Personalities

I have an obsessive personality. When I get interested in something I go fully into everything about that subject. I got into green living and become totally enthralled. All I did was read articles, magazines, books and find products that went along with that. Now I still am into that subject but I have found something else to take my time up.

We have been thinking of getting a dog for over a year now. In this time I have tried to read as many training books as I can. I have gone on countless websites to research the topic. I have been frequently checking on Shiba forums (I have links below) even asking some questions. I even have a note book that I fill with information and tips that I want to remember. I also have been reading peoples blogs so I can get a better picture of what it is like living with a Shiba. I'm not a crazy, I'm just thorough.

My life is by the book. I like to follow rules and directions. I think it has gotten worse because of the job I have and following procedures and protocols are so important. When this puppy comes home I want to be as prepared as possible so that it doesn't come out a delinquent. Books and people talk about socialization being the most important thing to do for a Shiba. A book by Ian Dunbar says to introduce your dog to 100 people by the time it turns 16 weeks. So here I am ready to count all the people that my dog comes in contact with.

Books also say to pay special attention to children. Which is going to be hard for me since I have no kids in my life. I guess I am going to have to be the creep at kids playgrounds saying to the them "you want to play with my puppy." Ridiculous but if that's what it takes so my dog will like kids I need to get over it. Oh and I'm anti-social so this whole processes is going to be tricky.

Dunbar's book also talks about having puppy parties. He has a game which entails having each of your guest touch your dogs ears then give a treat, tail then give a treat, paw then give a treat, BUTT then give a treat. Im sorry but I will not be asking people to come over and cop a feel at my dog, I drawl the line somewhere!

Then you have my husband who is as carefree as they come. He hasn't read any dog books or scowered websites. His training motto is "if you love it it will turn out fine." Yes I know we are going to butt heads on how to raise our puppy. I want to be consistent and give the dog boundaries, he wants to be the cool dad who the dog wants to play with. We are heading for disaster.

Hopefully his relaxed approach will help me chill out and actually enjoy the experience instead of following the time chart and exercise list for each day with the dog (I created one but not on spreadsheet so its not as pathetic). Maybe I will rub off on him and he will follow some basic doggy protocols of not letting it have free rein of the house when young or not keeping all the toys out for it so we control the fun and if I'm really lucky the Nothing In Life for Free program. We will be perfect if we can combine our personalities to make one balanced person.

Husband

A lot of people ask me the question "Does your husband want a dog too?" My answer is yes but I feel like he is the kid telling the parents of course I will feed it and take it out for walks but when we actual get the dog I will be doing most of the work. Now I'm hoping that he will prove me wrong but I know his track record. Not that he can't be responsible but I don't think he understands how much work goes into taking care of a puppy.

Just the other day we were watching a Shiba on YouTube and the owner said something to the effect of their puppy's only sleeping a couple of hours at a time during the night. So they have to get up and take him out multiple times. Joe looks at me and asks "That's not how our dog is going to be right?" I just had to laugh. No we will have the one puppy that doesn't whine or get up at night to go potty outside. Boy is he in for a surprise.

The one thing I do know about my husband is that he will be good at loving our dog. He is so caring and really wants a buddy and a playmate. It is so cute to see him playing and running around with his sisters dog. I'm so excited to see our puppy and him together. It will be interesting to see if he takes on a more authoritative, leadership role or if he sticks with the silly, rough housing side.