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Training


Author:   Jérôme Camus  
Posted: 4/9/02; 11:54:13 AM
Topic: Training
Msg #: 14 (top msg in thread)
Prev/Next: 13/15
Reads: 11728

Training is like developping good habits. And shiba is smart, so s/he quickly learns some rules - many which s/he figures out alone; simple things like not walking towards the wrong side of a pole when on a leash.

Aub&Artu: ..The leash. Chokers seem to work the best; Shiba will quickly learn that the strain does her/him no good. And in due course will also get a feel for the owner's pace and communication by hand movements. But don't run useless risks: do not leave a Shiba unattended and tied with a choker - curiosity killed not only the cat.

The leash will also be oft used. One cannot contain the free spirit and curiosity of Shiba (and why should one - it would become boring...). Even though their fidelity is not under discussion, they will like to wander around, certainly not far, but enough to create heart palpitations. The commandment is: Play with Shiba's temperment, not against it. Therefore find a nice big open space where Shiba can feel free and owner can keep an eye out - everyone stays happy this way. And its a good way of developing a reasonable form of discipline (while always keeping some delectable in your pocket to bring Shiba's back. Use wisely: Shiba picks up on the trick and won't give in if exploited too often.)


Cleanliness
Shiba is a clean and proud dog. Housebreaking should be rather easy as they don't like leaving their s... around so to say. They are known to clean up after themselves in case of accident. If you have an enclosed garden of yard and puppy has access to it, they will quickly find the way. They will also quickly learn the areas they should leave alone.

Diggin: Diggin'Not so much can be said about digging. Their natural hunting instincts means that their always sniffing around. And there'a lot going on underneath that lawn. While digging can be contained, it cannot be eliminated; better if some areas are OK and others are clearly shown as off-limits.

Travelling in the car should be started early. Travel with shiba in a travel crate, one designed for air travel; it can be easily secured in place and in case of incident s/he should not become a dangerous projectile.

The crate has a double use: it is a safe place for sleeping at night. Safe for Shiba & safe for owner.

Pens are also useful items to have, in particular with puppies. It gives them play space without rampaging all over the place. It can also be used (temporarily) after a bath, when you don't want shiba shaking off excess water all over the house.

Again, getting a puppy that resided long in a store is not conduce to developping good habits. Instead its rearing in the first 12-20 weeks is key - in particular with repect to shiba's character.

But the best habits still come from discipline and vigilance. Early. Shiba is smart & learns quick. You can frequently show a preferred behaviour (or an unacceptable behaviour) and few repetitions will be needed. Just don't let things get out of hand or be inconsistent: Shiba knows how far to push and will exploit inconsistencies. The counter side is that by showing good behaviour and then showing confidence Shiba most often responds correctly: mutual respect.

Shiba also likes to be listened to. So catch her/his cues. And devise limits on when and for what you should give in (i.e. never on the sweets, but more flexibly on the healthy foods).

Shiba is very empathetic: s/he feels the owner's state of mind. If the negative trend is too strong, Shiba will work those into her/his personality and no one wants that.

Socializing with other dogs is a matter to be concerned with. The traditional female-female antagonisms do not necessarily apply. Instead a fiery air of dominance is the one trait that is inevitable. Even in puppies: our male had this nasty tendancy to get into a scrap with any dog bigger than him. Though there is some mellowing out with age, the instinct remains.