His favorite activity seems to be figuring out how to push the “right” or in this case “wrong” buttons, and getting a reaction from everyone around him, preferably a negative one.

If you ignore him and are not affected by his “test”; he will stop and move on to the next thing. But he is very clever, so if you only pretend to ignore him, but are inwardly annoyed, he will sense it, and continue being mischievous.

Do You Have a Mischievous Dog?

I hate to apply too much human intent to his actions, but it really seems like he is always trying to figure out new ways to be mischievous.

My Shiba often reminds me of Brain in the t.v. series Pinky and the Brain.

In contrast, my Siberian Husky is independent and clever, but when you tell her to stop doing something she will usually comply and go find something else to do.

Mischievous Shiba lives for those moments when you tell him he can’t do something.

Mischievous Shiba lives for those moments when you tell him he can’t do something. No means a very interesting challenge, and he will devise all sorts of strategies to subvert you.

In a way, this is somewhat admirable.

After all, don’t we always tell ourselves not to give up even if someone tells us that we can’t do it?  

Still, I wish my Shiba would direct his gumption towards more positive activities!

Still, I wish my Shiba would direct his gumption towards more positive activities!