Grooming
Bathing: Don’t overdo it on the bubble baths. Shibas are excellent at self-grooming (they really do have lots in common with cats), so they really only need a bath one or two times a year. Of course, if they happen to get super dirty, you should bathe your dog so they’re not stinky.
Brushing: Shibas have a double coat with a layer of thicker hair over the softer inner coat. As a result, Shiba Inu shed quite considerably twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall. When your pet isn’t shedding, you can brush them once a week with a slicker brush. But during the heavy shedding season, brush your Shiba Inu twice a week with a rake brush. Shibas can handle cold weather, but they aren’t as well adapted to heat, so removing loose hair when they’re shedding can keep them from overheating in the summer months.
Dental care: Brush their teeth daily. Start when your Shiba Inu’s a puppy to help get them used to it. Get a professional dental cleaning once a year.
Nail care: Your Shiba Inu’s nails should be clipped about once a month. You’ll know it’s time when you hear them tapping on hard surfaces.
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Training
Undeniably adorable and lovely companions, Shiba Inu aren’t the easiest breed to train or socialize. It’s best to tackle this job early on, but it may still take a certified dog trainer to bring out your pup’s full potential. The Shiba’s temperament is complex, and they need a confident, experienced pup parent to lead the way.
Find something that motivates your Shiba Inu puppy—like a favorite treat or toy—and use that as positive reinforcement. Shiba Inu, while very intelligent, are strong-willed, independent, and aloof (shoutout to cat tendencies again). Put simply, they participate only if they want to and might need some extra encouragement.
In addition to teaching basic cues like sit, stay, and come, help your Shiba get used to interactions when young. This will help them manage with veterinarians (or the occasional groomer)—and minimize any Shiba screams or reactive behavior. Basic puppy training can start as early as 8 weeks old, and socialization can begin anywhere from 3–12 weeks old.
Early socialization will also help your Shiba Inu puppy have a healthy relationship with other creatures, human or animal. They may be wary of strangers, so let them see people and animals at a distance before allowing them to approach.
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Diet
Shiba Inu do well on a high-quality dog food that meets AAFCO standards. Choose a formula that fits their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Dry or wet dog food is fine; see what your dog’s preference is.
Generally, Shibas don’t have special food or diet needs, and your vet can help you pick the best choice.
Of course, don’t forget the treats. Look for healthy bites like Zuke’s Mini Naturals training treats. Healthy dog-safe human foods, like pieces of carrots or bananas, make great snacks, too. Whichever treat you choose, include these in your overall mealtime plan; treats count as calories, too, and should not be more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
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Exercise
The Shiba Inu breed is an athletic dog with average energy levels, but this doesn’t mean they’re couch potatoes. They need about an hour or more of exercise a day, whether it’s a fun game in a fenced-in yard or a leisurely walk around the neighborhood.
Some Shibas love dog sports, like agility courses, flyball, and even competitive search and rescue. As long as your Shiba feels like it’s fun and their idea, they’re bound to enjoy it. Just be sure to leash up if you’re not in a fenced-in area, because Shibas are prone to going off on their own adventures—even when it’s not in their best interests.
When fitting them for a collar, a Shiba Inu’s neck size is about 14–17 inches. However, collars might be best for an ID tag only, while a dog harness may offer more support for walks.
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Environment
House in the suburbs? A Shiba Inu will happily live there. Cabin in the country? No problem! Condo or apartment? This dog loves the minimalist lifestyle, too.
While they’re not picky with their indoor space, outdoors is another story. These clever escape artists shouldn’t go off-leash—their bold, daring nature and urge to chase anything that moves means they’re likely to run away at the slightest provocation, without realizing the dangers involved.
Shibas need a secure, fenced-in yard to enjoy off-leash play, since they can’t always be trusted to come back when you call. If you don’t have a fenced-in area, take lots of leashed walks. If you’re a jogging or cycling pet parent, your Shiba Inu might enjoy joining you.
Shiba Inu are a great family dog if you socialize them early and kids are taught how to respectfully interact with them. Like a kindergartener who’s still learning to share, Shiba Inu may not like it if children or other dogs try to play with their toys, so keep this in mind.
Despite having so much in common, Shiba Inu and cats may not be the best fit, as a cat may trigger a Shiba Inu’s natural desire to chase. However, if they were raised together since they were babies, they might do well.
Thanks to their double coat, Shiba Inu are well adapted to cold climates. However, they don’t thrive in very hot weather; protect them from overheating, and limit exercise and training to the cooler parts of the day.
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