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Shiba Inus can give you a hell of a time, especially if you’re a first-time owner. However, as you get to understand this dog breed, you adjust and learn how to handle their nagging. As such, most Shiba Inu owners often ask, why are Shiba Inus so stubborn?
Shiba Inus are stubborn due to their traits and personality. They’re independent, aloof, intelligent, and cunning. Thus, the reason they’re stubborn. Shiba Inus’s breeding purpose was to hunt small games. So, they still hold onto their original traits, including making their own decisions, and thus are stubborn.
With that said, it’s time we get into the real matter and explore some reasons that make Shiba Inus dog breed stubborn. Besides, I’ll take you through safe ways to discipline your Shiba Inus.
Table of Contents
Why Are Shiba Inus So Stubborn?
Shiba Inus are stubborn due to their independent nature, intelligence, confidence, and boldness. Besides, they often have their ideas about various things.
So, you shouldn’t expect your Shiba Inus always to follow your commands. Your fur friend will often ignore you, not once or twice, but more regularly. They not only ignore you but can also become destructive.
When your Shiba Inus gets destructive, learn how to warn them or how to redirect their attention to something else like playing. They have a singular mind, thus the stubborn behaviour.
Remember, Shiba Inus are strong-willed. So, they’ll likely concentrate on one thing for some time. Therefore, you can’t draw them from what they’re thinking about or doing. Otherwise, they easily turn aggressive is you push beyond their boundaries.
However, you can master how to redirect their attention to something constructive. If your Shiba was acting destructive, use commands to ensure they learn it’s not a good thing.
Also, when they do the right thing, use treats as a reward or praise them. Praises and rewards work well with Shiba Inus. Especially when redirecting their attention, use treats, rewards, and praises.
Are All Shiba Inus Stubborn?
Not all Shiba Inus are stubborn, but I bet most of them are since they share the same traits and behaviours.
Primarily, Shiba Inus were for hinting small games. So, this trait of being independent and strong-willed is naturally in them. Due to the hunting traits, your Shiba Inus will likely act independently. That makes him strong-willed and stubborn.
Nevertheless, a small quota of Shiba Inus is not stubborn. However, you must socialise and train them appropriately to ensure your Shiba is among this quota. So, Shiba owners should initiate training and socialization from a young age.
Training makes your pup obedient from a young age. I’d recommend using passive training methods as they work best with Shiba Inus.
Passive training involves all the guided interactions you have with your Shiba Inus. Especially training that’s outside an active training session.
Therefore, the stubbornness in Shiba Inus may vary from one Shiba to another. But the likelihood of a Shiba Inus being stubborn is high since it’s their personality trait.
Reasons Why Shiba Inus Are So Stubborn? (5 Reasons)
- Strong-will personality
- They like challenging you and hardly give up
- Are naturally rebellious
- They have a cat-like personality
- Have high prey-drive
What’s more about them;
1. Strong-will Personality
Shiba Inus are naturally strong-willed, confident, and have a bold personality. So, they often have their ideas on how to do something. That makes them want to follow their hearts and think independently.
That said, your Shiba Inus won’t follow your commands all the time. They will ignore you at times, thus making them stubborn.
You need to train your Shiba Inus while maintaining his preference and liking.
2. They Like Challenging You and Hardly Gives Up
If you own Shiba Inus, I’m sure you know how much they like challenges. Your Shiba likes doing what you don’t want them to do. They’re not afraid of anything.
In addition, Shibas like pushing beyond boundaries. It doesn’t matter if it puts them in danger or in a conflict; they’ll keep going for it.
Since they’re persistent and stubborn, they’re ready to endure pain, including not eating, not walking, and losing freedom for the sake of Shiba honour. That said, punishing your Shiba Inus isn’t an option.
3. Shiba Inus Are Naturally Rebellious
Besides being independent, brave, and aloof, Shiba Inus are naturally rebellious. They have the heart of a rebel and enjoy a fair bit of human attention. It can be either positive or negative attention.
So, if you forbid your Shiba Inus from doing something, they’ll find ways to sneak in when you’re not aware and do it. They behave like a rebel teenager. This trait makes them stubborn.
4. Shiba Inus Have a Cat-like Personality
Shiba Inus behave like cats most of the time. So, they are often known as “cat-like” dogs. Although Shibas want a lot of attention from you at times, they’ll at times do whatever they want to do without minding you.
For example, just as cats don’t like people dominating them, Shibas are the same. Your Shiba hardly wants you to dominate them and will do all they can to avoid it.
Shiba Inus are needy at times. As such, they might want your attention or want you to pamper them. However, other times they just don’t want your attention and will ignore you as much as possible. That makes them a stubborn dog breed that’s hard to understand.
5. Shiba Inus Have High Prey-Drive
Shiba Inus are familiar with hunting small games and animals and still have this trait in them today. Therefore, Shibas like to chase after small animals every time they see them.
That said, if you’re going for a walk with your Shiba in the forest, ensure to have the leash on. Otherwise, you risk them running deep in the woods where they can get lost.
When they see small animals, they’ll hardly pay attention to you. All they’ll be after is chasing these small animals. If you add their high prey drive with their independent nature, Shibas can give you a hell of a time.
