catzatsea

On reccomendation I am now using Ziwipeak - They are the perfect treat size, smelly and the perfect healthy alternative. The bag itself is expensive but used as training treats lasts a long time :D .

Thats the one!!! Thanks Heaps Janba.

I have done heaps of searching and cant find the article on He/She wants to say Hello/Hi. Would appriciate if someone can share a link. TIA Catz

Glad everything is ok. How is she this morning????

How did it go at the vets? Spud does this especially if he has been using his mouth to scratch his itchies. Check the upper gums for hairs, I moisten my fingers with water then scrape around on his upper gums. If this doesnt solve it as he gets a little obsessive (to the point of cutting his upper lips) I wipe his gums over with bonjela (teething gel) and that seems to do the trick.

I wont go into the what to feed side of it as you have been given good advice here and I have answered what I feed in the other thread. However both my Shiba's came to me very finicky and very fussy eaters. I have found that the Triangle of Temptation did wonders for them http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=64101 I can now even feed them any tablet off my hand with them thinking it is a treat!! The vet laughed at this the other day and insisted on trying it himself asking Toby to sit and giving him a cortisone Tablet as a treat And this is from a dog that originally wouldnt even it his normal meal, no matter what it was..........

Here is a pic of my two boys. Spud (3) is on the right and Toby (7) is on the left. They are of different lines so are very different in their heads and body style.

Yes from that pic he looks definately like a shiba :D Did his past owners happen to pass on any info about his breeders? You have some great Shiba Breeders your way that could be of great help and it Sounds like you are going to have fun figuring out all his facial expressions, Does he watch with an intense look about him as if he is watching a show being put on just for him?? You will need to start searching for a weakness (like his favourite food) and use this exclusively as a training treat, Spud has food allergies so I feed mine EaglePack Holistic with soft brisket bones twice or three times a week, I find they are good doers so get under the advised dosage and feed only once a day. I also slap a Tablespoon of natural yoghurt on top every other day more for a treat then it's nutrional value with both boys hovering around the 10 kg mark and by the pic yours should just 9 - 10 mark. Even though I dont have children they are great when out and about with the kids running up to get a pat, I always put them into a sit and they children really get in and snuggle right up to them and never had a problem with babies and prams whilst we have been chatting to the mum. Shiba's are clowns by nature and learn pretty quickly that children are there to give them some pat loving fun. Spud has his trick of rolling on his back and wiggly about when we walk past a group of mums and young children as he knows then next step is lots and lots of pats and kisses. I should really not allow it but it is honestly a case of too damn cute that I just cant reprimand him for it. You will also get a look when you are trying to do something that he doesnt approve of - hehe dont worry about it tell him to get over it and follow through on whatever you want him to do, shiba's are also grumblers dont misinterpret that as aggressiveness it is merely them complaining about whatever you are asking not disputing or challenging. I am lucky both Spud and Toby dont grumble but mum's Astro does and I met a female today who is of them same breeder as Toby who was a grumbler also.

Hi Gugububz, First of all welcome to DOL There are many a shiba owner on here and you will find all the support you need to have a happy and non-destructive shiba. Cleanliness is is an eternal obsession for a shiba and you should never have a problem with his house manners. When it comes to the overexcitement and grabbing your trousers I agree with the transference to a toy, my two actual transfer to each other and go into full play mode with Toby insisting on throwing his bed around. Your fella is at 10 months though equal to a teenager and walking is going to be essential preferably morning and night, not just to a doggy park but an actual ground covering walk, at the moment mine get 45 minutes in the morning and 45 - 1 hour at night and even through adolesence Spud (now 3) has never chewed anything but his toys. Google Shiba Inu and you will find a wealth of info and as you are about to find out there are a little different then your more common breeds that you see out andabout. http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/shibas.html is a good start and quite a good read. If you have any breed specific questions feel free to ask....... and if you are in Sydney the Shiba owners quite often meet up to say hi.

Just bumping this up in the hope of finding someone that has already been through this experience.

Thanks for that. Spud has always never been right in his back/hips and legs but it has always been put down by the vet to his arthiritis and patella's ( he has had two op's on one patella) and after heading down all paths possible (including acupucture and chiropractic) is was time to seek out the specialist. I am doing as much online research so I can be prepared to discuss treatment options with vet if needed. It does seem to be able to be treated homeopathically (sp) which would be my preference. However we are willing to do whatever is the best for spud and would love to see him be comfortable in his daily walks again ;) .

Hi There, I took spud to a specialist last night as he is going down hill dramitically with his back/ hips and Legs and the vet has a deep suspicion that he is suffering from degenerative disc disease. He heads back monday for xrays etc to diagnose however I was wondering whether anyone can share their personal experience and how they managed the pain/ quaility of life for their dog? TIA Catz

Same in this household. :p

Thanks Jeanne, What do you think of this The Complete Choice Range by Vets All Natural???? As They have a weight loss range as well. http://www.vetsallnatural.com.au/Completemix.html Walkies are done three times a day at the moment ( 15 minutes each time) and will expand the time as she is able. Cheers Catz

Hi There, Looking for suggestions for Low Fat Meals for Senior Dogs looking to lose weight. Would prefer to stay off the Dry and canned food though would consider it if it is the best thing for the dog. If you could include the recipes that would be awesome. Thanks in Advance Catz

Great Post Shmoo - Maybe it is worth a request to get this pinned????

Thanks for responses, It really is pimple like just like a sty, I noticed it a couple of days ago and it does seem to be shrinking rather then growing. If it is still around on Monday I will take him to the vet.

Hi, Toby seems to have a sty on his eyelid, he is not scratching nor does he seem bothered by it in the slightest, no weeping either. I am just wondering whether I should take him to the vet or is it something that will pass on it's own??? TIA Catz

Exactly the same, it was off the top off my head. I purchase it through my vet and have been very happy with it.

Try Sea Lipped Mussel tablets, I have used it instead of glucosamine and found a remarkable improvement. ( My boy is 3 with confirmation via xray at 18 months.)

That sounds a bit expensive as I found it to be the same price as a C5, There are also a couple of Boarding kennels here in Sydney accepting the Titre Certificate as Vaccination Reqiorements.

O I better answer your next question, They do real well off it (they only get 1/2 cup each daily), energy levels are good, moods are great and best of all poops are twice daily with small solid (but moist) stools.

I feed it and they love it.

Have a look at the books Sas reccommended, it is how you walk the dog that makes a difference - Ceasers way is especially good at explaining how a walk can make a big difference to your dogs energy levels.

It doesnt mean that you cant play with your puppy but it does mean that the play is on your terms. :D I am with Sas get your hands on either of the books reccommended your puppy will love you even more for it.