Shio @ 14 months

I've realized that I have neglected to update this blog with the monthly changes that Shio has gone through as he progresses into adulthood. Last time I wrote about the monthly updates was when Shio was 10 months old (how embarassing!) so let's list the changes from then up until now.

- Shio has significantly calmed down since October. When J and I are busy at home, he will entertain himself with the toys that are lying on the ground and not bother us at all.

- The morning wake up calls have ceased and he will now walk into the bedroom (we hear the "tap tap tap" from his nails walking on the hardwood floors) to check up on us. He makes sure we're still alive and breathing and walk out the after he sees that we are still asleep. No more jumping on the bed.

- I can sleep til 10am without feeling guilty about not waking up at 8am to drag him out for a potty break. Yes, I've been pushing my limits. :X

- He's been telling hyper-active puppies off like a grumpy old man when they jump in his face.

- Thanks to proper exercise in Central Park in the mornings, Shio has trimmed down around his waist and his Shiba tummy tuck and leg muscles are showing. He is a big and healthy Shiba - the vet clocked him in at 29 lbs during our annual visit last week.

- His face has lightened and shows little blackness around the snout. The eyebrows have also disappeared. This is what he looked like when we picked him up: http://www.shiotheshiba.com/blog/?p=194

- The amount of loyalty that he has shown to J and I has increased exponentially. He trusts very few people and rarely lets a stranger pet him without shying away.

- No more testing his limits and boundaries.

- We had our last potty accident in January. The end of February will mark (haha) the first full month where we have not had an accident. For us, potty training was much tougher than anticipated.

- No more tearing up every rug he sees! Paper is another story however.

We love him more and more every day. He's such a wonderful dog.