Shiba Inu Can Bite Its Owners? Top 99 Best Answers

introduction

Shiba Inus were originally bred for hunting. So you would expect to see some hunting traits in their personality. Do you have a Shiba Inu that has barked and chased animals? This is an innate quality. Does your dog seem to take a habit of biting when you play? Do they get excited when they are hungry and frustrated? Although these actions are amusing at first, they can become persistent behaviors that you will worry about. It is therefore important that you teach your Shiba Inu not to bite. Not only does this mean you and your family members are at less risk of a painful bite, but it also means the dog won’t get into trouble outside of the home. If they bit another, larger dog, they could be in serious pain while you ended up with a sizable vet bill. This type of training will also increase your control in other areas of your life.

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define tasks

Teaching your Shiba Inu to stop biting may not be easy, but it can be done. The first thing you need to do is stop them from biting in the first place. You can then focus on obedience training and asserting your position as pack leader. They may also look for other more productive avenues to direct their energy into.

If your dog is still a puppy, he should be fairly receptive and the habit somewhat new. That means you can see results in just a week or two. But if your Shiba Inu bites under the collar for many years, breaking the habit will become more difficult. It may take a few months for them to completely stop biting. Get a workout now and you can relax in the future playing around with your pooch.

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Started

Before you begin your daily workouts, you need to gather a few items. A short training leash is required to enable you to exercise control over your Shiba Inu. To help your busy dog ​​focus, lots of irresistible treats or small pieces are needed. A spray bottle filled with water is also used for one of the following methods. Plan at least 15 minutes for exercise every day. If your pooch is having fun, keep the exercise going a little longer. The more often you exercise, the sooner you will see results. The most important thing is to end each session on a positive note. Don’t let your dog work if he’s showing signs of fatigue and boredom. Quit when they’re still having fun and switch to a game as a post-workout reward.

Apart from that, all you need is enthusiasm and patience. Then the work can begin!

If you own or, of course, “own” a Shiba, then you are most likely spoiling your Shiba to bits. That’s great and well, but chances are there are things you could do better to help your Shiba live a long and happy life. How many of the following 7 mistakes do you make?

#1 – Don’t socialize Shiba Inu puppies when you have a chance. And just one chance to make your Shiba Inu’s future happy, safe and peaceful – you must do this during his puppy development phase. Also sometimes known as puppy imprinting time. Once that period has passed, your job of socializing your Shiba Inu becomes astronomically more difficult—and sometimes impossible.

Having a new puppy in the home is a wonderfully exciting time for families. It’s also a time when new puppy owners are likely to realize they underestimated the amount of time and effort a new puppy would require.

After all the cuddling, feeding and grooming, many owners don’t take the time for proper socialization and behavioral training. With Shiba Inus. This. Is. A must. Shiba Inus are a basic dog breed that exhibit wilder traits than domesticated dogs like Labs. If Shiba Inu puppies are not adequately socialized, they can suffer from anxiety, aggression, and anxiety that will affect them – and your family – for the rest of their lives. All of this leads to a reduced quality of life for your beloved new addition. Unsocialized Shiba Inus are also more likely to run away and get hurt or lost forever.

#2 – Tooth and Nail If you’ve avoided the pitfalls of not socializing your Shiba Inu puppy, hopefully you’ve also incorporated handling into the socialization process. Unfortunately, many Shiba Inu owners don’t include handling in their training until it’s too late. Being able to handle your Shiba Inu safely is a crucial aspect of your and your Shiba Inu’s long-term health.

Dental disease is one of the most common diseases in dogs and has serious consequences – from high dental bills to a shortened lifespan. Untrimmed claws will eventually grow longer and longer, to the point where your Shiba Inu’s natural gait is compromised. Eventually, this can lead to pain, splayed paws, and irreversible joint damage. Longer nails also mean longer quicks, which makes trimming your Shiba Inus nails all the more difficult. Don’t be that Shiba Inu owner. Brush your Shiba Inus teeth and trim their nails REGULARLY.

#3 – Encouraging Shiba Inu Aggression Unsocialized Shiba Inus have a higher chance of developing aggression issues sooner or later. As a Shiba Inu owner, it is your responsibility to do everything in your power to correct aggressive behavior before it gets out of control. To do this, you must first establish rules and boundaries that our Shiba Inu must comply with. You can’t just let them “get away with it.” This permissiveness leads to trouble in the long run.

Most importantly, you must never “reward” aggressive actions. For example, some dog owners will try to “soothe” their agitated dog in a gentle, soothing tone.

This actually rewards your Shiba as your tone conveys acceptance of the behavior. Instead, you should firmly correct your Shiba Inu and make it clear that aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. Seek the help of a qualified canine behaviorist if training isn’t your forte and/or if your Shiba Inu is becoming sufficiently aggressive to the point of being even slightly dangerous. Learn more about dog aggression here.

#4 – Let Your Shiba Inu GET OVERWEIGHT This is a big problem. A literal “Biggie”. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), more than 45 percent of dogs are either overweight or obese. An “extra pound or two” on a Shiba Inu is NOT the same as an extra pound or two on a human. Every extra ounce of fat can negatively impact your Shiba Inu’s health, wellness, and longevity.

Consequences of Shiba Inu Obesity: Osteoarthritis

Decreased mobility

Fatty growths (lipomas)

Diabetes / Insulin Resistance

hypertension

liver disease

difficulty breathing

Low immunity

Increased Risk of Anesthesia Complications A chubby or fat Shiba Inu is NOT a cute Shiba Inu. It’s an unhealthy Shiba Inu and you alone are responsible for it. This means if you have an overweight Shiba Inu, you need to re-evaluate your feeding regimen immediately. In most cases, simply reducing portion sizes is enough. In other cases, you may need to change your diet to better meet your Shiba Inus needs depending on your life stage.

Do without treats Also, you should not “treat” your Shiba Inu to many unnecessary calories. And when you do this – reduce the amount of your regular meals.

#5 – Feed Your Shiba Inu Substandard Diet As a responsible parent, you should know exactly what you’re feeding your Shiba. but do you If you’ve taken a moment to research the history of pet food production, you won’t get a pretty picture. (thrown away leftovers, rendered roadkill “protein”, melanin, toxins – it’s just a start…..)

For decades, major multinational pet food manufacturers have made bank (GAZILLIONS) by making dog food made literally from scrap scrap for unsuspecting dog owners. If it’s balanced, that’s all we need, right? If the vet recommends it – it must be good, right? No, not necessarily.

All in all, we generally just recommend feeding your Shiba Inu a balanced, fresh, human-safe diet – lightly cooked or raw.

Of all the dog foods on the market, we would only recommend a small handful of brands that we would trust when feeding our beloved family members. And at all costs, stay away from big mega corporations and think of small businesses that have a proven track record of good ethics, fresh food and a love of something much more than profit. Translation – it will cost a lot more than mass-produced kibble.

#6 – Don’t exercise both body and mind

Exercise is a crucial component to keeping your Shiba Inu happy, healthy, and in tip-top shape. Most overweight Shiba Inus don’t get nearly enough of the necessary daily exercise due to their physical condition. Change that by starting small and building your Shiba Inus endurance until daily walks are a breeze.

Physical exercise promotes overall body health and will help keep your Shiba Inu mobile well into their golden years. Unfortunately, mental stimulation is an often overlooked aspect of a dog’s well-being. But it shouldn’t be. Scientific research has proven that mental stimulation improves behavioral adaptation, reduces stress and improves the bond between dog and owner. Mental stimulation is especially important for an ancient breed like the Shiba Inu, which sometimes suffers from anger and/or anxiety issues. Easy dog ​​puzzles will improve your Shiba Inus problem-solving skills while enriching their everyday life.

#7 – Not Getting Enough Training Shiba Inus are not the easiest dog breeds to train. And some Shiba Inu owners use this excuse to not train their Shibas properly. They’ll say, “Oh, he’s not listening,” or “These dogs are too stubborn to train.” While it’s true that Shibas can be stubborn at times, it’s still NOT an excuse for not training.

Shot! Shot! How can I stop this dog from barking?!

The loud dog is the bane of the neighbors everywhere. Forget the crazy kids’ parties and the mufflerless motorbikes; It’s the barking dog that causes most neighborhood disputes and noise complaints.

So why do dogs bark and how can we stop this barking behavior?

Why do dogs bark?

Warning. Dogs can bark to warn others to stay away from their belongings or space. Alarm. Watchdogs alert noisy pack members to interesting or potentially dangerous events. For example, my Shiba Inu will bark when he sees or hears something unexpected. He stops as soon as I come by to check things out. Defensive. Dogs can use their barks to deter potential threats. boredom/frustration. Dogs that are left alone for long periods of time will bark because they are bored and frustrated. When dogs have pent-up hyper energy that they cannot release through movement, they may bark and charge against the fence. Emphasize. Anxious dogs can become very stressed when people or other dogs invade their space. As a result, they may vocalize and swoop to scare people or other dogs away. Dogs with separation anxiety may bark, whine, and cry when their owners leave. Excitement. Some dogs bark with excitement when playing or greeting people. Attention. Finally, dogs will also bark to get attention. Many owners give their dog attention or affection when they make sounds. This becomes a reward for the dog, leading him to repeat his barking behavior over and over again.

1. Dog obedience training

When dealing with a noisy dog, remember that barking is often a symptom of another problem.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t just bark to annoy us and our neighbors, nor do they do it out of spite or revenge.

The best way to stop dogs barking is to identify the cause of the behavior. Once we’ve dealt with the source of the problem, the “woof, woof” symptom will go away.

First we need to be close to watch our dog. We want to recognize –

What makes our dog bark, for example the postman is coming,

Why our dog barks, for example to protect its territory, and

Whether our dog is rewarded for barking, for example when the postman goes away.

Once we understand these three things, we can develop a plan to retrain our dog. Do not leave him alone during the retraining process where he can practice and be rewarded for his barking behavior.

Here are some training techniques to stop dogs barking:

a) Teach our dog the command “quiet”.

When our dog starts barking, bring out a really high priority treat, say quiet and make the appropriate hand gesture in front of his face.

The smell of the treat will take hold of his nostrils and the gesture of the hand will briefly startle and distract him. This will likely cause him to stop barking for a moment. Once he stops, mark the behavior (Yes) and treat him.

Keep practicing this until he understands the command. Then we can slowly increase the duration of the rest command before treating.

We can speed up the training process by triggering the bark trigger ourselves, for example by ringing the doorbell, squeaking a toy, or playing a recording of sirens.

b) Ask for an alternative command.

Besides Quiet, we can also ask for other commands that are incompatible with barking.

For example, we can ask for a down command because dogs don’t usually bark when they’re lying down.

In fact, it’s even better to use the Go to Mat command, which will make our dog move to his bed and lie down. In this way, he moves away from the trigger object to a place where he feels comfortable and safe.

c) Distract our dog.

We can also distract our noisy dog ​​by engaging them in an alternative activity. For example, we can play a game of tugs or give him a food toy so he doesn’t focus on the bark trigger.

It’s best to establish a routine for our dog so that every time he starts barking we get him to go to his bed and play with his food toy. If we repeat this enough times, he will automatically perform this behavior instead of barking.

Note – Not letting our dog practice his barking behavior when we are not around is crucial to transitioning to work. If she practices unsupervised barking and is inadvertently rewarded for doing so (e.g., by the mailman driving away), she will repeat this behavior over and over again. With practice, it becomes a habit and harder to stop.

When we’re not around to watch him, put our dog in a quiet part of the house and turn on the radio or TV to mask the outside noise. Only do this for short periods of time (< 3 hours). If we're going to be away for an extended period of time, then consider a dog daycare or dog walk. 2. Dog daycare or dog walker Retraining our dog to stop barking can take some supervision and time. While we are at work we may consider placing him in a doggy daycare. Alternatively, we can hire a dog walker to take on group walks in the park. Both of these activities keep him busy, well-trained, and prevent him from practicing his barking behavior. Note that daycare or dog walks do not teach our dog to stop barking. It just removes him from the bark triggers and gives him other activities to keep him busy. If we stop these activities, he'll probably start barking again. However, day care or dog walks are great ways to keep him from practicing his barking skills during the retraining process. While it won't retrain our dog, it will at least keep the problem from getting worse. 3. Anti-Bark Collars Anti-bark collars are a popular way to address dog barking issues. These collars are useful because they automatically make the dog feel uncomfortable when he barks. Also, the strength of the unpleasant stimulus is increased as he escalates the frequency and volume of his vocalizations. There are two types of bark control collars, a spray collar and a shock collar. The spray collar automatically sprays the dog's face with citronella when it barks. If he escalates his bark, a more powerful jet will be emitted. The shock collar automatically delivers an electric shock to the dog's neck when it barks. The more he barks, the greater the shock. Sometimes marketers refer to these collars as stimulation collars, gentle training collars, and other more humane terms to get a quick sale. Don't be fooled by these sales tricks. All bark control collars work by punishing the dog for barking. They don't address the root of the problem, instead trying to suppress the barking behavior by delivering an aversive stimulus, such as pain. As with many other aversive training methods, these collars run the risk of causing aggression and other behavioral problems in dogs. For example, our dog can bark every time the postman comes. This would automatically deliver an electric shock to his neck. Instead of associating the pain with his barking behavior, he may associate it with the postman instead. This can ultimately lead to him becoming aggressive towards our innocent postman. If we decide to use an anti-bark collar, it may be best to just use the spray collars or citronella collars. Studies (Steiss, Soraya) show that shock collars work no better than spray collars and are much more likely to encourage aggression in dogs. When it comes to calming "nuisance barking" dogs, a scent spritz under the chin is more effective than an electric shock, according to a test by the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine. ~~[Cornell Chronicle] There are also ultrasonic bark deterrents. However, since this affects all dogs in a given area (including dogs that don't bark), it has received bad reviews. Punishing dogs that don't exhibit unwanted behavior can lead to stress, anxiety, and more behavior problems later. Shock collars are commonly used by canine veterans during closely supervised training sessions and solely for off-leash distance work. Leaving a shock bark collar on an unattended dog for an extended period of time is dangerous and can cause physical and/or mental harm. Be sure to monitor our dog closely when we use an anti-bark collar. Watch for signs of increased aggression, stress, anxiety, or other behavioral problems. Set up a webcam to record him so we can see how he reacts to the collar when he barks. Some dogs become extremely stressed or frustrated and may even escalate their barking behavior. Remember that bark control collars work by suppressing barking behavior and do not address the root of the barking problem. While it can stop the dog from barking for a short time, the problem can return once our dog becomes accustomed to the spray or electric shock. It also increases the dog's stress levels and lowers their quality of life. 4. Surgical debarking Surgical debarking, debarking, or barking, is a surgical procedure that removes tissue from a dog's vocal cords to reduce the volume of its barking. Most debarking processes do not completely remove a dog's vocalizations. Debarked dogs typically have a hoarse, softer bark that can only be heard up close. Surgical debarking is a controversial subject and considered by many to be inhumane. As with anti-bark collars, surgical debarking does not address the root of the barking problem. Instead, it can stress the dog because he is now being silenced. The dog may feel more vulnerable and more likely to use its bite since its bark is no longer available. For these reasons, surgical debarking should only be considered as a last resort; when euthanasia is the only other alternative. Consider our dog's temperament and how this process may affect their quality of life in the long term. Debarking is illegal in England. In the United States, debarking laws are determined state by state. It is currently illegal only in Ohio.

