Is A Shiba Inu Right for Me? Let’s Find Out!

Are you considering adding a Shiba Inu to your family? These cute and fluffy dogs have gained popularity in recent years for their playful and energetic personalities.

However, before you bring one home, it’s important to understand if a Shiba Inu is the right fit for you and your lifestyle.

From their unique grooming requirements to their independent nature, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the characteristics and needs of Shiba Inus, and help you determine if this breed is a good match for you.

So, if you’re thinking of welcoming a Shiba Inu into your home, read on to find out if this is the right breed for you.

Is A Shiba Inu Right for Me? Explained!

There are important things to understand before adopting a Shiba Inu.

They are incredibly intelligent and stubborn!

These dogs are very hard to train effectively as they tend to “blow you off” if you do not mean what you say. They won’t always listen to you even if you have taught them a command.

They aren’t always affectionate!

Shiba Inus have a very independent nature that leads them to almost view you as an equal, rather than an alpha.

Some shibas won’t want to cuddle with you and may growl at you if you push affection on them. They are much like cats, they will seek out attention when they wish it so.

They have lots of energy!

These are spastic little suckers. They make look small, but they have wild amounts of energy.

It is very important to take into consideration the amount of time needed to properly exercise them! If not, this may lead to weight gain or depression

Also read; Are Shiba Inu hard to train?

Are Shiba Inu Good for First Time Owners?

If you ask a Japanese person their impression of the Shiba, most will tell you it’s ‘very loyal to its owner’. This is the generally accepted view.

I have found it to be far from true.

There seem to be two types of Shiba; one is laid back, quiet, reasonably obedient. The other is stubborn, wilful, quick to snap, obedient only when there’s something in it for him.

There are lots of Shibas around where I live, and they appear to fall fairly evenly into one or other of these two types. My own Shiba is the second type.

I consider myself a fairly experienced dog owner, with a good knowledge of training techniques, but it has been a long, hard haul to get him to be the well-trained dog he is now.

He still has the propensity to snap though, and though I love him to bits I will not allow him near my grandkids, for safety’s sake.

As a first-time owner you might be lucky and get the laid-back type, but there is no guarantee; they all look adorable as puppies. I would not recommend a Shiba as a first dog.

What Is the Disadvantage of Shiba Inu?

• Stubborn And Independent
• Maintenance and Grooming
• Training Requirements
• Exercise Needs

What’s more;

·        Stubborn and Independent

Training a puppy can be a challenging task, especially if the pup is stubborn or headstrong.

These traits can make it difficult for them to take well to training, and it is important to be aware of this before beginning the process.

It’s recommended to start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home.

This is because they are still young and not yet set in their ways, making them more receptive to learning and adapting to new behaviors.

It’s important to remember that consistency is key when training a puppy, and to be patient and persistent in your approach.

Consistently rewarding good behavior and correcting bad behavior in a positive and gentle manner will ultimately lead to a well-trained and well-behaved companion.

·        Shiba Inu Maintenance and Grooming.

While Shiba Inus do a great job keeping themselves clean, and their coat doesn’t get matted, they still require a significant amount of attention.

This breed sheds a lot, so regular brushing can help prevent hair from accumulating all over the house. You can also use a strong blow-dryer (on a cooler setting) to remove some of their loose hair.

Shiba Inus’ nails should also be trimmed to keep them short and comfortable while walking.

Many Shiba Inus do not tolerate this well, so it’s best to start the process early with your puppy to get them used to it.

If your dog resists too much, you can have a professional groomer trim their nails for you.

·        Shiba Inu Training.

Shiba Inus can be challenging to train. They can be stubborn and headstrong, which makes them resistant to training.

It’s best to begin training your puppy as soon as you bring them home while they’re still young and not too set in their ways.

Taking obedience training classes led by a professional is also a good idea.

Even if your Shiba Inu is well-trained, you should always keep them on a leash when you go for a walk.

Shiba Inus are not reliable dogs when they’re not leashed, and they may become aggressive towards other dogs.

·        Shiba Inu Exercise.

Shiba Inus are active dogs and require daily exercise. They enjoy going for walks with their owners or running around in a fenced backyard.

While they’re not as destructive as some other breeds when left alone, they may develop separation anxiety if their owner is away for too long.

Finding time to spend with your dog and exercising together will benefit them.

The Wrap-Up

In conclusion, a Shiba Inu can be a great companion for the right person. They are independent, loyal, and have a unique personality that can bring a lot of joy to their owner’s life.

However, it’s important to remember that they are not the right breed for everyone. They have a strong will and can be difficult to train.

They also have a high energy level and need plenty of exercise. If you’re considering getting a Shiba Inu, prepare to put in the time and effort needed to properly train and care for them.

It’s important to research the breed and talk to other Shiba Inu owners to get a better understanding of what it’s like to live with one.

Ultimately, if you’re someone who is looking for a loyal and independent companion, a Shiba Inu may be the perfect breed for you.