# What a Difference Two Weeks Makes Tosca had visitors today and she was perfect. Let me back up a bit and explain why this is so special. I had mentioned that she was exemplary coming home and getting used to her new people, though it took a while for her to fully acclimate to my dad. She was a little fearful, but never barked, gro… ## Thread In Behavior · started by santuzza · 3 replies - **Category:** [Behavior](https://nihonken.org/community/c/behavior) - **Forum:** [Nihon Ken Forum](https://nihonken.org/community/) ## santuzza · 2008-11-23T03:44:39.000Z Tosca had visitors today and she was perfect. Let me back up a bit and explain why this is so special. I had mentioned that she was exemplary coming home and getting used to her new people, though it took a while for her to fully acclimate to my dad. She was a little fearful, but never barked, growled, ect... Well, two weeks after I brought her home, we happened upon my neighbor in her yard while on a walk. To be honest, it wasn't the best greeting situation. Both Tosca and I were startled because we hadn't noticed her. I was also on a time limit and had a performance that day, so I'm sure my stress levels were up. Pre-performance stress is par for the course with me and isn't usually that noticeable, but I'm not sure that Tosca had fully accepted that as my "normal" at that point. She barked at my neighbor when she tried to approach us and hid behind my legs. I told Rini, the afore-mentioned neighbor, that she was new and was probably just a little uncomfortable. I'd been a little worried about the Christmas Eve that we are hosting at my home. Tosca will be crated, but these things go on a bit and at the very least she'll need to have her evening walk before things wrap up. I will also put my hands up and acknowledge the fact that Tosca is my spoiled little angel and I would feel bad excluding her from a party full of dog lovers by putting her in a box for hours on end to listen to the festivities upstairs. That's not exactly in the holiday spirit is it? However, I was concerned about her reactions to all these new people in her home and, if the party would be a major stress source, Her Ladyship may do better confined to her chambers for the evening. I am now a lot more confident about the whole thing. Today, my father called and told me that some family friends were on their way. He works with a friend of his who lost a much loved German Shepard about 18 months ago. His wife and grown daughter want another dog, but he is resisting. They were all excited to hear about Tosca and wanted to meet a shiba inu to "see what they're like" knowing that Tosca adores this guy and has been weakening his resolve to remain dog-less. She couldn't have been a better ambassador for the breed if I'd asked her to be. She was perfectly behaved and even affectionate. You may be hearing about some people who want a shiba. I'm sure Tosca will do great with the family and she'll then be able to enjoy some Christmas fun. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2008-11-23T12:33:47.000Z I'm glad she did so well! I've got a shiba looking for a home... ;) The party thing - while it might be nice to bring her out and let her meet a few people, careful! Her new environment (you, your home) is still quite new to her, and to have all those people and smells and music might be overwhelming. Plus, people might try to feed her any number of things, so there is that. Don't feel bad about significantly limiting her time with your guests, its your party not hers. We always crate ours when we have company of more than 3-4 people because it gets hectic for them and Kitsune just about lays an egg. ## CrimsonO2 · 2008-11-23T12:48:03.000Z "Kitsune just about lays an egg." Ahh yes, but the true question is, was the egg golden? :) It's funny you mention this because I've got a friend and his 4 year old sleeping over and Ichi has just about lost his mind at all the furniture re-arranging and the new intruders that took up half his play space in the living room. Jesse ## _dlroberts · 2008-11-23T14:10:03.000Z I agree with Jen. Be mindful of how Tosca is doing. Lucy would be ok limited in space with guests around, but she wouldn't like it. She would sleep pressed up against the door hoping for an opportunity to come be the center of attention. Joey I'm a bit more careful about. He doesn't like to be separated from the action, but he also gets overwhelmed with too much attention. For him, I always give him the option to surrender to another room which he almost never takes. I do make sure he has a bed in a quiet corner of the space where the party will be taking place so he can have his safe spot but still be around the action. It really comes down to the individual dog, so be prepared to adapt your plans if you see her stressing out one way or the other and I'm sure it will be a great night for all! --- **Navigate:** [Forum home](https://nihonken.org/community/?format=md) · [Sitemap](https://nihonken.org/community/sitemap.xml)