The Shiba Inu is a very beautiful dog. However, behind this fox face hides a dominant, stubborn, intelligent and extremely mischievous personality. This can make them a challenge to care for.

In fact, Shiba Inus are not for the faint of heart, and they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

Despite that warning, my heart was already set on a Shiba Inu puppy. I had a lot of free time back then, so I figured I could handle a small dog. How difficult can a little puppy be?

I didn’t know a Shiba Inu could be such a pain in the ass!

Even dog veterans have problems with their first Shiba. In fact, many experienced trainers have not been able to handle my Shiba Sephy.

Here are the Shiba Inu training secrets that have helped me transform my devil dog into a model citizen. Well, maybe not a model citizen, but a fun citizen who I really enjoy living with.

1. There are no miracle cures

When I first got Shiba Sephy, he was a big challenge.

His favorite daily activities include biting my hands, running around the house, biting curtains, viciously biting the leash, jumping on myself and others, banging my leg and more.

Desperate to get him under control, I researched online and offline. I read a lot of online articles and bulletin boards. I called local dog trainers, watched all the dog training shows on TV, and read lots of dog training books.

During that time, I found what seemed like a miracle…a 10-minute online Shiba training program. According to this ad, there were some special “Shiba words” that will magically turn a Shiba into a Lassie. Yes, exactly!

Luckily I didn’t succumb to my desperation and didn’t buy this product.

The fact is, there is NO “magic bullet” for training a Shiba Inu.

The secret to Shiba training is simply to exercise extreme patience and find humor in our Shiba’s antics. Use reward obedience training and always be strict but fair.

A Shiba will probably never be a Lassie or a perfect dog. However, if you are looking for a dog with a big personality who always makes you laugh with his sneaky and mischievous nature, then the Shiba Inu is for you.

2. Use passive resistance

The best way to deal with Shiba Inu misbehavior is passive resistance.

Shibas get bored easily and don’t like to be ignored. They enjoy their freedom very much and also like being close to their human pack. We can best control a Shiba by controlling those most coveted resources: our attention and their freedom.

If we actively try to stop our Shiba through either physical punishment (eg, alpha rolls, line jerk) or active restraint, he will fight back. This encourages him to engage in rough play and to bite people.

If we back down or get scared of our Shiba, he will learn that he “wins” by showing canine aggression.

If we overcorrect our Shiba by using too much physical force or correcting them too often, we will lose their trust and it is difficult to regain a Shiba Inu’s trust.

What works best in a Shiba is NOT a physical competition, but rather a mental competition.

There are certain resources that Sephy really enjoys, including walks, treats, toys, and his freedom.

If I want to take him on his walk, I take his leash to the door and call him to me. At first he would dally and not really want to come because he wants to walk on his own schedule. I count to three. If he doesn’t come, I’ll go and go about my own business.

In a little while, Sephy will saunter over and begged me to take him on his walk. This is done through begging and whining. I ignore all this bad dog behavior. Whenever I have a break in my schedule again, I repeat the exercise above.

A Shiba will quickly learn that in order to get the resources they want most (like going for a walk), they must do it by our rules and schedule. It is important to practice the NILIF (Nothing in Life is Free) program with a Shiba.

Target a Shiba Inu for success so we can reward them regularly and keep them interested in doing what we want.

Another Shiba favorite is stealing something he shouldn’t and then running away with it, starting a fun chase game.

A Shiba Inu is very agile and it will be difficult for us to catch him. I always try to keep an eye out for my sneaky Shiba and stop him before he steals anything. I also put a tow leash on him so I can easily catch him by stepping on the leash.

Note: Use a regular flat collar and not an aversive collar with the tow leash. Aversive collars such as spiked collars or choke chains should only be used during supervised training sessions. Cut the loop on the towline to keep it from getting tangled in the house.

3. Rules, rules, rules

Shiba Inus are naturally dominant. If we don’t give them rules that we consistently enforce, they take over the house.

It is best to enforce these rules as early as possible. This ensures that Shiba doesn’t later develop bad habits that are harder to break.

Some of Shiba Sephy’s rules:

1. No biting

The most important rule I impose on Sephy is don’t bite people. Shiba Inus are a very lively breed. Their instinct is to use their mouths in a variety of situations, including when excited, frustrated, and anxious.

They also have large teeth and can accidentally injure children and the elderly. If Sephy starts biting me or others, I don’t mark the behavior (Ack, ack). If he continues, I’ll give him time off.

It is also important to teach Shiba bite inhibition. That way, if he loses control of himself and bites, he won’t do much damage.

2. No food aggression or resource protection

Prevent our Shiba Inu from guarding resources. Shibas have an attitude, don’t give in, don’t give up. Therefore, the best way to teach them not to protect resources is to use reward training techniques.

Show them that it’s good to have people and other dogs around them while they’re eating or playing with their toys. Prevent theft and practice exchanging items. This teaches them that giving something up doesn’t mean it’s gone forever.

If we physically take a toy away from our Shiba, he is likely to become more possessive of his objects. He will also lose trust in us and may use aggression to protect himself and his property.

3. No rough play

I’m not playing rough with Sephy. He’s allowed to wrestle with my other dogs, but no wrestling with people is allowed.

I also don’t play dominance games with him, eg no tug of war. The few times I’ve played Tug with Shiba Sephy, he’s followed very strict rules throughout the game. However, when I took him for a walk, he would start tugging at the leash (leash biting).

4. Socialize our Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus can become aggressive towards unfamiliar things like objects, dogs, people, and surroundings.

They are also stubborn by nature and can become aggressive if forced to do things they dislike.

Get our young Shiba used to lots of sights, sounds, and smells, and he will be ready to take on new things as a confident and well-adjusted adult. Make sure new experiences are always positive and, at worst, neutral.

Some things to keep in mind when socializing our Shiba Inu:

1. Shiba Inus have an extreme playstyle that many dogs may not enjoy.

When he was young, I used to take Sephy to closed dog parks. During this time, his favorite playmates were larger dogs and young pit bulls. Shibas enjoy wrestling and rough play, which can easily overwhelm other small dogs.

Carefully choose our Shiba’s playmates so everyone can have fun.

2. Shiba Inus dislike handling.

Get a Shiba used to touching and grooming as early as possible. Combine the touch and groom sessions with very good treats so that he associates handling with positive experiences.

Do not use physical force when grooming. This will make it an uncomfortable experience and our Shiba will fight us at every turn.

Instead, brush gently and make it short, fun, and rewarding.

3. Shiba Inus generally don’t like being petted from above.

Petting from above can be seen as a dominance move by dogs, and Shibas can see it as a threat.

We can slowly desensitize our Shiba to this movement by combining head petting with good food rewards. At the same time, instruct people to approach under our dog’s head and scratch his chest.

5. Control our own energy

An important thing to remember when interacting with our Shiba is to control our own energy.

Shiba Inus are particularly sensitive to the energy of their owners and those around them.

When I first got the puppy Sephy, he was extremely muzzled. In particular, he would resort to biting if I was preventing him from doing something unacceptable.

That made me afraid of him.

The more scared I got, the worse Sephy behaved. As soon as I got anxious, he would start bucking my leg, grabbing my clothes, jumping on me, or biting my hands, arms, and legs.

Anger and frustration will also produce extreme Shiba behaviors.

In the early days I had a dog walker who would take Sephy on group walks in the park. If the walker tried to stop Sephy from doing something disruptive, he would protest and try one of his Shiba moves, including alligator roll, leash biting, hand biting, and of course the Shiba yell.

The dogwalker, of course, was embarrassed when Sephy screamed like he was about to die. There were other people around and some of them thought she was mistreating the poor dog. Sephy could easily sense her embarrassment and frustration. From then on, the Shiba Scream was his weapon of choice against them.

With a Shiba Inu, it is important to remain calm at all times.

If we lose our composure, Shiba will sense it and continue to use that weakness against us.

The best way to deal with a misbehaving Shiba is to remain calm and get him into a calm, lower-stimulus zone as soon as possible. If he continues his bad behavior, he will be deprived of his liberties with a time-out. Remember that fear, anger, frustration and other extreme emotions will only make the problem worse.

Once I was able to control my fear and remain calm, things improved significantly with my Shiba.

Sephy will never be a model citizen, but these days he’s really fun to be with. He’s goofy, he’s funny, and he usually stays out of serious trouble.

Shibas can be a challenge to live with, but they’re worth the effort. They have a great personality and they always come up with something that makes us laugh.

I love my Shiba Inu.

He’s one of my best buddies and when I see him I just have to smile.

The old adage “Appearances can be deceiving” applies perfectly to Shiba Inus. This sweet, fox-like face seems to be grinning as you gaze at him with wonder and awe. In reality, however, behind that grinning face is a mind that is constantly working on a new plan to outsmart you.

Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but Shiba Inus are quite famous for their cunning nature and strong-willed personalities. This breed is exceptionally intelligent, courageous, loyal, and complex, although they are not keen on excessive affection and can sometimes have aggression issues.

Are Shiba Inus Good for First Time Owners? Shiba Inus are not typically recommended for first-time dog owners due to their primitive characteristics. However, it’s possible for first-time owners to do very well provided they research the breed thoroughly and are familiar with common problems.

Dog owners considering a Shiba Inu for the first time should first gain a thorough understanding of the breed and their needs before bringing home one of these adorable puppies.

There are many devoted Shiba Inu owners out there who love their best friends! You could be one of them! As with all things, knowledge is power, so read on.

The importance of socialization

Socialization is required to raise a well-adjusted dog that is not only comfortable in a variety of situations but also confident in behaving appropriately at all times, especially with Shiba Inus.

What exactly is socialization?

Socialization, put simply, is the process of gently acclimating your dog to the world around him by introducing him to as many new sights, sounds, smells, people, animals, and experiences as possible in a positive or neutral way .

Ideally, socialization should begin while a puppy is still with its mother and littermates at the breeder’s home. Responsible breeders ensure each puppy receives routine treatment and learns to treat people as friends.

Puppies go through a period of rapid mental development between the ages of 2-4 months. This is commonly referred to as the socialization window. This is the critical period when most socialization activities should take place.

Socialization should be as comprehensive as possible. Puppies should have a wide variety of experiences. Learn even more about socialization with our complete socialization guide.

Why is socialization so important?

Dogs that have not been properly socialized are often frightened when they encounter something unfamiliar. This fear can cower in the corner when a noisy truck drives by, but it can also lead to aggression.

If dogs are not introduced to many experiences in a positive way, they will not have the skills needed to approach any situation with confidence and behave in an acceptable manner.

On the other hand, a well-socialized dog is more fun to be around. He enjoys meeting new people, is quick to make friends with other dogs, and can even take you on shopping trips to dog-friendly stores.

The importance of properly socializing your dog cannot be overstated. Don’t neglect the critical window of opportunity to properly socialize and train a well-adjusted, well-balanced, calm and friendly dog.

Common challenges for Shiba Inu owners

Anyone raising a dog is bound to encounter problems, especially during puppyhood, but there appear to be breed-specific challenges that are common to Shiba Inus. Let’s take a look at the most common obstacles owners face.

Ninja Dogs: Shiba Inus are well-known escape artists. They love to run free and will go to great lengths to gain freedom. These agile dogs are able to squeeze through tight spaces, climb over and dig under fences, chew through leashes, shoot through open doors, and disappear through open windows.

Once freedom is achieved, A Shiba Inu seems to vanish into thin air. You’ll happily chase all sorts of furry little creatures for hours and have the time of your life despite your desperate attempts to tell him to stop.

