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Shiba Inus are known for their adorable looks and playful personalities, but did you know they also have a powerful bite?
These small but mighty dogs have a bite force of around 320 pounds per square inch, making them one of the strongest breeds in the canine world.
This impressive strength can come in handy when it comes to hunting and protection, but it also poses a potential risk for owners and others around the dog.
Understanding the strength of a Shiba Inu’s bite is important for training and safety, as well as appreciating the unique capabilities of this beloved breed.
In this article, we will explore the science behind a Shiba Inu’s bite force and what it means for those who own and interact with these dogs.
Table of Contents
What Is the Shiba Inu Bite Force?
The Shiba Inu is known for its fierce appearance, but its bite force is actually considered to be ordinary when compared to other dog breeds.
On average, dogs have a bite force that ranges between 200 and 400 pounds per square inch (PSI).
However, the Shiba Inu, along with many other breeds, possess significant jaw strength, which can be intimidating to strangers.
This is why it’s important for owners to properly train and socialize their Shiba Inu, as an untrained or unsocialized dog may act aggressively or become defensive when around unfamiliar people.
Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid inciting the dog’s anger, as this may lead to an unfortunate incident.
Shiba Inu Bite Force: Do Shiba Bite Hard?
Shiba Inu, also known as Shiba, is a small breed of dog that originated in Japan. They’re known for their loyalty, courage, and independent nature.
Shiba Inus have a strong jaw and sharp teeth, which can make their bites quite powerful. However, their bites are not considered to be particularly hard compared to other breeds.
Shiba Inus are known to be a bit aloof and can be wary of strangers, so proper socialization and training are important to prevent biting behavior.
They are also prone to separation anxiety and can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time. It’s important to train them properly to avoid any biting behavior.
In general, Shiba bites are not considered to be very hard, but they can still cause injury if not handled properly.
It’s essential to provide them with proper training, socialization, and exercise to prevent biting behavior and ensure that they are well-behaved pets.
With proper care and training, Shiba Inus can make excellent companion animals for the right person.
Also read; How to stop Shiba Inu puppy!
Why Does My Shiba Inu Bite So Much?
- Teething
- Bite Inhibition
- Fear
- Stress
- Playful Temperament
What’s more;
Teething;
Puppies go through a teething stage where they lose their baby teeth and grow 42 new adult teeth. This can cause discomfort and bad moods in young Shiba Inus.
To alleviate this, provide your puppy with soft toys and teethers appropriate for their age and use positive reinforcement when they use them.
Bite Inhibition;
Your Shiba Inu may not yet know when or how to bite.
Puppies typically learn to control the strength of their bite with their littermates or parents, who teach them when to stop biting during games and play-fighting.
If your Shiba Inu was not raised with their mother, you will need to teach them bite inhibition.
Fear;
Dogs that have not been properly socialized may bite out of fear. Lack of socialization can also lead to attacking other dogs.
If your Shiba Inu has behavioral problems, seek help from a professional such as a canine ethologist.
Stress;
Dogs can become stressed for various reasons, such as lack of exercise, fear, punishment, or pent-up energy.
A dog that is sick or in pain may also bite out of insecurity or frustration. Check for signs of stress and address the cause with the help of a veterinarian.
Playful temperament;
Some Shiba Inus may bite as a way of expressing their playful and mischievous personality.
If this is the case with your Shiba Inu, offer toys and use positive reinforcement when playing.
When they bite, give a firm “NO” and stop interaction, but avoid excessive scolding as they may not understand and it can be counterproductive.
How To Stop Shiba Inu Puppy Biting Using Puppy Bite Inhibition
In recent years, more and more experienced dog trainers have been promoting “bite-inhibition training.”
Bite inhibition is a dog’s ability to recognize how much force they should use, should they feel a need to bite.
This is extremely important with any dog breed, but Shiba Inus have a high prey drive and independent streak, making it even more so.
All dogs can bite, either out of fear, reactivity, frustration, or being over-stimulated at play time.
If a dog was taught from a very early age not to bite at all, they don’t learn how much force is fine to use in these situations. This is when bad accidents can happen.
A dog that has learned good bite inhibition will likely not break skin or even bite down, if they should happen to lash out from fear, frustration, or pain.
So instead of completely training out puppy biting, what we now do instead is train for good bite inhibition, and train them to bite less.
This involves allowing for a degree of puppy mouthing, but as soon as it starts to hurt, we let them know.
The Wrap-Up
In conclusion, Shiba Inu biting behavior is a complex issue that can stem from a variety of causes.
It’s important to understand that biting is not always a sign of aggression, but can also be a sign of fear, anxiety, or lack of proper training.
Further, it’s crucial for owners to understand the triggers that may cause their Shiba Inu to bite and to address these issues through positive reinforcement training, socialization, and providing a safe and secure environment.
Seeking the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist may be necessary to address more severe cases of biting.
Remember, a well-trained and well-socialized Shiba Inu can make a wonderful and loving companion.
With the right training and care, owners can help their Shiba Inus overcome biting behavior and live a happy and healthy life.