How To Train Your Shiba Inu

So, you’ve brought home a Shiba Inu? Well, you’re in for a treat—literally and figuratively. These fluffy little fox-lookalikes are adorable, independent, and incredibly smart. But training a Shiba Inu?

That’s a whole different beast. Let’s just say they’ve got a mind of their own and aren’t shy about showing it.

When I got my Shiba, I was expecting a regular dog. You know, the type that follows you around, hangs on your every word, and is eager to please. Spoiler alert: that’s not a Shiba Inu.

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These dogs are independent thinkers who are more likely to roll their eyes at you than obediently follow your commands. But don’t worry, with the right approach, you can get your Shiba to listen—and maybe even enjoy it.

The Shiba Inu Attitude: It’s Real

First things first: Shibas are stubborn. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. These dogs were bred to be hunters, meaning they’re used to making decisions on their own.

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They’re not wired to follow commands blindly like some other breeds. They’ll listen when they want to—and only when they feel like it’s worth their while.

But here’s the thing: they’re smart. Really smart. They’ll figure out what you want them to do almost immediately, but whether or not they’ll do it?

That’s the real challenge. This isn’t about them not understanding. It’s about them deciding if they care.

When I first started training my Shiba, it was clear from day one that she knew exactly what I was asking. She just gave me that “why should I?” look. That’s when I realized training a Shiba is more about negotiation than command.

Establishing the Ground Rules: You’re Not the Boss of Me (But Actually, You Are)

Shibas don’t take kindly to being bossed around. They need to respect you before they’ll listen to you. And respect doesn’t come from harsh discipline or raising your voice. In fact, Shibas respond best to calm, confident leadership.

You need to be firm, but also understanding. Think of it as being their cool-headed coach rather than a strict drill sergeant.

One thing I learned quickly: positive reinforcement is key. Shibas are much more likely to respond to rewards and praise than punishments.

But don’t go overboard with the treats—they’re clever enough to manipulate you into giving them more than they deserve. Keep it balanced.

Consistency is everything. Shibas are experts at finding loopholes. If you’re inconsistent with the rules, they’ll exploit it.

One day on the couch? They’ll assume it’s their couch from then on. So, set the rules early and stick to them.

Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, and Good Luck With “Come”

Alright, let’s talk about the basics. If you’re expecting your Shiba to come running every time you call, I’ve got news for you: Shibas are notoriously terrible at recall.

The “come” command might take more time (and patience) than usual. But don’t lose hope—you can get there with persistence.

“Sit” and “stay” are actually not too difficult to teach. Shibas catch on quickly when food is involved. The trick is keeping them interested after the treats disappear.

When I first trained my Shiba to sit, she did it flawlessly… until the treats ran out. Then, it was like she suddenly “forgot” how to sit. I had to mix things up to keep her engaged.

Start simple, and make training sessions short and fun. Shibas get bored easily, and a bored Shiba is a distracted Shiba.

If you push them too long, they’ll just tune you out. I learned that it’s better to train in short bursts—five to ten minutes at a time—rather than marathon sessions.

With “stay,” be patient. Shibas can be fidgety, especially if they’re excited. Start with a few seconds of staying in place and gradually increase the time. Reward them every time they succeed, and always end training sessions on a high note.

When it comes to “come,” start in a safe, enclosed space, like your backyard. Use a happy, playful voice, and always reward them when they come to you—even if it takes a while.

Exercise: Burning Off That Shiba Energy

Shibas may be small, but don’t let that fool you—they’re packed with energy. If you’re not giving your Shiba enough exercise, they’ll find their own way to burn off that energy. And trust me, you don’t want that.

A bored Shiba can turn destructive, and no one wants to come home to shredded furniture.

When I got my Shiba, I quickly realized that a daily walk wasn’t going to cut it. These dogs need mental and physical stimulation. Running, agility training, or even just a good, long play session can work wonders for keeping them happy and calm.

If you’ve got a fenced-in yard, let them run off-leash and explore. Just be aware that Shibas are escape artists. Seriously, if there’s a way out, they’ll find it. Make sure your yard is secure.

Socialization: You’ll Want to Start Early

Here’s the thing about Shibas: they’re independent, and sometimes that independence can translate to aloofness around other dogs and strangers. If you want a well-rounded, well-behaved Shiba, you need to start socializing them as early as possible.

Take them to puppy classes, expose them to different people, dogs, and environments, and make sure they’re getting plenty of interaction. The more they experience early on, the more confident and well-behaved they’ll be as adults.

When I first started socializing my Shiba, she was a little reserved around other dogs. But over time, with consistent exposure, she became more comfortable and confident. It made a huge difference in how she behaved on walks and in public spaces.

Patience, Persistence, and a Sense of Humor

If there’s one thing you need to know about training a Shiba Inu, it’s this: you’re going to need a lot of patience. These dogs are smart, but they’re also stubborn and independent. They’ll push your buttons, test your limits, and sometimes act like they’ve never heard a command in their life. But with persistence—and maybe a little sense of humor—you’ll get there.

There were definitely moments when I wondered if my Shiba was ever going to listen. But over time, with consistent training and plenty of rewards, she started to come around. Sure, she still has her stubborn moments (what Shiba doesn’t?), but now she’s a much more well-behaved dog who still maintains that sassy personality I fell in love with.

Remember, training a Shiba is as much about building trust and respect as it is about teaching commands. They’re not the type of dog to blindly obey—they need to understand why it’s worth it. Once you’ve earned their respect, though? They’re loyal companions who will stick by your side (on their terms, of course).

Final Thoughts: It’s a Challenge, But It’s Worth It

Training a Shiba Inu is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s incredibly rewarding. Shibas are one-of-a-kind—full of sass, smarts, and independence. They’ll make you work for it, but once you crack the code, you’ll have a loyal, clever companion who’s as much a part of your life as any family member.

So, take a deep breath, grab some treats, and get ready for the ride. Shiba training is a journey, and though it’s not always easy, it’s absolutely worth it. 🐾

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