A Mind of Your Own: Training a Shiba Inu can undoubtedly be frustrating. This breed has a stubborn streak and a haughty attitude that can be difficult, but not impossible, to overcome. They must be given a reason why they want to attend training before they consider it. If they are not convinced that the training will benefit them directly in some way, they will often simply refuse and walk away.

Born to Run: Shiba Inus can resort to destructive behavior if not exercised enough each day. This active breed needs at least one long walk or intense playtime each day, although more is better.

It is not enough for the highly intelligent Shiba Inu to train the body. The owner must come up with methods and activities that will challenge them mentally, otherwise boredom will set in, which will also lead to destructive behavior.

Playing well with others: Shiba Inus sometimes don’t get along well with other dogs, especially if they weren’t properly socialized as puppies. In addition, they have a very strong prey drive, meaning their instinct is to stalk and kill small, furry animals. If you have small pets in your household, you may want to consider a different breed.

Owning food, toys, and territory is another common problem with this breed. Their nature is to guard and protect (sometimes with aggression) “their” possessions.

Leash training can also cause problems with this breed. Many Shiba Inus do not wear a collar or harness and will struggle to do so. Other shibas prefer to just pull you along for a walk. Teaching them to heel is sometimes easier said than done.

Tips for new owners considering a Shiba Inu

Before you head out and invest in a Shiba Inu, do your homework. Read as much as you can about the breed’s unique personality, challenges, good qualities, and quirks. A book on training “difficult” dogs that is highly recommended by many Shiba Inu owners is When Pigs Fly by Jane Killion.

Make an appointment with a reputable breeder to sit down and discuss the pros and cons of owning a Shiba Inu. Most breeders will be happy to answer any questions and tell you about the breed.

If possible, set up a meeting with a family that owns a Shiba Inu and spend some time getting to know their dog. Shiba Inus can be suspicious of strangers, so don’t rush the process.

Remember to consider financial aspects when making your decision. High-quality Shiba Inus are a little pricey, and while they’re considered a healthy breed, there’s also the cost of regular vet visits for checkups and vaccinations. Obedience training is also highly recommended and can be expensive.

Security for prospective owners

If owning a Shiba Inu is your dream, don’t let the possible challenges mentioned here put you off! Be aware of them. It’s best to know how to swim before jumping into a pool, right? Again, there are many happy Shiba Inu owners who can vouch for their brave, sweet, and good-natured dogs.

Once you’ve become more familiar with the breed and feel like you can have no hesitation in committing to properly training a Shiba Inu, giving them thorough socialization and ensuring their physical and mental exercise needs are consistently met, then do it it!

There are many first-time dog owners who have successfully raised a well-adjusted and well-behaved Shiba Inu. It can be done! However, it takes a lot of dedication, time, patience and consistency. Is all the work really worth it for the love of a Shiba Inu? Yes.

related questions

Are Shiba Inus stubborn?

They have a reputation for being quite stubborn. They are quite capable of thinking for themselves and once they have formed an opinion it is difficult to change their mind. If they don’t feel that a particular activity will directly benefit them, they will often simply refuse to participate.

Can I leave my Shiba Inu at home alone?

When housetrained, this independent breed can be left indoors for a maximum of 6-8 hours. Steps should be taken to secure things they may get into, as they can be destructive if bored. Leaving chew toys and bones around the house can help keep them occupied.

Although both Akita Inus and Shiba Inus originated in Japan and people notice the resemblance between them, there are notable differences between the two. By the way, Akita Inu means “the dog of Akita”, where Akita is the name of a prefecture and its capital. Shiba Inu simply means “little dog” or “sticks-dog”. The Akita is much larger than the Shiba. The Shiba was bred to hunt small game like rabbits while the Akita was bred to hunt brown bears and moose.

Shiba Inus are also more popular as pets than the Akita, although the Akita is Japan’s national dog. No longer used primarily as a hunting dog, the Shiba is kept as a loving pet in Japan and other places. It’s also a much older breed than the Akita, which is still valued as a hunting and tracking dog, as well as a companion. Read on to learn some of the key differences between these amazing dogs.

Comparison of Akita Inu and Shiba Inu

Here is a chart of some of the differences between an Akita and a Shiba.

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Akita Inu Shiba Inu Height 24 to 28 inches 13 to 17 inches Weight 70 to 130 pounds 18 to 22 pounds Origin 1600s 1000 BC Popularity Popular Very Popular Colors Red, fawn, white, brown, black Red, tan, cream, sesame, black Health Some health issues including bloat, hypothyroidism, PRA Robust temperament Friendly, independent, protective, alert, fearless, loyal, Intelligent Trainability Above Average Below Average Life Expectancy 10 years 12 to 15 years Modern Use Multiple Pets Price Between $600 and $2000 $2000 – $3500

The nine main differences between Akita Inus and Shiba Inus

The most significant difference between Akitas and Shiba Inus is their size, with Akitas growing over 100 pounds and Shibas rarely exceeding 22 pounds. Thus, the Akita was used to hunt large game such as deer and wild boar, while the Shiba Inu was bred and trained to hunt small animals such as rabbits and cats. Their coats are also varied, with a wide range of hues between them. Let’s dive deeper…

1. Akita Inu vs. Shiba Inu: Height and Weight

Akita Inus (left) are much larger than Shiba Inus (right) FunFamilyRu/Shutterstock.com

The Akita is a significantly larger dog than the Shiba. Females stand about 34 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 75 and 110 pounds, while males are slightly larger. The Shiba stands just 13 to 17 inches at the shoulder and only weighs between 18 and 22 pounds, with males again being slightly larger than females.

2. Akita Inu vs. Shiba Inu: Coat Type

The Akita has a double coat with a dense and plush undercoat and a short top coat. Caring for the Akita is generally not difficult; However, the Akita loses a lot. The Shiba Inu also has double hair, but the undercoat is softer and thicker than the Akita. The Shiba Inu’s outer coat is hard and straight. On the head and legs, the coat is short and even, with long guard hairs that stand up from the body.

3. Akita Inu vs. Shiba Inu: Colors

Akita Inus are amazingly loyal dogs Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

Shiba Inu coat colors come in five different shades: red, black, tan, sesame, and cream. The red coat is the most popular of the four colors. There are many different shades and color combinations available for the Akita Inu. Black, white, brown, red or fawn are some of their color variations.

4. Akita Inu vs. Shiba Inu: Profile

Although there is a similarity in appearance between the Shiba and the Akita, the Shiba Inu has a foxer appearance. It has a tapered snout, small, erect, triangular ears, and dark, triangular eyes with black rims. The Akita’s muzzle is strong and broad, although it has a soft muzzle well suited for retrieving waterfowl. It also has triangular, erect ears, but they are positioned above the dog’s eyes and in line with its nape. The Akita looks very much like the bear it was bred to hunt.

5. Akita Inu vs. Shiba Inu: Health Issues

The Shiba is a hardy dog, although it can be prone to kneecaps and hip dysplasia. The Akita is at risk for several medical conditions, some of which are unique to the breed. The Akita tends to be sensitive to drugs and insecticides and a condition called pseudohyperkalemia. This happens when the dog is bled and its red blood cells lose too much potassium. However, there’s really nothing wrong with the animal, as dogs originating in East Asia have more potassium in their red blood cells than other canine species.

Akitas are also prone to autoimmune diseases, diabetes, hypothyroidism, bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, and Cushing’s disease, among others.

6. Akita Inu vs. Shiba Inu: Temperament

Shiba Inus have a playful temperament. Trybex/Shutterstock.com

The Shiba’s temperament is playful and active, and they get along well with children and the larger family pets. However, he should not be left alone with smaller pets such as mice or rabbits. It was used to hunt these animals and could preserve an ancestral memory! An Akita’s temperament is fearless and amazingly loyal. They make excellent watchdogs. They may not take on strangers immediately, especially strange children, and need supervision when introduced to new people or pets. Akitas are also a bit territorial and have trouble tolerating same-sex dogs. Dog lovers claim that Akitas shouldn’t be a person’s “starter” dog.

7. Akita Inu vs. Shiba Inu: Trainability

Shiba Inus are independent thinkers who are fairly smart yet stubborn and are not known for their ability to learn. Akita Inus are bright dogs that are much easier to train if you show them respect and reward them.

8. Akita Inu vs. Shiba Inu: Popularity

Akitas are popular dogs, and they seem to be more popular with Americans than Japanese, despite being Japan’s national dog. They became very popular with returning American soldiers after World War II, and Helen Keller owned not one, but two Akitas.

9. Akita Inu vs. Shiba Inu: Life Expectancy

The Shiba Inu has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is significantly longer than the Akita. These numbers are based on data when the dog is in the right environment and both dogs are healthy. The Akita Inu has a shorter lifespan averaging 10-12 years.

Completing Akita Inu versus Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu lives an average of 10 to 12 years. Irina Vaneeva/Shutterstock.com

In comparison, both breeds tend to guard the people and things that are important to them. In contrast, there is little in common between the temperament and training of the Shiba and Akita breeds. Both dog breeds can be trained, but one is easier than the other. Both dogs have double coats, but each has a distinctly different coat. Both breeds hail from Japan and look similar enough that they could remotely pass as siblings. However, upon further investigation, it is much easier to see that these are two different breeds of dog.

Reviewed and updated May 3, 2020 by Katie Grzyb, DVM

In this article:

To determine which dog would be best for your family, Dr. Holly Putnam, DVM and former Association of Shelter Veterinarians Board Member, to consider the size of the dog as well as your family’s lifestyle and energy level that will best suit you.

Regardless of whether a dog is a purebred or a mutt, these three factors can help you choose a good family pet:

Temperament – ​​This is the dog’s personality. You should look for a pleasant temperament. For example, a calmer dog has the ability to form strong bonds and be a great companion for your children.

Size – Size alone does not determine whether a dog will be good with children. Size should be considered in relation to temperament and energy level. Some larger dogs tend to be docile, while some smaller dogs can be excitable. “For example, if you have a family with young children, a large, feral dog can accidentally knock the children down,” says Dr. Putnam.

Energy Level – This is a matter of family preference. Be realistic about the lifestyle you can provide for a dog that needs more exercise than average. If you can’t meet a dog’s needs, their excess energy can lead to behavior problems later. dr Putnam gives the following example; “If you’re an avid runner and looking for a canine companion, a jovial Basset Hound might not be the best choice.”

To get an idea of ​​a potential new pet’s temperament and energy level, be sure to have one or more meet-and-greet sessions before making the decision.

“If you’re considering adopting a dog, you should observe how it responds to all members of your family,” says Dr. Putnam.

dr Putnam also recommends observing the dog’s body language:

Does the dog approach you and your family with its tail or body wagging, or is it crouching in the corner of the room?

How willing is the dog to play or share with your family? Some dogs become possessive of what they think is their property. This can escalate into a dangerous situation with young children, who tend to pick up everything, including the dog’s toy or food bowl.

In addition to the meet and greet, Dr. Putnam that you should work with the shelter or rescuers to find out a little more about the dog and their likes and dislikes. Here are five sample questions to ask about potential family dogs:

Is the dog safe for all family members? Some dogs are perfectly happy socializing with everyone in the family, while others prefer adults only or one gender. What energy does the dog have? Perhaps you want a dog that will accompany you and the family on long walks, or one that can be carried in your arms most of the time. What ongoing care does the dog need? Is it a long-haired dog that needs regular grooming, or an older dog that may need more frequent vet visits? What age group are you looking for? Would you prefer a puppy that needs a lot of training but is likely to socialize well with the whole family, or do you prefer an adult dog that is potty trained but may be more shy or need time to adjust to your house routine to accustom? ? Does this dog get along with other pets? If you have other pets in the home, you should choose a dog that has shown to be social with other pets and be sure your animals will like the new dog.

Keep in mind that while these dogs may have traits that make them great family pets, you still need to work on daily training and socialization to help them become good canine citizens.

Here is a list of dogs that are the best dogs for kids and families:

1. Top Pick: Mutts!

While your family may only consider purebred dogs, don’t count mixed breeds out. Mixed breeds often offer the best traits of two (or more!) great breeds in one dog.

When you adopt a mixed breed dog, you’re saving the lives of two dogs – the dog you’re adopting and the dog you’ve now made room for in the rescue.

Adoption also allows you to learn more about the dog’s behavior. The shelter or rescue workers spend their days caring for the dogs so they can educate you on a dog’s quirks and habits.

In terms of size, if the dog is a mutt and also not an adult, you may only get a best estimate of its size as an adult.

2. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a confident, smart, friendly, and loyal dog. Neither aggressive nor shy, the Golden Retriever is extremely patient, making them a perfect match for children.

Although the breed needs plenty of exercise, they do enjoy playing (fetch games are their favorites—for example, your Golden loves to play with Frisbees).

You’ll often find that the fun-loving Golden Retriever is also affectionate and obedient, which means your kids will fall in love instantly.

Proper grooming of their magnificent golden coat requires twice-weekly brushing.

3. Labrador retrievers

This is one of THE most popular dog breeds, and with good reason – the Labrador Retriever is playful, patient, loving, protective, and dependable. Another benefit – Labs are highly intelligent and take the training well.

They need LOTS of exercise (they love to swim!) so make sure your family is up to the challenge. Make sure they have plenty of space to romp and play.

Whether they’re Black Labs, Chocolate Labs, or Yellow Labs, they all share the same sense of endurance, strength, and obedience that makes them such a popular breed.

These affable dogs get along well with other animals and pretty much everyone they meet, and their short coat means they only need a weekly comb to keep them clean and healthy. However, Labradors do shed their hair, so be prepared to clean their hair regularly.

