Do Shiba Inus Like to Cuddle? Are They Affectionate?

Do Shiba Inus like to cuddle? If you’ve been asking yourself whether a Shiba Inu can be your cuddling partner, here is some useful information.

Although Shiba Inus have an aloof personality that sets them apart from other dogs, they’re good companions and loyal to their owners. Now that they dearly love their owners, do Shiba Inus like to cuddle?

Most Shiba Inus don’t like to cuddle often. Since they’re independent and aloof, most Shibas won’t cuddle. However, some Shiba Inu breeds like to cuddle due to genetics or upbringing. Good enough, you can teach your Shiba Inus to cuddle by training. It helps make your Shiba more loyal and friendly to you.

In this Shiba Inu cuddling guide, we’ll help you learn some vital tips on Shiba Inus, like making your Shiba cuddly.

Are Shiba Inus Affectionate?

Shiba Inus, as a breed, are known for their independent and sometimes aloof nature. While they may not exhibit the same level of overt affection as some other breeds, Shiba Inus can still form deep bonds with their owners and show affection in their own unique ways.

One of the reasons Shiba Inus are often described as independent is because they were originally bred to be hunting dogs, working independently in the mountainous regions of Japan.

This independent nature can manifest as a sense of self-reliance and a tendency to be less clingy compared to some other breeds.

However, it’s important to note that each individual Shiba Inu will have their own personality, and some may be more affectionate than others.

Shiba Inus often demonstrate their affection through subtle gestures. They may choose to be in the same room as their owners, follow them around the house, or stay close by their side during outdoor activities.

Some Shiba Inus may enjoy physical contact and seek out opportunities for belly rubs or gentle petting. Others may express their affection through shared activities such as playing, hiking, or participating in training sessions.

You might want to see our post on, are Shiba Inus loyal?

So Are Shiba Inus Cuddly?

Some Shiba Inus can be cuddly due to their genetics or upbringing.

If you start obedience training earlier on for your Shiba, he’ll likely become affectionate to you, but that doesn’t mean he’ll like to cuddle. But high chances are he’ll want to do it.

You notice when your Shiba becomes affectionate when he starts to sleep beside you, often at least for a few minutes.

As a result, what are the two reasons some Shibas like to cuddle?

1.     Upbringing

Upbringing can help you turn around your Shiba Inus from an aloof friendly to your cuddle companion. It’s the best way I know you can use to make your Shiba cuddly. Although Shibas have the final say, upbringing helps a lot.

As a result, follow the proper upbringing by using obedience training and socialization tips. Also, even if your Shiba Inus is cuddly naturally, you need to nurture that character train.

2.     Genetics

Apart from upbringing, genetics also play a crucial role in determining whether a Shiba is cuddly or not. Although it’s hard, some Shibas like to cuddle from birth and grow up doing it naturally.

Nevertheless, this is not always the case.

Many Shibas hardly like to cuddle and only do it when they feel like it. So, know which type your Shiba is and take the necessary measures.

Why Doesn’t Shiba Inus Like to Cuddle?

Reasons why your Shiba Inus doesn’t like to cuddle include;

• They’re Self-Governed Dogs
• Super Active Breed
• Anxiety
• Bad Experience
• You’re Not Their Person
• They’re Still a Puppy and Full of Energy

Now, let’s explore each reason above;

1.     They’re Self-Governed Dogs

Don’t confuse Shiba Inus with other dog breeds; they’re unique in their ways. It doesn’t matter whether the Shiba is your; they don’t like obeying instructions.

Moreover, there’s nothing you can do about it.

They have personal instincts which kick in any time; as a result, they end up doing what they want, not what you say.

Even when your Shiba clearly can hear your commands, they have the final say depending on their mood.

As a byline, you should allow your Shiba to do what he wants by giving freedom. Only interfere when it’s necessary or when he wants your attention.

2.     Super Active Breed

There’s no doubt about this, Shiba Inus have a lot of energy that keeps them active most of the time. So, they don’t like lying down and spending the whole time doing nothing.

This is a crucial reason your Shiba doesn’t want to cuddle with you. He sees it as a waste of time and a form of idleness. So, Shibas often find cuddling boring.

Your Shiba Inus might want to cuddle but won’t do it for long since boredom quickly kicks in.

See our post on, when do Shiba Inus calm down?

3.     Anxiety Issues

Your Shiba Inus might not want to cuddle due to anxiety issues when you’re angry. Especially when your Shiba annoys you, and you’re mad about it, your Shiba gets anxious, although you might not notice it.

