - You should try to pick up this book: "I'll be Home Soon!" by Patricia McConnell.  Its a great book.  She's pretty funny and she has great techniques how to condition and train your dog.  I thought Ninja might have separation anxiety when I first got him, but she lists all the signs to look for, and it didn't fit his behavior.  Anyways, all her books are actually really good.  But since you think it might be separation anxiety, that book is specifically for that.  Hope everything works out! ## brandon_w (admin) · 2008-04-18T23:18:10.000Z 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. ## scarlet · 2008-04-19T09:57:08.000Z 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.  The Kong thingy has now been added to my 'things to get' list. ## brandon_w (admin) · 2008-04-19T10:34:27.000Z 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. ## hondru (moderator) · 2008-04-19T10:51:35.000Z There are a million and a half stuffable dog toys out there.  I've been meaning to pick up a buster cube to feed dinner out of as I think it'll give more satisfaction than just eating the kibble out of a bowl.  I also think that for dogs that pull on walks, it might be fun to try walking them canicross style and teaching them mushing commands.  It would sort of make them feel like they're doing a job or a task rather than just walking along at a comparitive snail's pace.  I haven't actually tried it, though, it's just a theory.  A backpack might have a similar affect, but then, a shiba may not take kindly to a backpack. ## scarlet · 2008-04-19T11:19:30.000Z 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. ## scarlet · 2008-04-19T11:29:44.000Z So I just get a call from the petstuff trainer.  I had talked with the manager about my last bad experience of having too many dogs in close quarters.  Turns out there is a 3 month old Shiba in her class "doing wonderfully".  Charlie will graduate next week.  I can't go today and observe because I have other plans, but I'll go to graduation and meet Charlie!  Dave, do you know any Charlies? ## scarlet · 2008-04-19T12:06:02.000Z Just got back from test driving Jake's new harness.  Night and Day.  He still pulled, but nothing like before. ## _dlroberts · 2008-04-19T13:05:36.000Z Elaine, I think that Jake will do fine in whatever setting you are most comfortable in. In a smaller setting, you guys will be able to get more attention from the trainer on an individual basis than in a group setting. Perhaps you want to start with one-on-one sessions? I have the number for a trainer in Atlanta that comes highly recommended by people I trust and who claims to have worked with Shibas before (I haven't personally talked to her yet). I don't know any Charlies, but I'm seeing more and more Shibas pop up all over town. I'm glad the new harness is better, now get out there and walk him till he drops! :-) ## MommyofNiko · 2008-04-19T13:06:39.000Z 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. --- **Navigate:** [Forum home](https://nihonken.org/community/?format=md) · [Sitemap](https://nihonken.org/community/sitemap.xml)