4. Poodle

In addition to their often distinctive haircuts, the Poodle is also a very smart and gentle dog.

Both caring and loyal, this proud and elegant dog breed is rarely annoyed or bored.

Poodles come in both miniature and standard sizes, meaning you can select the specific poodle size that best suits your living environment. They are ideal for children with allergies as they shed very little.

Each race brings different benefits. For example, the Standard Poodle breed is very obedient, smart, playful, and adventurous. Although they are often shy around strangers, they get along well with people and children they know.

Miniature Poodles, on the other hand, tend to become devoted to one particular person, but they get along well with other pets and children. They are smart, responsive, obedient and playful.

Regardless of the poodle breed in question, however, their coats will need regular grooming.

5. Irish Setter

Known for their red coat, the Irish Setter is playful and energetic, loves to be around people and plays well with children.

In fact, this breed loves being with their family so much that they hate being alone, which means they look their best when they are surrounded by loved ones. (Check out some simple ways to prevent separation anxiety in your dog here.)

This dog needs plenty of exercise and does well with energetic children.

An intelligent and trainable companion, the Irish Setter is perfect for people with a yard, and they’re also great at welcoming new people into your home.

Irish Setters have a longer coat, so they need regular grooming and brushing to prevent them from getting hair mats.

6. Vizsla

Although this breed isn’t exactly a common household name – largely due to their need for regular exercise – they actually make one of the best dog breeds for active and energetic families with older children.

The Vizsla has a lively but gentle demeanor and is both loyal and affectionate.

The breed is also obedient, confident, and smart. Vizslas form close bonds with family members and are quick to learn new tricks.

They have a short coat, so their grooming routine is quite low-maintenance.

7. Newfoundland

Nicknamed “Nature’s Babysitter,” the Newfoundland is considered to be one of the smartest breeds in the world, and these dogs love children and are very protective.

Gentle, friendly, and patient, this breed is almost like the Mother Teresa of dogs. Small and large members of the family will quickly fall in love with this large, wonderfully sweet dog.

The Newfoundland does best with a family with large, open spaces, and while they’ve been known to drool and shed excessively, they shouldn’t be left outdoors in the yard (no dog should do this). Their long coats also require regular grooming and grooming.

The Newfoundland is also a great swimmer and is known to save lives in emergency situations. They’re easy to train and fairly task-oriented, so don’t be afraid to provide them with stimulation that will require a little extra work on your part.

8. Bull Terrier

Wrongly branded as an aggressive animal, the Bull Terrier was actually bred to be a companion dog – friendly and affectionate towards adults and children alike.

Remember that your Bull Terrier is often up to mischief, especially when it comes to other small animals and dogs. Avoid problems by keeping your pet mentally and physically active every day.

A Bull Terrier’s short, flat coat is low maintenance, and the breed is best with easy access to a yard for play.

9. Beagle

The Beagle’s small size (they can easily be carried!) and calm temperament make this breed a great choice for families.

Originally kept as hunting dogs, Beagles are never too tired to play games due to their sturdy build. If your kids love the outdoors, this breed will fit right in, as they love nothing more than exploring the great outdoors and hitting the trails.

Smart, friendly, and cheerful, the Beagle usually gets along well with other pets (apart from a bit of a chase here and there). They shed, so they need frequent brushing and bathing.

10. Bulldog

For a devoted, patient pup who is sure to be affectionate with children, the Bulldog is your go-to choice. The Bulldog has a sturdy build that’s perfect for kids. However, he will not win awards for “Most Energetic Dog.”

A docile, friendly, and loyal dog, the Bulldog also gets along well with other pets and dogs. The bulldog lives comfortably in both large houses and small apartments.

Most are also pleasant to outside visitors and compatible with other pets, making them perfect for a busy, social family. Due to their smaller size, they are suitable for both large houses and small apartments.

If you’re interested in getting a Bulldog, remember that the compressed nature of their jaws means they need a little more grooming when brushing their teeth, and wheezing, snoring and some drooling are commonplace.

The creases around the tail and facial creases need to be cleaned to avoid dirt buildup. On the other hand, their coat requires minimal maintenance.

Now that you know a thing or two about kid-friendly dogs, choosing a new dog for your family should be a little easier.

There are many things to consider when deciding which breed of dog to give a forever home. How big will they get? How much are they losing? Are they prone to health problems? How difficult are they to train?

Difficult dogs to train can be very time consuming and require a lot of patience and consistency. Some breeds are more difficult to train than others and the Shiba Inu is considered one of the most difficult breeds to train. People fall in love with the Shiba Inu’s “fox” looks, but are unwilling to confront their larger-than-life and stubborn personality.

Shiba Inus only respond to activities that make sense to them and are very strong-willed and stubborn. They will fight back when they feel threatened and will not back down when they have their minds set on something.

Shibas have a unique state of mind and once they focus on something they become obsessed and giving up is not an option. A Shiba will be willing to not eat, not draw attention, not go for a walk, and more if they feel their pride is at stake.

Understanding your Shiba’s personality will give you the upper hand in training this difficult breed. Below are some training tips to help you grow your rebel pup into a model citizen!

Practice potty training

Shiba Inus are naturally clean animals, making them relatively easy to potty train. They don’t like polluting their living space, so they choose to do business elsewhere.

The first and most important step in potty training is establishing a schedule. Shiba Inus are creatures of habit, so consistency is a surefire way to guarantee success. Watch your puppy closely to spot his potty training behavior. Maybe he has to go first thing in the morning and right after lunch.

Perhaps vigorous play triggers the need to go outside. Each pup’s schedule differs based on their size, temperament, and routine. If you let your dog outside often, you reduce the chance of mistakes.

Dogs repeat behaviors when they get positive results and stop behaviors when they get negative results. This is called conditioning or reward training.

The more you reward your pup for going outside, the more often he will repeat the behavior. Giving your pup positive affection and a treat, which is only associated with potty success, will encourage him to continue the behavior.

It’s similar when your pup tries to eliminate himself inside by saying “No!” and interrupting him to take him outside will discourage your dog from doing it again. Soon your pup will learn that doing business outside pays while inside it leads to disruption.

Another method of potty training is called crate training. Since Shiba Inus dislike polluting their habitat, they will avoid it when they are in their crate unless absolutely necessary. Take your Shiba to the area where you want him to go to the bathroom once an hour.

If he doesn’t, bring him back to the crate and repeat the process until he does his business in the correct area. When your dog goes to the bathroom, give them plenty of praise and the excitement in your voice will help your pup understand where to go. Remember to be persistent and consistent and show a lot of patience!

obedience training

Shiba Inus are naturally dominant and need rules that are consistently enforced. Set the rules as early as possible and enforce them to avoid forming bad habits. Each owner has different rules that are important to them, but rules like “no biting,” “no begging,” and “no jumping” are common.

The Shiba Inu is a social animal that responds to a dominant subordinate hierarchy. When you create these rules, you become the “Master” and your Shiba becomes the “Follower”. Consistency in obedience training is just as important as it is in potty training.

Your pup may recognize the word “walk” and associate it with grabbing the leash and going outside, but that’s only because it’s a common action.

If you change the verbal word you are using, your Shiba will no longer understand it. Whatever word you use for basic commands, make sure they stay consistent.

Using the reward training method and encouraging desirable behaviors with a reward and discouraging undesirable behaviors by removing a reward has proven to be the most successful way to train the Shiba Inu.

People may think that since the Shiba is such an independent thinker, it would respond better to aversive dog training, but it can make them more aggressive.

The secrets to training your Shiba Inu are to use reward training, always be firm but fair, and simply exercise an extreme amount of patience.

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Importance of mental stimulation in dogs

Sometimes it’s difficult enough to keep our Shiba Inu’s physical needs under control. Our pampered Shiba Inus require healthy dog ​​food, weekly grooming, occasional medication, preventive veterinary care (flea and tick medication and heartworm pills), annual vet visits, toys, treats… the list seems endless! Responsible Shiba owners will do whatever it takes to meet their Shiba Inu’s physical needs.

But what about their mental needs? Is that covered too? We spend so much time and effort providing our Shibes with the best food, toys and comfort money can buy – yet we sometimes overlook another critical aspect of our dog’s overall well-being. All dogs, regardless of breed, need both physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

This is especially true of Shiba Inus as they are extremely intelligent and inquisitive dogs. When the Shiba Inu was developed as a hunting dog in Japan, the Japanese wanted a small, intelligent, and independent dog to assist them in their small game hunts. To meet all of these criteria, the Shiba Inu had to be fast, both mentally and physically.

Now that the vast majority of Shibas are lounging on the couch rather than hunting in the undergrowth, it’s easy to forget that our little fox-like little pets are actually hounds at heart and can become bored without adequate mental stimulus. This hunting instinct, coupled with Shiba Inus’ innate intelligence, means they are particularly prone to boredom if not challenged enough. Just like muscles, our dog’s brain function will decline from underuse.

3 ways to stimulate your Shiba Inu’s mind

To begin a mental stimulation program, it is first important to determine your Shiba Inu’s mental strengths and weaknesses. Maybe they’re really good at memorizing commands but can’t find things if you hide them around the house, or vice versa. Just as humans can be more competent in one field than another (think: some people are better at math while others are better at history), Shiba Inus can also fight and excel cognitively. By knowing your Shiba Inu’s strengths and weaknesses, you can easily create a plan that will reinforce your Shiba Inu’s strengths and work harder to address his weaknesses.

In this post, we’re going to explore some of the best methods to keep your Shiba Inu mentally sharp and entertained.

While puzzle toys and other dog brain teasers are a great idea, spending money on dog games isn’t always necessary. Keeping your dog engaged with exercise and play are two of the best ways to mentally stimulate your Shiba Inu and strengthen the bond between owner and dog.

1. Meaningful Interaction/Training

Shiba Inus can usually chat and/or keep each other content for quite a while (as most Shiba owners already know) – but that’s not necessarily a good thing. As her owner and favorite human, it is your job to make sure you are meeting your Shiba Inu’s mental and emotional needs, in addition to their physical ones. Your Shiba won’t tell you that he could use some mental challenges, just like your child probably won’t ask you for more homework. Interacting with your Shiba Inu on a daily basis, aside from just attending to their physical needs and hanging out with them on the couch, is one of the most important ways you can stimulate your Shiba Inu’s mind and form a deeper bond.

Luckily, there are a variety of different ways you can meaningfully engage with your Shiba Inu.

One of the best ways is through continuous and varied training. No matter how well trained your Shiba Inu is, practicing new skills a few times a week is a great way to keep him mentally sharp. Even if your Shiba knows all the basic commands by heart, asking them to perform them for a reward is a fun and engaging way to keep them busy.

Ask your Shiba Inu to do the commands he already knows, then change the order in which you ask him.

If you’re feeling particularly motivated, try incorporating some advanced training techniques into your Shiba session. Keep workouts short (less than 15 minutes) and as positive as possible. It’s a good idea to offer your Shiba Inu special treats during these training sessions that he doesn’t get every day.

This is great both for motivational purposes and to get your Shiba excited about the task at hand. You can also try a variety of interactive games with your Shiba Inu. Hide and Seek is a perfect game to bring out your Shiba’s natural hunting instincts and drives. You can hide (with another person holding on to the Shiba to stop them from following you) or you can hide treats or their favorite toy. Start with easy hiding places and gradually move on to more difficult ones. Praising them when they inevitably find what they’re looking for boosts the dog’s self-esteem and is a great way to develop a strong relationship with your Shiba Inu.

2. Mentally stimulating dog toys and puzzles

There are a variety of dog toys on the market that promote mental stimulation in the dog. Puzzle toys are great for the naturally curious Shiba Inu and can be used in a variety of ways.

Most puzzle games involve hiding treats in the toy and letting your Shiba Inu try to figure out where they are and how to reach them. You can also try “stuffed animals” like Kongs. While most dog owners use them to keep their dog occupied when they aren’t able to look after him (e.g. when going to work in the morning or trying to get something done around the house), these types of toys can also be used as brain games for your Shiba Inu.

You can fill these toys with your Shiba’s favorite treat or a little frozen peanut butter and offer them as a treat. Your Shiba Inu will do anything to get all those little crumbs and peanut butter out of the Kong and will keep his mind (and tongue) busy! Speaking of crumbs and peanut butter — crumbs, peanut butter and rugs don’t mix well — so be sure to put these treats on surfaces that are easy to clean.

3. Shiba Inu sports and agility training

Dog sports like agility, flyball, barn hunting, cat speed, and K9 nose work are great activities to keep both your Shiba Inu’s mind and body sharp.

You will also reap the benefits of additional physical activity and friendly competition. If you’re interested in entering your Shiba Inu into a dog sport, you can see if they offer classes at your local training school or shelter. Many of these activities will require a certain level of commitment if you want your Shiba Inu to play at a competitive level, but simply enrolling them in classes and training with them will do if you simply want to keep their minds active. Don’t worry about teaching old dogs new tricks. As long as your Shiba Inu is physically up to the task, dogs of all ages can learn dog sports!

3. The consequences of insufficient mental stimulation

While this is an aspect of dog ownership that’s often overlooked, the consequences of not cognitively stimulating your Shiba Inu can be detrimental—especially in the long run. Historically, people didn’t really need to worry about mentally stimulating their dogs as these things came naturally due to their environment and the various tasks they were engaged in. Dogs were mostly used as helpers in human tasks such as hunting, fishing, or herding. These active dogs could effortlessly complete a mental workout each day simply by going about their daily tasks.