Shibas can feel your anger primarily through the leash. As a result, you need to monitor your anger when handling your Shiba. Also, Shibas are anxious when tired.

4.     Bad Experience

When Shiba has a previous bad experience with cuddling, they fear doing it in the future.

For example, if the previous owner of your Shiba abused him while cuddling, that might be a reason he doesn’t want to do it.

In addition, if you got your Shiba Inus from a rescue center, he might have a bad experience with cuddling, making him restrain from doing it with you.

When Shibas have a previous bad experience with cuddling, they develop trust issues evident throughout the rest of their lives.

Moreover, you can help Shiba overcome his trust issues by being an ultimate caring and loving owner.

5.     You’re Not Their Person

Shiba Inus are funny in that they choose a favourite person. I’m pretty sure you might not be aware of that, but it’s the ultimate truth.

Therefore, if your Shiba mostly declines to cuddle with you, you might not be their favourite person. Most Shiba Inu owners say that their Shibas only like to cuddle with them and not anyone else.

Even if the other person is a family member, they aren’t ready to do it with them. However, as we all know, Shibas are loyal to their owners, thus the case.

Shibas favourite person is the one who plays, gives attention, feeds, and shows affection to them.

6.     They’re Still a Puppy and Full of Energy  

Shiba Inus tend to be all over when they’re young. You can relate to this more perfect if you own a Shiba Inu puppy.

As a result of the intense energy, the Shiba Inu puppy hardly slows down for a cuddle. Puppies want to tour the world or the area around them and figure out their things on their own.

You can only steal some cuddles from them during this early stage when they nod off to sleep or rest.

Can You Make a Shiba Inus Cuddly?

Yes, you can make your Shiba Inu cuddly with time. This is only possible through obedience training and socialization.  

If your Shiba isn’t cuddly and you’re desperate for it, there are some ways to make your Shiba Inus cuddly. However, the only effective practices are obedience training and socialization.

It took me a long time before I knew that you could make Shibas cuddly. However, as I was googling about Shiba Inus loyalty, I came across the idea of making Shibas cuddly.

But, one thing I have seen and wish to share with you is that you should never force your Shiba Inus to cuddle with you. Remember, you can’t cuddle with Shibas if they’re not in the mood to do it.

You have to operate within your Shibas terms and not yours. So, only initiate cuddling when they suggest it.

For example, you can determine your Shiba wants to cuddle when he jumps up on the couch and sleeps beside you or on your lap with the legs facing up.

That said, let’s explore some tips to make Shiba Inus cuddly.

Tips On How to Teach Your Shiba Inus to Like Cuddling?

These tips include;

• Understand A Baseline
• Take Advantage of Their Natural Cuddle Times
• Wear Them Out
• Bond With Your Shiba Inus and Build Trust
• Encourage Your Shiba Inus and Reward Good Behavior
• Be Good at Basic Commands
• Name The Cues
• Respect Boundaries

It’s time to explain each tip in detail below;

1.     Understand A Baseline

Take note of how your Shiba Inu behaves when he has the urge to cuddle so that you know how to respond every time he does it.

Also, understand when your Shiba likes or doesn’t like to cuddle. Know if there’s a particular way your Shiba wants to be pet. Besides, ensure to recognize your Shibas body language.

2.     Take Advantage of Your Shibas Natural Cuddle Times

If you’re keen enough with your Shiba, you’ll quickly realize when your Shiba likes to cuddle. It can be a specific time of the day.

Also, you’ll know how many times it happens in a week and include it in your schedule.

A good example is a testimony that some owners like to cuddle with their Shibas in bed at night. Therefore, when this time comes, your Shiba is ready and knows it’s time to cuddle.

3.     Wear Them Out

Wearing them out means getting your Shiba Inu tired.

Do you know that tired Shiba Inus often behave well and are calmer?

You can take your Shiba Inus out for a walk often, at least once a day, to get him tired and ready to cuddle. Otherwise, if you attempt to cuddle your Shiba Inu when he’s full of energy, he’ll most likely walk away.

4.     Bond With Your Shiba Inus and Build Trust

Bonding with your Shiba Inus is vital to make him cuddly. So, ensure to engage in many activities that create a bonding environment.

Do many things with your Shiba Inus, such as going for walks, visiting friends, and playing games to build trust.

Of course, Shibas like to cuddle with someone they have trust. So, play with your Shiba, feed him by hand, and do other engaging activities.

