 Preparing to Adopt |
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Adopting a Shiba Inu should be a family decision. Each member of the family should want the dog and be willing to accept part of the responsibility of caring for it. Do your homework and research the Shiba Inu breed. Learning the traits and behaviors associated with this dog will help you decide if this breed will fit into your family's lifestyle and living situation. Chewing, barking, digging, house soiling and jumping onto the furniture are all normal dog behaviors. If your dog does any of these behaviors will your family have the time and patience to properly train and correct your dog? Which method of correction will you use? Will you commit yourself to working out problems as they occur? If you are unable to correct a problem, will you invest in obedience training for your Shiba? Training a dog should start as soon as you bring your dog home and should always be done with kindness, patience and consistency. Your Shiba will need food, water, exercise, care, love, attention and companionship every day of its life. There will also be trips to the veterinarian to keep your dog up to date on shots and any other medical needs. A Shiba can live to be 16 to 18 years old. Will you have the time, and energy to provide these things for your dog for that length of time? Have you considered the costs involved in owning a dog? Some of the things you will be responsible for include but aren't limited to license and veterinarian fees, heartworm medication, vaccinations, food, obedience training, grooming supplies, equipment such as a crate, leashes, collars, dishes and toys. Do you have the finances to afford these things for your dog? Surveys show that although the family initially agrees to share the responsibility for the care of the dog, the sole care of the dog eventually falls to mom. In may families today, both parents work outside the home while raising children. Please be realistic about the demands life makes on your time when you are trying to decide if you should adopt a Shiba. If you rent an apartment, condo or house does your landlord allow pets? If so, how many? If you have to move in the future, what will you do with your Shiba? Will you make a commitment to take your Shiba with you when you move? Are you aware that Shiba Inus shed heavily twice a year? Will the family tolerate having dog hair everywhere or will it annoy them? Does anyone in your family have allergies to pet hair? If so then a Shiba definitely isn't the dog for you. If your family goes on vacation each year what will you do with your Shiba? Will you board your dog and if so where? Is there a relative or trusted friend that can care for your dog while you are away? Will you take your dog with you? There are many hotels, motels and bed and breakfast establishments across the United States that welcome dogs.  Adopting and caring for a Shiba Inu is a huge responsibility and is not a decision to be made lightly. Please be realistic about your lifestyle and the time you have to spend with your dog. |
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Unless otherwise indicated, all text and images were created by Laura Paquette.
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