Now that dogs are kept primarily as companionship, conscientious dog owners must find ways to satisfy their dog’s innate curiosity and need for mental stimulation. Otherwise, it may cause a variety of problems, such as: B. Behavior problems, boredom, depression in dogs and even dementia. Behavior Problems and Boredom Because Shiba Inus are so smart, they probably won’t settle for just lounging around on the couch all day—every single day. Shiba Inus need mental stimulation both because it dramatically improves their quality of life and because it can help curb the negative effects of boredom. If your Shiba Inu is bored – especially young Shibas – they will likely find “other” ways to entertain themselves. Depression in Dogs Just like humans, dogs can also feel depressed, and Shiba Inus are no less susceptible than other breeds. While most well-tended dogs sail through life relatively at ease, very intelligent dogs that lack mental stimulation can fall prey to mood disorders such as depression.

Some symptoms of dog depression include: Change in sleeping habits

Avoidance (Hide)

Excessive licking

Loss of appetite If you notice your Shiba Inu exhibiting these symptoms, it is important that you see a veterinarian to check for any physical problems. If nothing is found, your Shiba likely needs more mental and emotional support. It’s important to remember that while you have a variety of other sources of mental stimulation (work, friends, family, television, reading, etc.), your Shiba Inu only has you. By providing him more attention and exciting toys when you can’t spend time with him, you’re taking two important steps to ensure your Shiba Inu is happy, engaged, and healthy. Dogs are very social animals and should never be left home alone for long periods of time. If you spend a lot of time outside the home, consider getting a service dog for your Shiba Inu or a dog daycare. Mentally stimulating toys and mini-training sessions are two good first steps to try if you notice your Shiba acting listlessly and/or bored. Re-engaging them, building their self-esteem with legitimate praise, and generally giving them more attention can make a world of difference in your Shiba Inu’s mindset and overall well-being.

Canine Dementia: Canine dementia, also known as Cognitive Canine Disorder (CCD), is a devastating illness that generally affects older dogs, and Shiba Inus are no exception. Similar to the degeneration that accompanies Alzheimer’s disease in humans, CCD can negatively alter your Shiba Inu’s behavior, reactions, ability to recognize others, sleeping habits, mood, and activity level. While some cases of CCD are unavoidable, whether due to growths (tumors) or simply due to the inevitable aging process, prevention and therapy are still possible in many cases.

Leticia Fanucchi DVM, PhD Canine dementia is not considered reversible – prevention is the main weapon

Many of us love our dogs very much. However, to build a strong bond, love alone is not enough. We also need to inject a good dose of rules and structure.

In order to bond with a dog, it is important to establish yourself as the pack leader. We must teach our dog what is good dog behavior and what is bad dog behavior; according to us humans.

Our human laws protect humans first, not dogs, so it’s up to us to protect our furry best friend from situations that could harm them. These include rear-end collisions, accidentally biting people due to unbridled playfulness, or dog aggression.

It’s also important to engage in regular activities with our dog, including daily exercise, dog play, obedience training, and grooming. Finally, communication is crucial in the bonding process. I always try to listen to what my dog ​​is trying to tell me so I can make informed decisions based on their temperament, tolerance, likes and dislikes.

1. Redirect our dog’s energies into productive pursuits

Most dogs naturally love to run, chase, chew, jump, smell, eat poop, eat anything else, and roll in smelly stuff.

This canine behavior results in chewed up expensive shoes, mud on designer clothes, torn upholstery, and a host of other delights that can capture our dog’s imagination when left to their own devices. A great way to deal with this bad dog behavior is to redirect our dog to positive and productive activities –

Play controlled running and chasing games with him. Some examples are recall training, hide and seek, and flirt pole.

Get good and safe chew toys. I frequently press cheese chunks onto my dog’s chew toys, which entices him to work on them with even more enthusiasm! We can also try soaking suitable chew toys in chicken broth to give them an appealing scent.

Make our dog work through interactive toys, training, handling or grooming for all of their food.

Do obedience training or dog sports so he can jump, run, and compete in a human-friendly way.

Walk our dog every day on a loose leash so he can explore and smell interesting surroundings.

I hand feed my dogs during these activities to further build confidence.

In order to form a strong bond, we must consider not only what we want from our dog, but also how we can fulfill our dog’s wishes.

For example, my Shiba Inu doesn’t like bathing in the shower stall because he doesn’t like the close quarters, cold surfaces, or having his whole body doused. So instead of bathing him regularly, I play the water hose game with him. He doesn’t usually like to get wet, but he’s very happy to get completely soaked for this chase game. He’ll even take breaks in between to scrub himself with a washcloth.

By making bathing a game, I can engage my dog ​​in a fun activity and complete a previously awkward task without stress, physical strength, and lots of laughs.

2. To gain a dog’s respect, we must be calm, consistent, and fair

Keep Calm – Don’t yell or get angry. A dog is more likely to remain calm and listen to us when we are also calm.

Be consistent – ​​One day don’t give a dog affection for climbing into bed and the next day punish him for doing the same; even if he has muddy paws. If we want to prevent a muddy bed incident, then teach our dog *not* to jump on furniture and reward him well for resting on the floor.

Be fair – Don’t punish him if he doesn’t carry out an order if he doesn’t understand what we want. Dogs are not born with an understanding of human language. It’s up to us to learn to communicate with our dog, teach him how to communicate with us and teach him our human rules.

If we are calm, consistent and fair, our dog will feel safe because he always knows what to expect from us and what we expect from him in return. On the other hand, anger and frustration create confusion and stress in our dog, making it difficult to learn or form a healthy relationship.

Don’t be afraid of our dog. A dog can sense fear easily, and as a result becomes insecure and anxious itself. Anxiety indicates a lack of trust in our dog and often a lack of trust in ourselves. In particular, we fear what our dog might do and we fear that we won’t be able to stop him.

To build a strong and healthy bond –

Establish a consistent set of verbal commands and hand gestures to communicate with our dog.

Establish a consistent set of rules that we will consistently enforce.

Establish a consistent routine and schedule for his various canine activities.

Some dog trainers suggest that healthy attachment is based on performing certain dominance rituals, such as B. Always walking in front of our dog, going through the entrances first and eating in front of him.

Some of these rules are useful not because they are dominance rituals, but simply because they provide structure to our human-canine relationship.

In fact, the actual rules don’t usually matter much as long as they help define some boundaries and routines for our dog.

Rules don’t magically create a strong bond or make us a respected leader. If we try to enforce our rules with angry or fearful energy and without proper communication, our dog is likely to become frustrated and his behavior more erratic.

3. Leadership through resource control

Many proponents of aversive dog training argue that healthy attachment is not possible without the use of dominance techniques and physical violence.

According to her, we need to show the dog who’s boss and force him to obey our every command. Failure to do this will result in a quick physical correction, which may be a tug on the leash, a finger poke, a muzzle punch, or an alpha roll.

They claim that these methods are especially important for stubborn and strong-willed dogs, as they don’t respond to a well-meaning but gentle owner who chooses not to engage in a physical fight with their dog.

All of this is FALSE.

The best way to form a strong bond with a dog and become a good leader is to stay away from physical brute force techniques.

In a real physical competition, we can be sure that our dog will win. He’s faster and more agile. He has sharp teeth, a strong jaw, claws, and thick skin to protect himself. Attempting to gain leadership through physical dominance is misguided at best and can encourage aggression in the dog at worst. If we see a group of stray dogs eating our trash, do we approach them and try to wrestle them to the ground? I don’t think so – and we shouldn’t do that to our own dog either.

We can form a bond based on pain and fear, but it is far better to form a bond based on mutual respect.

The fact is, we are already natural leaders to our dogs because we have control over their most valuable resources, including food, shelter, toys, access to pack members, access to places of interest, and access to other dogs. To establish ourselves as leaders, we simply need to teach our dogs this fact through the NILIF (Nothing in Life is Free) program.

At NILIF, our dog has to do something for us before he gets anything in return. Any bullying will be ignored or result in the removal of a resource. With this program, our dog quickly learns that the easiest and fastest way to get what he wants is to follow our rules.

Even in wolf packs, a strong and confident alpha pair will tolerate a lot of misconduct from subordinates. They save their power and attention for more direct challenges involving resource control, such as: mating rights or food rights.

A strong leader does not always have to enforce obedience because he is confident that when it matters most, he can easily command obedience.

Be a confident and benevolent pack leader, not a bully.

4. Gain our dog’s trust

Getting love from a dog is very different than gaining their trust.

Dogs have an immense capacity for love, but it takes a lot more work to earn their trust. However, this is an extremely rewarding endeavor because once we have a dog’s trust, we will form a deeper bond and produce a happy, well-balanced, well-behaved canine friend.

Trust is earned by always looking out for our dog’s best interests.

Being inconsistent with our dog or using vigorous training techniques can destroy that trust.

Normally we focus on ourselves; our need for love and our feelings of shame when our dog misbehaves.

To gain a dog’s trust, simply focus on doing what is best for them without expecting anything in return.

If we can do that, the returns will surely come.

I protect my dogs from external threats or perceived external threats. It doesn’t matter if the threat is real or not. As long as my dog ​​perceives it as a threat and is stressed by it, I intervene and protect him.

Sometimes being a good caretaker also means we need to protect our dog from himself.

If our dog is overweight and likes to eat, we should put him on a strict diet so he doesn’t get health problems later. If our dog likes to run and chase, be sure to keep him on a leash to keep him out of traffic.

Visit the vet at least once a year for a health check, vaccinations, and teeth cleaning (if needed).

bond with your dog

Bonding with our dog is a give and take.

Our dog is willing to give commands, take hugs, walk on a leash and conform to many other human rules and restrictions that he would never do in the wild.

In return, we should try to understand our dog and meet his needs as much as possible.

Why physically punish a dog for being afraid of bathing when we can make the experience fun, enjoyable, and less stressful by turning it into a game?

People are often attracted to the Shiba Inu because they are a good size, handsome and hardy, easy to care for, and clean and quiet around the house.

However….those potential owners should do more research into this breed or they may be making a big mistake.

The Shiba Inu, you see, is very difficult to raise and train.

A brave, spirited “big dog in a small body”, he must be kept on a leash at all times as he has a high prey drive and quick reflexes and will pursue anything that moves. He can outrun and dodge any human… and often does, for he has an independent spirit. Shibas are true runners.

Shiba Inu owners need secure fencing. In fact, if you plan on leaving your Shiba outdoors unattended, he really should have a covered run (like in a chain link at the top) if you want to be sure of finding him in the yard where you keep him have left behind. Otherwise, his ingenuity and agile jumping/climbing/digging skills can send him over or under an ordinary fence. And once he’s gone, he’s gone.

Aggression in dogs is a common breed trait. Cats are iffy around many Shibas, and small caged pets are pursued and likely sent along.

You have to be one step ahead of the Shiba Inu because he is both dominant and clever. He often tries to manipulate through intimidation, and when he’s unhappy with something he can let out a loud squeak that can catch you (or your vet) completely off guard.

With a marked stubbornness and mischievous sense of humor, the Shiba Inu is best suited to owners who are firm, confident, and utterly consistent.

Shibas are possessive of their toys and food; It’s said that if they could say one word, it would be “Mine!”

If you want a dog that…

Conveniently sized, sturdy and strong

Has a wolf-like (spitz) appearance with prick ears, a fox face, thick fur, and a curled tail

Is energetic, courageous and spirited – not a lap dog

Is smart and clever

Moves quickly with fleet-footed grace A Shiba Inu might be right up your alley.

If you don’t want to deal with it… Massive destructiveness if you get bored or left alone too much

Overly suspicious if not socialized enough

Aggression towards other dogs and cats – strong hunting instinct

Containment difficulties and prevention of escape attempts

Running away, ignoring your calls, if an interesting sight or smell catches his attention

Strong willed mind of its own that needs a confident owner who can take charge

Heavy Coated A Shiba Inu may not be right for you.

Keep in mind that temperament inheritance is less predictable than inheritance of physical traits such as height or hair loss. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by rearing and training.

Other characteristics and characteristics of the Shiba Inu

If I were considering a Shiba Inu, my biggest concern would be…

The Shiba Inu is without a doubt the most iconic and popular Japanese dog breed today. Shibas are brave, lively, alert, and alert little dogs. And unlike most dogs, they’re a bit more aloof and feline. You may be wondering how intelligent these dogs can be?

Shiba Inus are “average intelligent” dogs when it comes to obedience and working intelligence. And according to canine psychologist Stanley Coren, they’re the 93rd smartest dog breed. But Shibas are intelligent in other ways. For example, they are smart dogs that tend to learn quickly from their mistakes. In addition, their excellent hunting instinct requires a special kind of intelligence.

It doesn’t matter how badly they did on Coren’s intelligence test. There’s no denying the Shiba Inu’s clever nature. Why did the Shiba perform so “poorly” compared to other dogs? Read on to learn what actually makes the Shiba smart.

RECOMMENDED: Top 100 Smartest Dogs

Measuring the intelligence of the Shiba Inu

As previously mentioned, the Shiba Inu is the 93rd smartest dog breed (out of 138 breeds). But how exactly did we arrive at this ranking? This type of intelligence measured in Coren’s process is called obedience and working intelligence.

Obedience and working intelligence are easy. In short, it refers to the dog’s ability to learn a command and retrain training. While we understand this isn’t the perfect representation of canine intelligence, it’s a good place to start as it’s the most objective way to measure.

This list of the smartest dogs, along with the term “obedience and working intelligence,” was developed by psychologist Stanley Coren. He conducted his research experiments with the help of 199 Obedience Trial Judges from the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs.