5.     Encourage Your Shiba Inus and Reward Good Behavior 

Make it a pleasant experience playing with your Shiba Inus using encouraging words such as, “Good Boy/Girl.” That creates trust and builds a relationship with you.

Also, as you cuddle with your Shiba, communicate using basic commands. Also, use rewards when your Shiba does the right thing.

Besides rewards, you can clap for him when he does the right thing.

6.     Be Good at Basic Commands 

Of course, communicating with your Shiba needs you to understand basic commands. You’ll easily guide your Shiba on what to do and what not to do if you’re good at basic commands.

Your Shiba learns basic commands depending on how frequently you use them. As such, have these commands at your fingertips.

These basic commands include sit, stay, and come.

7.     Name The Cues 

Have specific cues to mean particular things. For example, when getting your Shiba Inu to cuddle, always use the “cuddle” term.

In the long run, your Shiba learns what cuddle means and starts to respond positively.

8.     Respect Boundaries 

Respect your Shiba Inus boundaries. Boundaries include the time your Shiba doesn’t want to cuddle. Leave him alone if he’s not in the mood to do it.

Don’t insist on doing it, as your Shiba Inus can get aggressive. Besides, when your Shiba Inu appears to follow his instincts, don’t interfere with them; give them the freedom they need.

What Are the Benefits of Cuddling with Your Shiba Inus?

There are numerous benefits of cuddling with your Shiba Inus;

• Cuddling Is a Stress Reliever
• Eases Anxiety
• Creates A Bond

What’s more;

1.     Cuddling Is a Stress Reliever

Like you feel when you cuddle with a friend, cuddling with your Shiba Inu helps release stress since the hormone “feel-good” becomes available in your body.

In addition, cuddling is a sign of care. It makes you feel good, like when your Shiba hugs you before going to bed or in the morning after you wake up.

The pleasure your body gets during a cuddle relieves thoughts and worries giving you a better feeling.

2.     Eases Anxiety 

Shiba Inus often have anxiety issues, thus the need for a cuddle. Cuddling helps relieve the anxiety and get them back to a normal mood when your Shiba has anxiety.

Your Shiba gets anxious when he sees you in danger. In that case, a cuddle relieves that anxiety.

3.     Creates A Bond

As you cuddle with your Shiba Inus, you create a long-lasting bond. The cuddling process helps you connect with your Shiba, thus creating a desire to stay together.

While Shibas aren’t the best breeds for cuddling, the short-lived Shiba Inu cuddling can create a strong bond if you utilize it.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Do Shiba Inus Get Attached?

Yes, Shiba Inus attach to their owner or family. However, they tend to select one person as their favourite in the family. 

It shouldn’t be a worry if your Shiba doesn’t have an attachment to you. Not all Shibas do it; some are clingy and hardly do it.

Are Shiba Inus Affectionate?

Yes, Shiba Inus are affectionate, especially to their favourite person. This is the person who feeds them, shows attention, and plays with them more often.

Don’t worry if your Shiba Inus isn’t affectionate; there are some tips to make your Shiba affectionate. Such tips include walking him daily and showing love by cuddling and playing games.

How Do You Get a Shiba Inus in Love with You?

To get your Shiba Inu in love with you, you must exercise calmness and consistency during bonding sessions. Besides, carry out obedience training to garner your Shibas loyalty.

Also, you can use treats to get your Shiba Inus in love with you. Avoid punishing your Shiba physically if you want him in love with you.

Is A Shiba Inu a Lap Dog?

No, Shiba Inus aren’t often cuddly lap dog breeds. They might want to cuddle but for a short while.

However, in some rare cases, you might encounter a Shiba that likes to cuddle and often lies on your lap. Some Shibas are friendly and cuddly genetically but are hard to get.

Do Shiba Inus Only Bond with One Person?

Shiba Inus are likely to bond very closely with one person in the entire family.

However, that doesn’t mean that your Shiba won’t be friendly to other family members. It’s only that they like to choose a favourite person among family members.

Conclusion Regarding the Question, Do Shiba Inus Like to Cuddle?

Shiba Inus are not the best dogs for cuddling; however, they do it when they feel like it. You can’t force your Shiba to cuddle, but you can enhance it by creating a favourable environment.

Therefore, use the tips in this guide to make your Shiba Inus cuddlier if he’s the type that does cuddling in bits.

Also, use obedience training and socialization to influence your Shiba Inu positively into cuddling.

Besides, if your Shiba doesn’t like to cuddle, don’t stress; it’s normal as Shibas are aloof and independent.