Author:		Jérôme Camus
Posted:		4/9/02; 11:51:32 AM
Topic:		Character
Msg #:		9 (top msg in thread)
Prev/Next:		8/10
Reads:		10404

"I am gorgeous, intelligent, courageous and strong. & I know it. Pay reverence to my superiority."

Even as a puppy, the shiba has this attitude. S/he does not have to go to people to be petted. People come to her/him.

The regal attitude is also balanced by a benevolence. Shiba knows how to behave. S/he knows the limits of everyone and will test them periodically.

Yet arrogance is not part of its nature: shiba is playful and faithful. Months of seperation will not attenuate the enthusiasm when s/he sees its owner again. Then again, if you walk out of the house for barely 5 minutes, upon your return shiba is so happy to see you...

"And just in case you consider ignoring me, I'm going to lick you silly"

One singular characteristic of shiba is pride. This goes all the way to dealing with potty. If s/he has an accident where it was not supposed to happen, shiba will clean up. They will not experience embarassment under any circumstance.

Another singular trait: no fear. Nope. And that can create problems. Un-castrated males let their hormone levels push them to fierce territoriality and confrontation with other dogs - especially bigger ones. Even when outnumbered.

Curiosity and courage can also put shiba in a bad spot; it keeps the owner on his/her toes.

Socialisation is also important. Experience shows that buying a puppy from a store where shiba has stayed enclosed for a number of weeks is not the best way to bring her/him up. Good care and attention to the puppy will make mountains of difference in shiba's character.