Re-Training Shio

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We never used to worry about Shio running out the front door into the street. Was it because we're bad dog owners? Nope. It's because he would have to run out the front door, down the hallway, wait for the elevator, ride the elevator to the lobby, run out the building's front door and then get to the street. In case you're wondering, yes, potty training was very difficult! Now that we moved and have a front door that leads to the street we are very careful about teaching Shio sit-stay before charging out the door. In this new place, we also gained an unfenced back yard. This would've been a dream if we had an area dedicated for Shio to run around in but we've been training him not to run out when the door is open to the back because it's not fenced. He's not allowed to run out for squirrels, birds or even a toy that accidentally rolls out the door.

We  have neighbors that live upstairs and often here them walking around their hardwood floors. Shio is slowly adjusting to the sounds although he does have his freak out moments where he goes into a barking fit if he hears our neighbor's door slam shut. Every once in a while, he can hear voices upstairs and has been on edge about that.

We also have the mail man, UPS/USPS/FedEx package deliveries that come through our front door. We had the luxury of a doorman accepting all of this for us previously but now we're on our own. So far, Shio hates all of them.

On the up side, we've made a new Shiba 8 month old friend name Boozer from the dog run. They play and fight like brothers! They also dig like Shibas and have created many ditches in the dog run in their attempts to get back to save their friends in Japan.

 

The Shio Guide: Playing Fetch

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Fetch has always been interesting with Shio. Sometimes he will bring the toy back, sometimes he gets the toy and plops down to play with it while you stand waiting for him to bring it back. Other times, he'll just stare at the toy after its been thrown and waits for you to get it. Here's the general Shio Guide to playing fetch:

  1. Allow person to take toy from you but not before some resistance and reluctance.
  2. Sit and wait for the person to throw it. Make sure you stare at the toy incessantly until it is thrown.
  3. Stand up when the person raises their arm to throw the toy. Keep staring.
  4. Continue to stare and stand if the person is trying to fake throw.
  5. Choose of the options below after the throw:
  • Stand and stare at the toy after its been thrown. See if the person will fetch it for you.
  • Run after the toy and grab it. Then plop down and play with it. Leave the person who is trying to play fetch with you hanging dry.
  • Run after the toy and grab it. Then run back but make sure that you are two feet away from them so the have to reach for the toy from your mouth. Then repeat steps 1-5.

Step 1. Grabbing the toy from ShioStep 2. Sit and wait for the throw

Step 3. Stand and wait for the throwStep 4. Continue to stare as you wait for the throw

[Pictures courtesy of KiMickey]