How Do You Deal with A Stubborn Shiba Inu? (4 Ways)
Ways to deal with a stubborn Shiba Inu include;
- Using Positive Reinforcement
- Avoid Using Physical Punishment
- Train Your Shiba to Obey Verbal Commands
- Use Treats to Reward Good Behavior
Let’s explore each;
1. Using Positive Reinforcement
When your Shiba Inus becomes a stubborn brat, positive reinforcement can help. So, you don’t have to be aggressive to your Shiba when they become stubborn. Being aggressive only makes the situation worse.
Positive reinforcement includes the use of commands that prevent them from doing something. Cautionary orders include “STOP” and “QUIET.” Therefore, first, train your Shiba on the common commands before using them.
You can’t use commands that your Shiba doesn’t understand. So, ensure they know what these commands mean before using them.
2. Avoid Using Physical Punishment
One of the worst things you can do with your Shiba is use physical punishment. Regardless of how bad they behave, refrain from using physical punishment.
An aversive attitude doesn’t resonate well with Shibas. What punishment does is it makes them more violent to you.
Also, it destroys the bond between you and your canine friend. So, they can decide to fight back, thus hurting you in the process.
Physical punishment makes your pooch friend even worse. They’ll often start engaging in destructive behaviour. Therefore, avoid punishing your Shiba at all means.
Always deal with your Shiba Inus calmly.
3. Train Your Shiba to Obey Verbal Commands
Shiba Inus don’t just wake up one day and start obeying commands; you must train them to do it. So, train them to obey commands, especially the common commands, so you can control them when they’re aggressive.
Begin training your Shiba Inus to obey commands when they’re still a puppy. That way, they’ll grow up knowing how to obey commands. Orders such as “STOP” work when your Shiba starts throwing tantrums at you.
So, ensure to train your Shiba on commands. If you don’t know how to do it, engage a professional. Since they’re intelligent, it takes a short time to grasp commands.
4. Use Treats to Reward Good Behavior
There’s no doubt that your Shiba will become stubborn at some point; however, how you react matters a lot.
So, ensure to have treats somewhere to reward them whenever they do the right thing. For example, if your pooch friend was throwing tantrums at you and they stop it, give a treat to reward that.
With time, your Shiba learns that behaving well earns him a reward. Apart from using treats, you can also praise them when they do the right thing.
Praising your Shiba Inus tells them what is good and what is wrong. So, use rewards more often.
How Do You Discipline a Stubborn Shiba Inu? (3 Ways)
Some ways to discipline Shiba Inus include;
- Using Passive Training
- Avoid Hitting Your Shiba
- Be In charge
What’s more;
1. Using Passive Training
Passive training is one of the best ways to discipline your stubborn Shiba Inus. Unlike physical punishment, passive training includes sticking to your commands while interacting with your Shiba.
Also, passive resistance entails staying calm even when your Shiba is misbehaving. Also, when your pooch friend is craving attention, give them your attention when there is a legitimate reason to do it.
Don’t just give your attention to nonsense business. Too much attention spoils your Shiba.
You can see our article on, are Shiba Inus hard to train?
2. Avoid Hitting Your Shiba Inus
Remember that physical punishment never works with Shiba Inus. Therefore, never hit your Shiba even when they’re being stubborn.
However, you can use a little spat to caution them. Punishing your furry friend physically negatively affects your bond with your Shiba Inus.
Also, hitting your Shiba Inus builds the tendency to fight back. They can also become aggressive when you hit them. Worst of all, hitting your Shiba Inus destroys the friendship bond you have with them.
3. Always Be in Control
When handling your Shiba Inus, always be in charge. Also, let your Shiba Inus know that you’re in control.
That said, from the very first day you have your furry friend, establish yourself as the leader by being in charge. So, learn to stand your ground and never let your Shiba pull you into their things.
Always stand your ground. For example, don’t let your Shiba Inus pull you during a walk. Hold the leash in a position that keeps them in check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shiba Inus Really That Difficult?
Shiba Inus can be difficult due to their independent personality. Besides, they like doing what they think, not what the owner wants.
However, training and socializing your Shiba Inus makes them easier to handle. With training, you’re sure to control your Shiba Inus behaviour to some extent.
At What Age Do Shiba Inus Calm Down?
Shiba Inus calm down when they attain the age of 2. However, this isn’t a guarantee.
Shiba Inus tend to be hyper and energetic during their early years of development. Through training and socializing with your Shiba Inus, you can calm them down a little bit.
How Stubborn Are Shiba Inus?
Shiba Inus are notoriously stubborn and only listen to their owner when there’s an option for treats.
However, they’ll hardly listen to their owners’ commands if there’s no treat. They’re smart and intelligent to choose what they’d like to obey.
Why Are Shibas Not Affectionate?
Shiba Inus are affectionate. However, they only show their affection when they feel like it and to their favourite person.
To make your Shiba Inus affectionate, you need to be the person who feeds them and takes them for walks.
Why Do Shiba Inus Run Away?
Shiba Inus like to run away most of the time since it’s a train they have in them.
Especially when there’s something to run after, like small animals, your Shiba will keep running after them.
Concluding Sentiments, Why Are Shiba Inus So Stubborn?
Shiba Inus are stubborn due to their personality trait. Also, they have a mind of their own and thus won’t follow everything their owners say.
In fact, Shiba Inus like doing what they think is right for them. They also ignore their owners while the commands are so clear.
Nevertheless, Shiba Inus’s stubbornness makes them a special breed as they don’t have to do what their owners say all the time. They can think by themselves and do what they feel is right.
In addition, Shiba Inus are strong-willed and bold and thus are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way. They also don’t give up easily, hence the notion that they’re stubborn.