Shiba as a 1st dog...
I have lurked around these forums and gone "awe so cute" from the Shiba to Akita stories. I have surfed Misanthropic Shiba site (http://shibainus.ca/) and read all the posts about Loki the Shiba (http://lokitheshiba.blogspot.com/). I went to my local Shiba Meetup at the dog park and talked to several people about their Shibas. And after all this I have decided...
...I won't be getting a Shiba as my first dog.
I have been talking myself in circles around this and been changing my mind every other day. But, if I had to be true to all the posts here and everything I have seen so far; I don't have the dog experience to handle all the cute/hair pulling nature of the Shiba. I think after I get practice with a less independent dog, I will be more comfortable getting a Nihonken. On that note, what kind of dog do you all suggest as an easy 1st dog owner? Or is there such a thing? :)
(Oh...and not a puppy. They are like little demons in sheep skin. Besides it probably would not like me working 8 hours a day...)
...I won't be getting a Shiba as my first dog.
I have been talking myself in circles around this and been changing my mind every other day. But, if I had to be true to all the posts here and everything I have seen so far; I don't have the dog experience to handle all the cute/hair pulling nature of the Shiba. I think after I get practice with a less independent dog, I will be more comfortable getting a Nihonken. On that note, what kind of dog do you all suggest as an easy 1st dog owner? Or is there such a thing? :)
(Oh...and not a puppy. They are like little demons in sheep skin. Besides it probably would not like me working 8 hours a day...)
Comments
http://volunteer.guidingeyes.org//bin/manpage?0+1+./003.1199959199/004.1199959381
and of course, there are many muttley young adult puppers in shelters that have family histories, esp and sadly now in this economy, you may be able to find a faultless dog that is a good match for you with a little work.
There are also senior dogs who need adoption and a gentle calm home. Those arent pups, but they may have medical issues and not be with you as long, but I guess we are never guaranteed how long any of them will be with us.
I agree with Chrys all the way! Your local shelters probably have everything you are looking for!
I never thought of what happened to the guide dogs that only stopped at the red light 90% of the time. :O
Some Shiba can be a real training nightmare and a handful, but training methods can make a huge difference in the outcome there. Selecting the correct temperment for your lifestyle is one of the most important steps in picking a new dog of any breed or mix.
Once you and dog 1 are settled for a while, you can shiba it up when you feel you have your feet under you!
No matter what your choice, I wish you the best at finding your perfect companion
I'll need to cold turkey it and sit in the SPCA for a while...I think...
A couple I know were ready for their first dog and were really looking at buying a Sheltie for a while, they loved everything about them in theory. They talked with a few people who owned them, even almost bought one from the (dreaded!) pet store, but after realizing that as an apartment dog it probably wouldn't do very well they went to our local shelter to 'browse'.
Two days later they are the happiest proud parents of a doxie mix that suits them very, very well.
I think you might even find joy volunteering at the SPCA walking or grooming the dogs!