First thing I did was disregard any thinking she would be like any other dog I had before. All my expectations focused on her being the best she can be based on her breed and genetics. Good thing I like cats as she is more cat like than dog like in a lot of ways.

One problem I had was with her rubber ball. You cannot play tug of war when fingers and teeth are side by side. I almost gave up, but this last week she finally got it. I refuse to play with the ball unless she dropped it. Then I tell her to sit and wait. The first time she got it right I was so excited it was like cheering a sport team. I am normally very even tempered, that positive loud upbeat break in behavior really got her attention. Now she remembers to sit and wait 90% of the time. She brings other toys she wants me to throw, she will drop it and wait.

She is still every bit a Shiba. She will lick you one minutes and then nibble fingers the next. When she does I tell her firmly no and stop petting her, if behavior continues to escalate I get up and walk away. Wait a few minutes then try again. Always giving kind words for every lick and gentleness of mannerism. That one is still a work in progress. Next week we start “Good Behavior Class” 4 weeks. I will seek advice from instructor.

I also had a problem getting the Shiba to eat her food so I made a game out of it. Amazon sells these long treat toys that have 4 slots then it rolls up like a snail with Velcro closure. I made a feeding trough out of it. lol. It really worked. Also her other treat toys I would put food in. My favorite is taking a paper plate with a very thin coat of natural peanut butter then sticking the food on the plate. It’s stuck like glue. She gets focused and busy pushing that plate all around the room struggling to get her dog food off. She loves it. She loves the game.

I try thinking of anything to stimulate her mind into submission and away from getting into trouble. Sometimes I feel like I’m playing chess and I’m always behind a few moves. She is always looking for ways to outsmart me.

She even got loose from a harness that she shouldn’t have been able to. I hadn’t heard of the Shiba alligator roll before. However I now know I’m not alone in that one. Thankfully her treat of choice got her into the house. The next day she tried to break loose again. I was ready for her that time and carried her in the house. Play time was over. 2 day delivery. I was so glad to have that new escape proof harness, well worth the money. She knows it’s escape proof by how it fits her. Yes!

There is one treat I have found that surpasses all others. Amazon sells it, other stores may also. Made of just one ingredient turkey ligament. She goes crazy when she sees the bag. Smelling it she can’t think of anything else. it is her absolute favorite food/treat ever. I make sure to save that one for the ‘must have it now’ moments.

Hope this has been helpful.

Yeah, puppies and dogs in general really are the best. Hugs to your two pups!

You are very welcome. Big hugs to your Shiba.

he likes to eat chicken and meat and yes he just stopped he is 1 and a half ok I will try to bring him to the vet