# Is Anyone Ever Really Ready For a Shiba?

I had done at least six months of hardcore research on this breed. I read the Misanthropic Shiba and joined this forum where I've been bugging the hell out of all of you. Yet, in spite of all this, I'm really having to think on my feet with this little dog. I think this is normal, but I just wanted…

## Thread
In General · started by santuzza · 11 replies
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## santuzza · 2008-10-29T01:56:05.000Z
I had done at least six months of hardcore research on this breed. I read the Misanthropic Shiba and joined this forum where I've been bugging the hell out of all of you. Yet, in spite of all this, I'm really having to think on my feet with this little dog. I think this is normal, but I just wanted to check.

## CrimsonO2 · 2008-10-29T02:11:40.000Z
Nothing will ever prepare you for their unique individual persona. While I love my little one, there's a big part of me that can't wait till he's too big to crawl under the couch and hide from me. Jesse

## ljowen123 (moderator) · 2008-10-29T09:07:57.000Z
You have prepared as well as you could...then you get your shiba and have to modify all that you've learned (and forgotten) to the personality of YOUR shiba. It's a process, we're all going through it...that's why we have this lovely forum.

## KFontaine04 · 2008-10-29T09:36:33.000Z
I have been a life long dog owner and no dog could prepare me for a Shiba! Even my huskies. They are so independent and strong willed and have such different personalities! But we love them to death and we just take it one day at a time. But yes, those shibas will keep you on your toes...enjoy it!

## _dlroberts · 2008-10-29T10:21:41.000Z
Agreed, what you're experiencing is completely normal. I remember feeling a little shell shocked starting about a week after I brought Lucy home. Multiple vet visits, serious changes to my sleep schedule, daily walks, and I just felt completely overwhelmed, especially when Lucy decided it was fun to play the catch me if you can game whenever I wanted to leave the house or go to bed. Its normal. But, once you settle into a routine, you'll have this "how did I ever live without a Shiba in my life" realization and it will be all good. :-)

## sunyata · 2008-10-29T10:30:13.000Z
Agreed! They are great little dogs, but can take some adjusting to get into a good routine. The powers that be made them so cute for a reason. :) But you are doing great. They each have such an impressive personality all of their own. And if you ever need any help or advice, we are all here for ya!

## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2008-10-29T10:34:21.000Z
its normal. You'll get a few gray hairs. You'll question yourself. You'll become lightning fast at reacting. And you'll get a life long slave driver who wags their tail just for you. Gooooood luck!

## MommyofNiko · 2008-10-29T11:21:05.000Z
Life with a shiba wont even prepare you for life with a shiba! LOL

## hondru (moderator) · 2008-10-29T14:35:28.000Z
If you have survived a tornado or similar natural disaster, then you might have some relavent experience in owning a shiba, but I don't know about "prepared".

## Leonberger (admin) · 2008-10-29T14:48:02.000Z
Dare I say you are all masochists? Yes I dare :-P

## _dlroberts · 2008-10-29T14:56:18.000Z
LOL Rui. I prefer "glutton for punishment" :-)

## KFontaine04 · 2008-10-29T15:02:02.000Z
I just said to my husband yesterday when I was leaving work "I know when I get home there is going to be some dog toy now unrecognizable in pieces on the floor and stuffing everywhere...but I love those dogs". Me...total glutton for punishment...happily.

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