Coren’s Dog Intelligence Criteria

Based on his own criteria, Coren asked the judges to rate and rank as many dog ​​breeds as possible. His criteria were based on two main factors:

The number of repetitions it takes for a dog breed to learn a new command. Of course, dog breeds that required fewer repetitions ranked higher. The success rate (%) of a dog breed obeying a known command on the first try. Higher success rates meant a smarter dog, according to Coren.

Although Stanley Coren received responses from hundreds of dog breeds, not all breeds made it into his final list. In fact, not all dog breeds participated.

Only dog ​​breeds officially recognized by the American and Canadian Kennel Club took part. Unfortunately, this does not mean mixed breed dogs or rarer international dog breeds.

Also, only dog ​​breeds with at least 100 ratings qualified for his final ranking. Coren felt he needed enough data to rank the breed.

Considering how popular the Shiba Inu was, they made the cut easy.

How the Shiba Inu performed

The Shiba Inus didn’t fare badly, but they didn’t fare well either. In fact, they were just… average. And of course, there’s nothing wrong with being average. But what does it mean to be an average intelligent dog breed?

Average intelligence meant the Shiba Inu was able to learn a new command with only 25 to 40 repetitions. For comparison, “below average” dogs required 40 to 80 repetitions – almost twice as many as the Shiba! You may be able to teach a command in just a few hours.

On the other hand, the Shiba could obey a known command on the first try with a success rate of 50% or more. Not that bad!

Other popular dog breeds in the “average intelligence” category include the Australian Shepherd, Great Dane, Siberian Husky, Dachshund, and Boxer. All of these are excellent breeds known for being intelligent companions.

Shiba Inu vs. “smartest” dogs

If you thought Shibas were impressive, just wait until you hear about the smartest dogs in the world. In fact, the world’s smartest dog breeds are in a class of their own. Conveniently, they are also in the top 10 smartest dog breeds.

But how do they compare to the Shiba Inu? The most intelligent dogs could learn a new command with fewer than 5 repetitions. This is at least 5 times faster than the Shiba. And depending on the complexity of the command, it may take them just a few minutes to learn!

Even more impressive is that these intelligent dogs obey a known command on the first try with a success rate of 95% or more. Not only are they great learners, but they are also willing to accommodate your desires. They are among the most obedient pets in the world!

For reference, other dog breeds in the top 10 category are your German Shepherds, Poodles, Rottweilers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Labs, Dobermans, and Golden Retrievers. And the race that tops the list? The border collie.

Why Shibas rank low in canine intelligence

Shibas are smart, cunning, and cunning. So why did they rank so low in Coren’s trials? Well, it’s unfair to standardize an intelligence test for dogs using only obedience and working intelligence.

While we believe there is a connection between dog IQ and the speed at which a breed learns commands, this is not entirely true.

One main reason: Shiba Inus are among the most stubborn dog breeds. In fact, Shiba Inus tend to challenge their owners at every opportunity. And when a stranger gives them obedience commands (like in the trials), they may be more inclined to challenge the handler.

So it makes sense that these dogs don’t always obey commands on the first try. But just because your Shiba doesn’t obey your command doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t understand what you’re saying.

They may understand, but they don’t necessarily want to obey at that moment.

A Shiba owner explains:

He’s the weirdest dog I’ve ever met. Stubborn, bull-headed boy. You could be in the middle of a great play and he just shuts down and walks away. You could be holding his favorite treat, but if he doesn’t feel like it, he won’t come. – Mtown19 (Reddit user)

With Coren’s intelligence test relying so heavily on obedience, it’s no surprise that Shiba Inus scores so poorly. They’re not as “eager to please” as other high-performance breeds like the Border Collie. The biggest advantage is that they are not as average as the “experts” claim.

Find the right motivator

It’s well documented that Shibas are incredibly strong-willed dogs that often continue their stubborn streaks. And according to Dog Time, Shibas are one of the seven most stubborn dog breeds in the canine kingdom!

As such, they will often challenge their owners when they can. And if they don’t feel like doing something, they’ll do everything in their power to do it their way. They challenge their owners because they are highly intelligent dogs and they know it.

She is [Shiba] too smart for her own good. I think she’s stubborn because she understands what she can and can’t get away with. – Martha O. (Shiba owner)

In fact, it’s well documented that many stubborn dogs are among the smartest dogs in other areas of canine intelligence. And it’s no coincidence that the lowest ranking dogs are also the most stubborn. It’s just that stubbornness and obedience don’t mix well.

The key is finding the right motivator for your Shiba Inu. Once you find the right motivators for your Shiba, they will learn quickly and eagerly. But simply telling you what motivates your dog is not that easy. Motivators can vary by dog.

For example, your Shiba may respond well to food (treats), while others respond well to play (fetch). Be patient and take your time to figure this out – it’s worth knowing in the long run. If you can figure this out, obedience training for a Shiba will not be a problem.

What actually makes the Shiba smart

So far we’ve made a pretty good argument as to why current canine intelligence tests don’t accurately measure the true intelligence of the Shiba Inu.

But if it’s not obedience and working intelligence, what actually makes these Japanese dogs so smart? According to Stanley Coren, there are two other components of canine intelligence: adaptive and instinctive intelligence. Both are probably more important than obedience and a functioning IQ.

The “hunting intelligence” of the Shibas

Along with obedience and working intelligence, instinctive intelligence is another component of canine IQ. It refers to the instincts of the dog breed, or rather, what the dog was bred for. Does the breed of dog have a special ability they were bred for?

Believe it or not, all dog breeds were at some point bred for a job or purpose that primarily benefited humans. For example, the Border Collie was bred to herd livestock. Therefore, we consider herding to be the Border Collie’s instinctive intelligence.

Likewise, Shiba Inus were bred for hunting small and large game. In fact, they are exceptionally good at scaring birds out of bushes. They have been used as hunting dogs in the mountainous regions of Japan for thousands of years.

But how is hunting instinct a kind of canine intelligence? Being able to quietly sneak up on birds and lead them to the hunters requires a certain level of intelligence.

Shibas had to understand how to sneak up on prey without being detected. They also had to know how to flush them in a specific direction (usually towards a trap or the hunters). All of this requires a special kind of IQ. Plus they know how to do it with little to no training!

Because Shiba Inus are so good at it and have been doing it for so long, they are a good example of a breed with high instinctive intelligence when hunting. This area is where the shibas really shine.

The Shiba’s adaptive intelligence

The final dimension of canine IQ is adaptive intelligence, which refers to the breed’s ability to learn from past events or mistakes. In other words, it’s a measure of what dogs can learn to do for themselves (problem solving, avoiding mistakes, etc.).

Unlike instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence can vary widely between individual dogs of the same breed. Not all Shibas are guaranteed to have high adaptive intelligence. However, it is known that most Shibas generally exhibit high adaptive intelligence.

For example, Shiba Inus are fantastic communicators. They are one of the most vocal dogs in dogdom and have more than one way of expressing themselves to people. Communicating with people needs to be learned. And Shibas tend to be quick to learn how.

For example, the “Shiba Scream” is a real thing they are famous for. It’s a high-pitched, loud squeak that the Shiba lets out when it’s extremely distressed or agitated.

Shiba Inus are also among the smartest and most cunning of dogs. They know exactly what they want and how to get what they want. Many owners have been victims of Shiba Inu “manipulation”.

One owner describes obedience training with his Shiba:

When we first started training one of my Shibas, he would stare at you until you had the appropriate amount of treats in hand before executing an “command”. We literally added one at a time until he found the amount acceptable. – Glaxy (Reddit user)

All of these are signs that indicate a dog with high adaptive intelligence. But again, this depends on your dog. But if you were to ask any Shiba owner I’m sure they would tell you anecdotes similar to this one.

Is your Shiba Inu smart?

When it comes to canine intelligence, there’s a lot of room for variance. To really appreciate how smart Shibas can really be, we asked real owners if they thought their dog was smart.

By researching the popular Shiba sub-Reddit forum and other forums, we were able to collect great responses from Shiba owners. Here’s what they had to say:

Answers from real owners:

1. Tyrion_strong says yes: “He’s a bit distant at times, but he wants to know what we’re doing (and interfere if he thinks it’s necessary). He is incredibly intelligent, passed his STAR puppy and canine citizen classes with ease.”

2. Gr8grafx Says Yes: “They’re whip smart, but not necessarily trainable. Ours were obedient – they knew how to sit, come and heel, but wouldn’t necessarily do it if they didn’t want to.”

3. _ap says yes, “So my Shiba is about 4 years old now and she has grown into an extremely intelligent pup who knows exactly how to get what she wants.”

4. Tengufr says Yes: “Ginko is a non-neutered male, he is as stubborn and intelligent as any other Shiba. We raised him with some aspects that some dog owners might consider negligence.”

5. Rhombomere says Yes: “Haru can be like that sometimes too. While training can help, I think that’s part of the price we pay for having intelligent, curious, and headstrong dogs.”

6. Hairofbrown says to Mixed: “I have a smart Shiba and a dumb Shiba. The stupid one just takes care of garbage, protects his territory from other dogs and plays ball. He’s the only Shiba I know who doesn’t have a hunting instinct.”

7. Bazzer68 Says Yes: “I think Kali is pretty smart. She knows all her toys by name, although she doesn’t seem to care anymore as she gets older (11 tomorrow).”

8. J4yw4l says yes: “Shibas are very clever, they will often surprise you. We have had ours for about 2 years and it never ceases to amaze us.”

9. Sakurastardust Says Yes: “Well, I’ve had my black/brown male puppy Yusuke for a little over a week. He’s definitely smart and learned to sit down in about 2 days (even when he’s outside with distractions!).”

10. Shadou_wolf says Yes: “Shibas are damn smart, there are just so many words my dog ​​knows without me ever teaching him.”

Smart and good dogs

Shiba Inus are some of the best companions – if you can understand them. In no way am I trying to discourage you from raising a Shiba Inu. I have personally lived with one and they can be as affectionate as they are entertaining.

But when deciding what breed of dog to bring home, don’t ask if Shiba Inus are smart enough for you. The truth is that all dogs are intelligent enough to provide for most people with their needs.

Unless you need a dog for specialized duties like law enforcement, search and rescue, or specialized hunting, any dog ​​will work for you. Instead, you should ask yourself if the Shiba Inu’s personality and temperament are a match for you.

So do you own a Shiba Inu? Leave a comment in the section below to tell us about a moment when your Shiba outwitted you!

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Shiba Inus respond best to positive reinforcement learning and discipline methods. Rewarding them with treats and attention makes them more likely to repeat behavior you liked. Bad behavior, like chewing on furniture, should be redirected to a toy you’d rather chew on.

While Faith, my Shiba Inu, was a bit of a handful and mouthy, with practice and research I was able to buckle her bad habits.

Knowing how to properly deal with bad behavior and how to effectively discipline it has made my life significantly easier and less stressful for both of us. All I have listed below.

Proper Shiba Inu Discipline (Positive Methods)

Shiba Inus, just like us, love to be rewarded for good things. It is the most effective way to get someone or your pet to cooperate with you. But rewards aren’t everything, when you respond to their action it’s just as important.

Dogs have primarily short term memories and learn best when they follow the “5 second rule”. They must react to an action they take, good or bad, during or no later than 5 seconds after they take it.

You need both halves to make positive progress when training your Shiba Inu. Unfortunately, this is the real world, so there will be times when your Shiba will behave or make a mistake. Knowing how to react and nudge them in the right direction in a positive and healthy way makes all the difference.

Positive reinforcement methods focus on rewarding your pet’s “good” behavior and ignoring “bad” behavior. Praise and rewards make your pet more likely to do that “good” deed. While the lack of reward, attention, or praise will make your Shiba less likely to exhibit this “bad” behavior again.

Some types of positive reinforcement are:

Attention, Praise & Rewards

Draw their attention to something you prefer

Refusing to reward them for bad behavior or pay attention to them

Some practical examples of the above are:

Redirect your dogs chewing off your furniture to their favorite toy. This shows them that chewing is acceptable, but you’re nudging them towards the toys you gave them.

Praise and give your Shiba Inu puppy a treat for sitting, but not for running around or lying down. While they lie down, it may be cute, it’s not what you want to teach them. Rewarding them for another action with the same command word will cause confusion and problems later in training.

Tug of War is a fan favorite of many Shiba Inus, but mouthy dogs are not a fan favorite of pet owners. While playing with them is the reward you want to avoid, accidentally teaching them that reaching for your fingers is acceptable. You can do this by withdrawing your attention for a short time by turning away and saying something like “no hands.”

Knowing what to do is important, but knowing what not to do is more important. Let’s discuss what not to do when disciplining a Shiba Inu.

Prohibitions of Shiba Inu discipline (negative methods)

Negative reinforcement is ineffective and ends up causing both you and your Shiba Inu to develop bad habits. Some of the most common types of negative reinforcement are:

Allow aggressive play

physically hitting your pet

Refusing to reward good behavior

Rub your nose in an accident

Spray your pet with water or chemicals

Time outs (especially anything longer than 1 minute)

Yelling or yelling at a pet

The above punishments only teach your Shiba Inu that he cannot trust you or be safe around you. Leads to fearful and aggressive behaviors. If done for too long, it becomes animal cruelty which is harder to deal with later.

While they look terrible on paper, many people find them entirely appropriate in the heat of the moment. But they are never appropriate regardless of the situation, let me explain some with some examples:

Can I hit my Shiba Inu if it bites me?

