Training: While many novice trainers find the breed a frustrating challenge, the Shiba Inu is very intelligent and quick-to-learn. The trick is maintaining their focus and attention on you. With such a strong independent mind and high self-importance, your Shiba is quick to ignore you if you lose their focus. Keep your training sessions short and to-the-point. It’s also good to introduce games to help them learn the proper way to play. Left alone, a Shiba Inu can become aggressive and focused on chasing prey about all else.
Barking: Shibas aren’t overly loud or frantic barkers, but they are keen to express themselves to the world. As an emotional breed, they will often whine (or “Shiba scream”) when displeased or overstimulated. Proper socialization is key at an early age. It’s important to expose them to different people, animals, and environments to develop their confidence and resilience.
Temperament & Behavior: With a strong personality and an independent streak, the Shiba Inu can be a force of nature. While they can show dog-aggression, your Shiba Inu will be a perfect companion animal, given the proper training and socialization. They are very possessive of their toys, and they tend to keep themselves clean. Some Shibas will exhibit strange grooming behavior, such as licking their paws like a cat. While they are reserved with strangers, they are affectionate and loyal when it comes to their friends and family. Shibas are very intelligent and emotional dogs –always give them the love (they feel like) they deserve.
Behavior with kids: Very small children don’t make a good mix with your Shiba Inu since the breed can be a bit rambunctious when excited. After a good introduction, your Shiba Inu should warm up to older children. Always make sure you supervise your pets, and don’t be shy about instructing strangers about proper dog handling.
Protection: When it comes to home protection, the Shiba Inu might not be the best choice. While they can be protective and possessive around the home, they are generally curious about strangers. Shibas aren’t guard dogs, but they might bark at nefarious-looking squirrels out the window. If you are hoping for a dog that will protect from intruders, you might consider a different breed.
