This is what Shiba Inu victory looks like. The little destructive devil dog wormed his way into my clothes closet and pulled out two pairs of pants that were folded on the floor. The damage was minimal; the sweet sleep, priceless.
The Ups and Downs of Shiba Inu Ownership
You will often find Shiba owners talking about the rollercoaster ride that their dog takes them on. Dog ownership is filled with ups and downs, and Shibas seem famous for earth-shattering highs and rock bottom lows.
The past 24 hours have been in the basement!
Last night I spent a cumulative hour outside in the cold driving rain waiting for Mr. K to do something - anything! Not only would he not do his business, but he also forgot that he is to walk on the left side of me at all times. He was right, left, and zigzagging all over. He would jump up on me to play. At one point, he even started to run circles around me, wrapping his leash around my ankles.
Unacceptable behavior.
Add in the aroma of damp dog throughout my house, and things got worse before they got better.
This morning all was forgiven - or so I thought. Kenji woke up raring to go; full tummy and bursting bladder! Being the good pack leader, I broke from our normal routine and resigned to taking him out twice before work, once before breakfast so he could eliminate, and once to make sure he was comfortable for the day. Both trips were a “success.”
At close to eight months old, Kenji gets some “roam” time. For the past few months I let him hang out as I’m in the bathroom getting ready. He normally spends that 20 minutes playing with his toys or camping outside of the bathroom door waiting for me.
This morning he discovered the wood saddle between the living room and dining room.
I caught him scratching it for the first time and gave him a firm NO! I returned with the bottle of Bitter Apple spray and applied it liberally. I hopped into the shower, satisfied that the spray (which he hates! or at least used to.) would keep him at bay.
Upon exiting this morning, I noticed a BIG gash in the wood floor. The Red Devil strikes again! The problem is, this time it’s in a high-profile area and requires repair - so I’m pissed!
The lesson learned is that Kenji can’t be trusted alone. Not for a single minute. I also have to find a safe/natural spray that is more effective than bitter apple.
Now I’m off to Google “wood floor repair.”
a weekend of damage caused by our shiba inu kenji. despite plenty of exercise, attention and toys, he has proven that he can’t be trusted alone for a single second…unless he’s in his crate.