Absolutely not, corporal punishment doesn’t actually discourage bad behavior, it does the opposite. Engaging with your Shiba physically teaches him that his aggressive behavior is correct, resulting in aggression being met with aggression. Make this your default answer to everything.

Physically hitting your pet increases their stress, causes them to become more aggressive, and destroys any bond the two of you had. Which can be next to impossible to rebuild.

Should I spray my puppy with mouth water?

“Punishments” are designed to quell what you consider bad behavior, which spray bottles don’t do. Spraying water on your dog will only confuse and lead to more aggressive behaviors, especially if you have to spray them multiple times to get them to stop for a bad action.

Spray bottles are ineffective and, if used excessively, can quickly become animal cruelty, which is often the case.

Can I smack my Shiba Inu on the nose if he won’t stop barking?

Just like when you hit your pet for biting, absolutely not. Barking and other forms of noise or talking are common for Shiba Inus, they are an alert, wary breed. That means barking can be a commonplace occurrence for some owners.

Hitting any dog ​​on the nose gets their attention, but it’s also incredibly painful for them. Dogs’ noses are a thousand times more sensitive than ours. A slap on the nose will only lead to fear and aggression, which will make your Shiba Inu lose trust in you.

Should I yell at my Shiba Inu for not listening to me?

Dogs have better hearing than we do, which means they hear and respond to things that we often don’t hear or even realize. Yelling or yelling at them may get their attention, but it is upsetting and overwhelming for them. Leads to stress.

Punish and discipline puppies

While puppies and adult dogs both learn the same way, the biggest difference is their experience. Puppies learn everything from scratch while most adult dogs have had some sort of training.

Positive reinforcement training methods are extremely effective for both age groups, but need to be slowed down for puppies. Shiba Inu puppies learn and grow best with smaller daily or twice-daily training sessions lasting between 10 and 15 minutes.

The confidence, bond, and habits your Shiba Inu will have for the rest of his life are mostly established during puppyhood. So make sure you respond fairly, consistently, and attentively to their wants, needs, and progress.

Any negative reinforcement methods, such as hitting or yelling, will have a greater impact on your Shiba while young. Which can cause them to become aggressive towards you and others out of stress and anxiety.

How to deal with problems you weren’t there for

There will be times when you will miss something your Shiba Inu did. You could have had an accident while at the store, chewed on your couch while taking a shower, ripped a hole in the carpet while on the phone, or so on.

Things happen, but knowing how to handle the situation and reacting both calmly and rationally makes all the difference to you and your pet.

Dogs, including Shiba Inus, have shorter memories when it comes to learning. They need to get some sort of response no later than 5 seconds after performing an action in order to learn from it.

That means if you went to work and came home 8 hours later to find an accident, no matter what you say or do to your Shiba Inu, they won’t understand. They don’t know what you’re talking about, they don’t know what they’re being punished for, and they certainly won’t learn anything from it.

The best thing you can do after finding an accident, mess, damaged furniture, etc. is to clean it up in peace and quiet. After that you want to survey the situation:

Did this happen while I was at work?

When was my Shiba last outside?

My pet won’t chew on furniture while I’m home, why does he do it when I’m away?

Then you’ll want to create a game plan to prevent your dog’s negative behaviors, such as: B. an accident, or catch him in the act. Here are some examples:

If you notice your pet starting to chase pillows, furniture, or the carpet while you’re away, you might want to make sure you crate them before you leave.

Perhaps 8 hours is too long for your Shiba Inu to wait between bathroom breaks, then you will need to ask someone for help to take them out while you are away.

You may find that your Shiba does not play well with your other pets while you are away. In that case, you should separate them. Your Shiba could be put in a crate or even put into their own room while you are away.

Any active form of punishment such as yelling, hitting, grabbing, pulling, etc. will only startle and confuse your pet. Weakening of their bond and trust in you. Make it more likely to act out of fear or aggression.

How to deal with an abused Shiba Inu

Cruelty to animals comes in many different shapes and sizes, but they share a few tell-tale signs:

Avoid eye contact

Crouch/hide

Flat ears

lick lips

Hair standing up at the nape of the neck

Bare teeth/snarl when someone comes near them

Tucked in tail

While it is not 100% guaranteed that a Shiba Inu displaying one, two or more of these signs means they have been abused, it does mean they are stressed and anxious about you or the situation in which they are he is.

If you notice your Shiba Inu beginning to show any of the fearful signs above, you need to change your approach immediately. While things like accidents happen, you and your pet should all have fun living and playing together.

Unfortunately, this is impossible for them if they are constantly nervous because they are stressed or afraid of you.

Stressed, angry, anxious, or abused pets require a different approach when it comes to discipline.

It’s important to keep to yourself the general irritation and frustration you might feel after repeating yourself multiple times without getting an answer.

Any hitting, yelling, grabbing, ignoring, or timeouts can send your pet into a downward spiral.

The best things to do when trying to train or discipline a fearful or abused pet are:

1) Take it easy, move at their pace.

2) Be calm, cool, and comforting to them.

3) Give them a break and a little space when either of you starts to get frustrated.

4) Reward and praise positive behaviors while ignoring or not pointing out the bad ones.

The bond of love and trust between you and your Shiba lasts a lifetime, and the last thing you want to do is break it.

While dogs have primarily short term memory where they have a 5 second learning window and generally forget things that happened after a few minutes or a few hours, that doesn’t mean they will forget everything.

While Shiba Inus and other dogs remember things differently than we do, they still develop long-term memory.

Constant yelling, hitting, grabbing, or other negative reinforcement or abuse will upset your pet. While we may be able to address and overcome our fears and past issues, dogs are not so lucky.

Abused pets can get better with time and constant support, but it’s a long and hard road. Do whatever you can to build and support the bond you form with them. It takes a lifetime to form a strong bond, but only moments to ruin it completely.

The puppyhood of your Shiba Inu is by far the most important time in your Shiba Inu’s life. This is the critical time that will shape your Shiba Inu’s temperament, demeanor, and general well-being for the rest of his or her life. In the first 8-12 weeks, your Shiba Inu will learn how to successfully or unsuccessfully deal with all of the stressors of everyday life. Many new Shiba Inu owners are no doubt caught up in all of the joys—and responsibilities, of being a new Shiba Inu parent—without making enough time for socialization and obedience training.

And that, unfortunately, has serious consequences. Bad habits, fears, and other undesirable traits are learned during this time—and sometimes—never forgotten. Fearful of grooming, baths, and skateboarding, Shibas likely weren’t properly socialized during their critical time as puppies. So by focusing your socialization and training efforts during this time, you maximize your chances of future success. There are different periods in your Shiba Inu’s puppy timeline, starting from birth to around one year of age.

There’s basically a “sweet spot” between two and four months in the life of a Shiba Inu puppy where you need to get as much socialization and desensitization training as possible. This cannot be stressed enough. As much socialization as possible. By putting all of your time, effort, and energy into this period, you can reap the benefits of a stable adult Shiba Inu who will bring joy to you and your family for the rest of your time together.

Shiba Inu puppy Newborn period – birth to 12 days old

During the newborn period, which begins immediately after birth, your puppy may not be able to see, but the learning process has already begun. The pup spends most of its time bonding and staying close to its mother and the other littermates. The mother and puppies should have a clean, warm, and comfortable area at all times. Particular attention should be paid to making sure the mother is well nourished, not stressed, and comfortable.

At this point, breeders or “human” parents should begin handling the puppy to stimulate learning and accustom the puppy to human handling and sounds. Even the smallest stimuli, such as handling and noise, can affect the puppy’s learning and coping mechanisms.

Shiba Inu Puppy Transitional – 13 – 20 days old

The Shiba Inu puppy can now hear a little and see when its little eyes open. The puppy can now urinate and defecate without the help of its mother – it also begins to walk or wobble. During this time, the puppy should continue to be exposed to more handling, noise, and other stimuli to encourage learning. However, since the puppies are not yet vaccinated, make sure anyone handling the puppies has clean, sterile hands and clothing. This is a good time to introduce some squeaky toys to the pup and encourage them to explore different toys.

Shiba Inu Puppy Main Socialization Period – 3 – 7 weeks

At this stage, the Shiba Inu puppy’s vision and hearing improve drastically. The fast growing Shiba Inu puppy will finally act like a real puppy. The puppy learns barking, biting, bite inhibition, posture and the right dog etiquette from its mother and other littermates. The puppy’s learning activity will accelerate at this point. The puppy will now understand the difference between good/positive experiences (playing) and bad/negative experiences (pinched by mom for biting too hard).

The puppy should not be separated from its mother and littermates during this period of socialization. Puppies benefit from their mother’s milk, although weaning begins around this time. During this time there should be more interaction with the puppies and new stimuli such as different sounds, objects and environments should be introduced. Be sure to include handling the puppy’s mouth, teeth, gums, fur, paws, ears, etc. This will help ensure your future grooming efforts go as smoothly as possible. At this point it is also good practice to teach the puppy to be isolated for very short periods of time. This is also a good time to start planning your puppy’s first vet visit and vaccinations.

Since the vet is a place that the puppy will visit frequently in the future, make your puppy’s first visit as positive and happy as possible. Bring treats, toys, and warm blankets to ensure your pup has the best experience ever. If the puppy has a negative experience during their visit, they may have a lifelong fear of visiting the vet’s office – a problem many dogs suffer from.

Shiba Inu Puppy Human Socialization Period – THE MOST CRITICAL TIME, TIME! – 7 -14 weeks

During this critical time, a Shiba Inu puppy will be introduced to a new home, environment and family. This is by far the most important time for your pup’s mental and social development. You need to take every opportunity to introduce your pup to all kinds of new stimuli such as sounds, people, pets (healthy, vaccinated) and even more interactions – including grooming and bathing. At this point, your Shiba Inu puppy’s mind is running at full speed and at maximum levels. Investing combined efforts and extra time during this period will pay off in the future.

This is the time to introduce the pup to vacuum cleaners, skateboards, bicycles, cats, loud yelling, and music—just about anything will be an important learning experience for your pup. You should get the puppy used to grooming, collars, and walking on a leash as early as possible during this phase. The most important tip to remember is to start slowly and make sure every experience is positive, fun, and happy.

And for this to be possible, you need to be in a calm, patient, and positive mood yourself. Unfortunately, if a puppy is not properly socialized at this point, the dog’s remaining lifetime can be filled with issues such as fear, aggression, anxiety, avoidance, and hyperactivity that cause long-term misery – or abandonment – for both the dog and its owner.

Shiba Inu Puppy Fear Impact Period – 8 – 11 weeks

This initial fear exposure time overlaps with the critical human socialization phase. Once the Shiba Inu puppy is around 8 weeks old, they will become better adjusted to their surroundings and will also learn to distinguish between good and bad experiences. Because the young puppy is more aware of what’s going on around him, the puppy can also easily develop anxious behavior if not properly introduced to the new situations. Basically, anything that frightens the puppy during this time will have a huge impact on the dog’s entire life if not corrected before this time is up. So if you notice our pup getting scared of the sound of skateboards, you need to spend extra time training your pup to develop a positive association with skateboards.

This can be done with low doses of gradual, guided exposure and rewarding your pup with tasty treats throughout the experience. During the fear exposure phase, it is important to monitor your puppy and not accidentally expose him to fearful situations without your presence. For example, at the vet’s office, it might be a good idea to tell the vet not to trim your pup’s nails – since any mistake that causes pain will make it that much harder for you during nail trimming. Also, you should already be proficient in grooming tasks like trimming or grinding your pup’s nails for desensitization training.

Shiba Inu Puppy Juvenile Period 14 weeks – 6 months

The youth phase begins with the end of the critical socialization phase. But just as the socialization window is closing, you still need to continue socializing and obedience training your pup. During this time, the Shiba Inu puppy will be comfortable with his new environment and family. The pup will try to “test its wings” and may challenge you about rules and boundaries.

As such, it’s important that you and your family members respect the house rules and don’t let the puppy overstep the bounds of those rules—even a little. Proper puppy training is hampered when certain family members allow the puppy to get away with things here and there. Instead, hypervigilance/management should be practiced to achieve the best outcome. Above all, dogs prefer structure and routine. Your pup will build confidence and trust in those who can provide structure and appropriate expectations.

Your puppy’s size and growth will increase exponentially during this time, so take as many puppy photos as possible. At the end of this period, sexual maturity begins. Male Shiba Inu puppies will begin to raise their legs – so training needs to begin where this is acceptable and unacceptable. The puppy’s adult teeth will start to grow, which will make your puppy quite uncomfortable. Make sure you provide plenty of chew toys and be sure to correct any type of destructive behavior. The best way to deal with destructive behavior is 100% management.

Your Shiba Inu puppy should never be left unsupervised in uncontrolled environments. In these unsupervised times, any mischief your pup gets into now will be much more difficult to correct later. The old saying, prevent instead of correct, applies perfectly to puppy rearing. By this time, your puppy should have received all of its primary vaccinations. Heartworm prophylaxis and flea/tick control should be started at this point. It’s up to you to choose a protocol that you feel will best protect your dog. The topic of vaccinations, heartworm and flea prevention is quite controversial.

Shiba Inu puppy – puberty to social maturity

Your Shiba Inu puppy’s puberty period is similar to the puberty period of a typical teenager – which in turn leads to another difficult period. As always, the Shiba Inu puppy may be rebellious, but you must adhere to strict rules, boundaries, and boundaries. During this time, you will see how your efforts, or lack of support during the puppy’s critical socialization period, have paid off. If your pup’s socialization and training has been successful, this period should be a relatively smooth transition to adulthood.

