Puppies - Shibas playing and establishing pack position
First let me start off that we place our puppies approx at 10 - 11 weeks of age. Puppies need socialization, mostly with their littermates and mother at an early age and I cannot stress enough of how this interaction plays in a positive role as the dogs mature. Just like people, puppies thrive in a stimulating social environment. Interaction with people and other dogs (including littermates) help form a well rounded companion. Many pet shops receive their puppies at 4-5 weeks old and may not have proper skills to interact with other dogs and people. I do not think we need to go into the breeding practices of puppy mills and backyard breeders.
Dogs will play rough, just like human children, this can be healthy interaction as long as it is monitored and referee'd. The Shibas in the above picture are interacting with a young puppy. Although you see teeth, there is no harm between these dogs. This dogs are learning social skills and pack order.
House Breaking
We work on housebreaking our shiba puppies as soon as they start walking. By 8 weeks of age, they are housebroken, (yes they have accidents & cannot hold it for extended periods of time) and by 12 weeks they can almost hold it through a 7 hour night. Please use crates !! The crate on the left above is allowed by airlines, the one on the right is not. We prefer the one on the right, your puppy can feel closer to you. Puppies often need to go to the bathroom after playing and eating and napping. These are some hints to keep you and your dog happy.
Crate train your dog !! You are not punishing him/her and they will see their crate as a safe haven.
Learn your dogs behavior patterns when needing to go to the bathroom. He usually will ask in his own way to go out. You just need to know how to understand him.
Give him plenty of opportunity to eliminate himself. Shibas are picky about where they go. Just because it is raining outside and you do not want to stand out in the rain. Do not blame your dog, because you wanted to come back inside. Don't assume because they are jumping at the door, that they are done. They just want to come back in to see you. Go outside and supervise your shiba. You would not trust your infant to take care of business by themselves unattended, why would you trust a young puppy ??
Do not physically punish your dog for going in the house. Especially if is in the same spot. There are many enzyme products on the market that help eliminate odor. If it becomes a problem, block off the area.
Again, Puppies often need to go to the bathroom after playing and eating and napping.
Chewing & Destruction
Again, your dogs crate is his home, when going out, put him in his crate with a chewy treat (Hooves are good, Pig ears are BAD !) Dogs teeth from 4-7 months and get comfort from gnawing on things. Scold them with a firm voice when chewing on your things and give them things that you want them to chew on and praise them when they are right. They will easily gather that the cow hooves and chewy bones are the good and they get praised when doing the right thing !!
Cutting & Grinding Nail
I will just tell you what we do. This takes 2 people. This can be the hardest part of owning a shiba. If you make it a weekly ritual and start at a young age. It will be very easy for you in the long run. Patience, persistence & praise. ( and a couple of ear-muffs)
Step 1. Assume the position We find this position leaves them unable to leverage and harder to struggle. We also feed them treats and rub the muzzle to help calm them.
Step 2. Use the right tools
Shown above are Nail Clippers and a cordless grinder (Dremel or Osyter). They can be found in many pet stores or internet sites. If your dogs nails are long, cut them to just above the quick and grind them smooth with the grinder. When your puppy is young, take out the grinder and let it run on a slow speed and let him feel the vibration. He will quickly learn not to fear it and allow grinding. In case you cut the quick. Have Quick Stop powder handy, cornstarch or flour will do in a pinch. Shibas with white nails are easy, the nails are soft and the quick is visible. Although shibas with black nails are more difficult. Their nails are harder and the quick is not visible. (See Below)
