Hi!
My wife and I are owned by a 1-year-old Shiba Inu named Kiyoshi. Yes -
that's no mistake, we don't own him, he owns us; you'll find that most
Shiba "parents" will say the same thing.
The reason you see so many "negative" posts, is because that is what
most people post about (i.e., problems with their Shibas). Here is a
summary on how it's been for us this past year having Kiyoshi as part
of our family:

the first 4 to 6 months are INCREDIBLY challenging! Shiba Inus are
primitive willfull breeds (meaning, unlike most of the breeds you see
today that have been around for only about or less than 200 years, the
Shiba Inu has been around for a couple thousand years, plus it is very
independent, not immediately obedient, and because of it's high
intelligence level, looks for ways to outsmart you). If not socialized
VERY EARLY and THROUGHOUT it's life, it's natural state of skittishness
can be a problem. They are very skittish and nervous by nature (much
like the Fox - which it resembles), requiring about 2 to 4 times more
socialization than other, more popular breeds (i.e., they need to be
introduced to people, dogs, and, believe it or not, static objects, as
much as possible).
They are great with children AS LONG AS they are brought up with them -
in other words, if you have children and are introducing a Shiba Inu
into the family, either get an adult that was raised and trained with
children or get a puppy and immediately start enforcing the fact that
it ranks last on the totem pole, below the children. They can be very
affectionate and loving dogs, but most are by no means a "lap dog" and
would rather prefer to lie down next to you or in the same room instead
of ON YOU (that's how independent they are). At first, they require
what seems like 100% supervision, but if trained properly (and
obedience/training/puppy classes are MOST DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED from
as young as 10 to 12 weeks until about 10 to 12 months), it is a joy to
own a Shiba Inu; they have a gaze that makes you wonder if they truly
understand your emotions and English as well, they can figure out
things amazingly fast, and if trained properly, will always have
something to surprise you with throughout its life.
Sorry so long: if you'd like to discuss more about owning a Shiba Inu,
feel free to email me privately, or join the Shiba Inu group on Yahoo
(ShibaInuInfo).
Finally, although Kiyoshi is now 1-year old, you can see some videos
and pictures on his personal website:
http://www.marivelanthony.com/kiyoshi
Good luck!

"ant" wrote in news:1103047455.725174.74520
@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com:

Finally, although Kiyoshi is now 1-year old, you can see some videos
and pictures on his personal website:
http://www.marivelanthony.com/kiyoshi


He is a cutie-pie!

--Catherine
& Zoe the cockerchow

"ant" wrote:
Sorry so long: if you'd like to discuss more about owning a Shiba Inu,

Well, no discussion... just want to mention that you described my American
Eskimo to a tee. :}

But yes, I agree that shibas tend to be independent and aloof. But a
well-socialized and trained shiba is a beauty to behold. What adorable faces!

---
Family Dog Trainer
"It's A Dog's Life"
http://hometown.aol.com/dfrntdrums/m...age/index.html
Get Healthy, Build Your Immune System, Lose Weight
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