There might be a few rough spots here and there, but nothing that constant training and reinforcement can’t handle.

However, if the puppy has not been properly socialized, this time will be a terrible one. At this time in a puppy’s life, they are often abandoned by their families. As your puppy grows into an adult dog, many physiological and mental changes will occur. These changes can sometimes prompt your dog to test your leadership skills.

Even properly socialized dogs can become more stubborn and unwilling to obey your commands. You will need to continue working with your dog and ideally enroll in an obedience class to reinforce training and learn new methods of proper dog obedience. This is the time when many dog ​​owners start talking about spaying and neutering.

Shiba Inu Puppy Second Fear Impact Period – Varies – 5 – 12 months

Not all dogs go through this experience, or if they do, you may not realize it. This period, which usually lasts around three weeks, will encourage your pup to develop new fears. This second fear effect occurs because of the puppy’s ongoing physiological changes and awareness of its surroundings. They are basically looking at their world from a different perspective and may be afraid of a situation that has not bothered them before because of this new perspective and awareness. Once you notice this, it’s important that you don’t force your pup to face these new fears head-on. Instead, work with the puppy little by little to build trust and security.

Shiba Inu puppy – mature

Every dog ​​breed has their own quirks, talents, and unique characteristics. There’s the dachshund that looks like a hot dog. The skateboard loving bulldogs. And of course the “Yo Quiero” Taco Bell Chihuahua. The Shiba Inu’s most famous trait is simply the adorably cute, fox-looking “Doge” dog that has captured the hearts of many on the internet. The other well-known characteristic of this Shiba Inu is its Shiba cry.

Shiba Inus are known as drama queen divas who can let out bloodthirsty Shiba screams at the slightest provocation. The most common provocateur are nail cutting sessions. Typically, Shiba Inus are not the loudest or “yapping” dog breeds. They tend to bark or make “shiba squeals” only when necessary. In fact, many people confuse Shiba Inus with Basenjis, a similar-looking but “barkless” dog. Basenjis don’t usually bark, they “yodel”. However, Shiba Inus WILL let you know when they want to be heard. And they will make sure you hear it.

Why Do Shiba Inus Scream?

The Shiba Inu is one of the few dog breeds that are genetically very close to the wolf. Historically, Shiba Inus was considered an “ancient” breed of dog, but recent research has found that Shiba Inus should be considered a base breed rather than an ancient breed. Basal dog breeds still predate modern dog breeds by hundreds and even thousands of years.

Because Shiba Inus are basal dog breeds genetically very similar to gray wolves, they exhibit much more primitive behavior than modern dog breeds. Therefore, the Shiba Scream is a kind of unique interpretation of the primitive wolf howl. The Siberian Husky is another wolf-like dog that howls like wolves. In fact, many Shiba Inus also howl. And scream. And yes of course barking.

So you may very well have a Shiba Inu that screams, howls and barks. In other words – a noisy home.

Common Shiba Inu scream triggers

A Shiba cry is a form of communication. The Shiba Inu uses the cry to ensure you can hear this communication LOUD and CLEAR. Typically, Shiba Inus will yell when feeling fear, anxiety, or just general displeasure. The most common culprits for Shiba screams are nail trimming, bathing, and vet visits. Because Shiba Inus are a more primitive breed of dog, they don’t enjoy undue treatment, especially from strangers. For this reason, Shiba Inu puppies should be extensively socialized from an early age and throughout their puppy development phase.

Shiba Inu puppies that are properly socialized and exposed to various handling procedures rarely have handling problems as adults. Socializing and training a young puppy is so much easier than training an adult dog—especially with basal breeds like the Shiba Inus. Shiba Inus will also scream when they are happy and excited. These happy Shiba cries are usually made when greeting their owners when they come home. The “Drama Queen” Shiba Scream

Sometimes Shiba Inus communicate by emitting a rambling combination of howls, low-pitched screams, and murmurs. It’s not quite as loud as a Shiba cry, but is still very unique and very Shiba. Shiba Inus are known as “drama queens” and often communicate their displeasure in an exaggerated manner – often in the form of a “light” Shiba yell or yelp. For example, some Shiba Inus will let out a slight Shiba squeak simply if you give them the gentlest “crisp” or tug on their collar in a way they don’t like. This sudden and often high-pitched Shiba cry/howl is often terrifying but funny at the same time.

When you experience this for the first time, you will easily understand why Shiba Inus was awarded the title of Drama Queen.

The happy Shiba cry

Shibas also scream when they’re super happy or excited! And it’s the best ever. Hearing them whine and roar with delight when you return is one of the most satisfying things a Shiba will do for you. While they may not be cuddly and snuggly, they will still “sing” you praises in other ways.

How do I stop my Shiba Inu from screaming?

Of course, when your Shiba is screaming with happiness, you’ll never want it to stop! In the end, you’ll probably learn how to shout along with them. However, if your Shiba Inu is screaming with stress, you should find methods to calm your stressed Shiba down. It is important to remain calm and non-reactive at all times. If your Shiba Inu is distressed because of nail trimming or bathing, try starting with gradual exposure to positive reinforcement techniques. For example, if your Shiba Inu hates nail trimming, start with just short nail “touching” or nailing sessions. Regularly reward your Shiba with treats during sessions. Then lengthen the handling/touching sessions between treats longer and longer. Always be calm, confident, and firm with your Shiba. Don’t react and try to coddle your Shiba during screaming fits. Also, be careful when trimming your Shiba Inu’s nails. Don’t trim too much at first – especially if you can’t see the end of the nail. If you accidentally injure your Shiba by clipping the quick and causing pain, it will be much more difficult to have your Shiba clipped next time. It’s best to trim just a little bit of the nail more often, rather than trimming more less often. Try to make the sessions quick, positive, and uneventful. Be sure to reward your Shiba Inu with praise and treats after each session.

Conclusion The Shiba cry is simply an endearing trait in a dog who wants to hear their happiness or anger. Most of the time, even the loudest Shiba yell is just an overreaction by the Shiba Inu. It’s one of those endearing things that makes Shibas Shibas. However, excessive yelling or whining could be a sign of an overly anxious Shiba Inu who may need additional behavioral training/guidance. In these situations, seek the advice of a canine behavior specialist.

Many of us love our dogs very much. However, to build a strong bond, love alone is not enough. We also need to inject a good dose of rules and structure.

In order to bond with a dog, it is important to establish yourself as the pack leader. We must teach our dog what is good dog behavior and what is bad dog behavior; according to us humans.

Our human laws protect humans first, not dogs, so it’s up to us to protect our furry best friend from situations that could harm them. These include rear-end collisions, accidentally biting people due to unbridled playfulness, or dog aggression.

It’s also important to engage in regular activities with our dog, including daily exercise, dog play, obedience training, and grooming. Finally, communication is crucial in the bonding process. I always try to listen to what my dog ​​is trying to tell me so I can make informed decisions based on their temperament, tolerance, likes and dislikes.

1. Redirect our dog’s energies into productive pursuits

Most dogs naturally love to run, chase, chew, jump, smell, eat poop, eat anything else, and roll in smelly stuff.

This canine behavior results in chewed up expensive shoes, mud on designer clothes, torn upholstery, and a host of other delights that can capture our dog’s imagination when left to their own devices. A great way to deal with this bad dog behavior is to redirect our dog to positive and productive activities –

Play controlled running and chasing games with him. Some examples are recall training, hide and seek, and flirt pole.

Get good and safe chew toys. I frequently press cheese chunks onto my dog’s chew toys, which entices him to work on them with even more enthusiasm! We can also try soaking suitable chew toys in chicken broth to give them an appealing scent.

Make our dog work through interactive toys, training, handling or grooming for all of their food.

Do obedience training or dog sports so he can jump, run, and compete in a human-friendly way.

Walk our dog every day on a loose leash so he can explore and smell interesting surroundings.

I hand feed my dogs during these activities to further build confidence.

In order to form a strong bond, we must consider not only what we want from our dog, but also how we can fulfill our dog’s wishes.

For example, my Shiba Inu doesn’t like bathing in the shower stall because he doesn’t like the close quarters, cold surfaces, or having his whole body doused. So instead of bathing him regularly, I play the water hose game with him. He doesn’t usually like to get wet, but he’s very happy to get completely soaked for this chase game. He’ll even take breaks in between to scrub himself with a washcloth.

By making bathing a game, I can engage my dog ​​in a fun activity and complete a previously awkward task without stress, physical strength, and lots of laughs.

2. To gain a dog’s respect, we must be calm, consistent, and fair

Keep Calm – Don’t yell or get angry. A dog is more likely to remain calm and listen to us when we are also calm.

Be consistent – ​​One day don’t give a dog affection for climbing into bed and the next day punish him for doing the same; even if he has muddy paws. If we want to prevent a muddy bed incident, then teach our dog *not* to jump on furniture and reward him well for resting on the floor.

Be fair – Don’t punish him if he doesn’t carry out an order if he doesn’t understand what we want. Dogs are not born with an understanding of human language. It’s up to us to learn to communicate with our dog, teach him how to communicate with us and teach him our human rules.

If we are calm, consistent and fair, our dog will feel safe because he always knows what to expect from us and what we expect from him in return. On the other hand, anger and frustration create confusion and stress in our dog, making it difficult to learn or form a healthy relationship.

Don’t be afraid of our dog. A dog can sense fear easily, and as a result becomes insecure and anxious itself. Anxiety indicates a lack of trust in our dog and often a lack of trust in ourselves. In particular, we fear what our dog might do and we fear that we won’t be able to stop him.

To build a strong and healthy bond –

Establish a consistent set of verbal commands and hand gestures to communicate with our dog.

Establish a consistent set of rules that we will consistently enforce.

Establish a consistent routine and schedule for his various canine activities.

Some dog trainers suggest that healthy attachment is based on performing certain dominance rituals, such as B. Always walking in front of our dog, going through the entrances first and eating in front of him.

Some of these rules are useful not because they are dominance rituals, but simply because they provide structure to our human-canine relationship.

In fact, the actual rules don’t usually matter much as long as they help define some boundaries and routines for our dog.

Rules don’t magically create a strong bond or make us a respected leader. If we try to enforce our rules with angry or fearful energy and without proper communication, our dog is likely to become frustrated and his behavior more erratic.

3. Leadership through resource control

Many proponents of aversive dog training argue that healthy attachment is not possible without the use of dominance techniques and physical violence.

According to her, we need to show the dog who’s boss and force him to obey our every command. Failure to do this will result in a quick physical correction, which may be a tug on the leash, a finger poke, a muzzle punch, or an alpha roll.

They claim that these methods are especially important for stubborn and strong-willed dogs, as they don’t respond to a well-meaning but gentle owner who chooses not to engage in a physical fight with their dog.

All of this is FALSE.

The best way to form a strong bond with a dog and become a good leader is to stay away from physical brute force techniques.

In a real physical competition, we can be sure that our dog will win. He’s faster and more agile. He has sharp teeth, a strong jaw, claws, and thick skin to protect himself. Attempting to gain leadership through physical dominance is misguided at best and can encourage aggression in the dog at worst. If we see a group of stray dogs eating our trash, do we approach them and try to wrestle them to the ground? I don’t think so – and we shouldn’t do that to our own dog either.

We can form a bond based on pain and fear, but it is far better to form a bond based on mutual respect.

The fact is, we are already natural leaders to our dogs because we have control over their most valuable resources, including food, shelter, toys, access to pack members, access to places of interest, and access to other dogs. To establish ourselves as leaders, we simply need to teach our dogs this fact through the NILIF (Nothing in Life is Free) program.

At NILIF, our dog has to do something for us before he gets anything in return. Any bullying will be ignored or result in the removal of a resource. With this program, our dog quickly learns that the easiest and fastest way to get what he wants is to follow our rules.

Even in wolf packs, a strong and confident alpha pair will tolerate a lot of misconduct from subordinates. They save their power and attention for more direct challenges involving resource control, such as: mating rights or food rights.

A strong leader does not always have to enforce obedience because he is confident that when it matters most, he can easily command obedience.

Be a confident and benevolent pack leader, not a bully.

4. Gain our dog’s trust

Getting love from a dog is very different than gaining their trust.

Dogs have an immense capacity for love, but it takes a lot more work to earn their trust. However, this is an extremely rewarding endeavor because once we have a dog’s trust, we will form a deeper bond and produce a happy, well-balanced, well-behaved canine friend.

Trust is earned by always looking out for our dog’s best interests.

Being inconsistent with our dog or using vigorous training techniques can destroy that trust.

Normally we focus on ourselves; our need for love and our feelings of shame when our dog misbehaves.

To gain a dog’s trust, simply focus on doing what is best for them without expecting anything in return.

If we can do that, the returns will surely come.

I protect my dogs from external threats or perceived external threats. It doesn’t matter if the threat is real or not. As long as my dog ​​perceives it as a threat and is stressed by it, I intervene and protect him.

Sometimes being a good caretaker also means we need to protect our dog from himself.

If our dog is overweight and likes to eat, we should put him on a strict diet so he doesn’t get health problems later. If our dog likes to run and chase, be sure to keep him on a leash to keep him out of traffic.

Visit the vet at least once a year for a health check, vaccinations, and teeth cleaning (if needed).

bond with your dog

Bonding with our dog is a give and take.

Our dog is willing to give commands, take hugs, walk on a leash and conform to many other human rules and restrictions that he would never do in the wild.

In return, we should try to understand our dog and meet his needs as much as possible.

Why physically punish a dog for being afraid of bathing when we can make the experience fun, enjoyable, and less stressful by turning it into a game?