Thanks for the tips. I’ll start with the hose off first!

however, he is now terrified of anything to do with the hose.

Was he always afraid of the hose?

One thing that may help is to just leave the hose on the ground and then leave some bits of cheese a distance around it. Then just leave Reptar alone with it and see what he does. My guess is after a bit, he will go investigate and eat the cheese. Don’t hurry him, just give him some alone time with the hose – 😉

Then next time, you can try putting the cheese bits closer and closer to the hose.

Next, leave the hose running a little bit but still on the ground.

Than try doing a Touch-Hose command with the hose off. etc.

Sephy doesn’t really like getting in the kiddie pool either. I drop chicken pieces in the pool, and Shania is a pro at dunking for chicken but Sephy does not even try – lol. He just seems generally uninterested in the whole pool concept.

Let me know how the hose thing goes.

I would love to play the water game with Reptar, however, he is now terrified of anything to do with the hose. Even if I am watering flowers, he hides behind the tree.

He will willingly go into a lake or creek and just hang out wading in the water. He has voluntarily swam a few times too (as long as his best dog friend is swimming with him). We have a kiddie pool that is set up in the yard, thinking he likes going in water he will hop in that too.

He’s not afraid of water because he will go in the lake. But he won’t go near the kiddie pool or the hose. Any tips on how to overcome this anxiety and fear? Treats and high priority items don’t work. He will forgo everything to get away.

It can go on for a while. Last time Sephy started shedding it went on for several weeks.

According to my breeder, you can hasten the process by giving Shiba a bath and then using a blow dryer to blow out most of the loose undercoat. I haven’t tried that on Sephy because he hates baths so much. The blow dryer will probably get him all excited as well – LOL.

Do you have a Furminator? They are great for getting the undercoat out.

I know it’s normal with some humans that have sensitive gums, is this the same case for dogs?

Hmmm, I would definitely check with your vet. I have not seen that with Sephy or Shania, although their gums do sometimes bleed from toy chewing.

I use the Petrodex toothbrush for Sephy. It has two ends – one with a big brush and another with a small brush. I do the small one for Sephy, and use the bigger one for Shania.

Also, I might as well update here. Reptar did fantastic in his level 1 obedience! 190/200. He had perfect sit stays and lay stays. a few points off for heeling.

WOW! That is totally amazing. Looks like we have another Super Shiba! Did you take pictures? It would be great to have one with him wearing the graduation hat!

With Sephy, I wasn’t sure if he would graduate – lol. He did win a little toy ball from doing puppy olympics tho – I was really proud of him. 😀

Also, I might as well update here. Reptar did fantastic in his level 1 obedience! 190/200. He had perfect sit stays and lay stays. a few points off for heeling.

Thanks again for all your tips and advice! It’s wonderful to read and share experiences!

She also says that she doesn’t bathe her dogs too often unless they are being shown – once every six months.

I don’t bathe my dogs very often either. Brushing removes most of the surface dirt and the water-hose game gets rid of the rest 🙂

I haven’t noticed any change in smell or dirt level 🙂 In general, I prefer not to use chemicals when I don’t have to because Sephy is pretty sensitive from an allergy standpoint.

I will ask my Sibe breeder what she uses. She is always showing her dogs and will know more about grooming products.