QUESTION: Are shiba inus a good family pet?
Anonymous - 1/1/2012 10:15:20 AM
Respond to Question
If they're trained right. My Shiba is a wonderful pet, but she had not been socialized with other dogs before I got her and it has been a nightmare trying to break her food aggression with new dogs.
They are very loving and once they get used to people and other pets they are amazing animals. I would just make sure you get one from a reputable breeder, or if you decide to rescue make sure the pet responds well to your children and other pets.
Anonymous - 1/23/2012 9:51:14 PM
shibas are cuddly and cute and pretty smart
juneka - 1/16/2012 12:15:31 PM
QUESTION: My boyfriend and I are deciding on which kind of dog to get. I've decided on the Shibu Inu and we would just like to know that this dog is a good breed for just starting a home?
Anonymous - 11/24/2011 3:39:43 PM
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I got my Shiba when my boyfriend and I got our first place. :) She's fit in perfectly, though she can be really stubborn and likes to do what she wants. They're extremely smart and loving and so much fun to be around, especially if you guys don't have children and have time to give him/her a lot of attention.
Anonymous - 1/23/2012 9:52:28 PM
Of course! Shiba's are very adorable.
juneka - 1/16/2012 12:15:55 PM
QUESTION: Are Shiba's good with children?
Anonymous - 11/15/2011 1:53:32 PM
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Yes! My shiba male loves my 2 year old daughter. He often tries to play with her, although my daughter is not always open to his advances (such as playing tug-of-war with her stuffed toys...she definitely isn't up for that.) He is extremely tolerant of her if she grabs him too hard, and has never growled or shown any anger no matter how hard she grabs. He gets excited when I go to bring her out of her room from her nap, and is happy to see her. He can be a bit too exuberant at times, and I have to watch him when he is excited because he can knock her over. Sometimes he can be too eager to play. My daughter doesn't always welcome his attention but he will persistantly bug her to play, which annoys her. Other than that he is great with my daughter.
Anonymous - 1/25/2012 4:32:18 AM
I know very well that the male shiba does not like adult males. Most of them. Love me and my boyfriend but takes lots of time for him to open up to other males.
Anonymous - 1/24/2012 2:18:58 PM
Shiba's are good with children becausse they love to play, just like pups! But I heard dogs are not good with ault male.
juneka - 1/16/2012 12:17:19 PM
My shiba loves kids! In fact I think she likes kids better than adults because they play with her more!
Anonymous - 12/1/2011 2:03:33 PM
That depends on how much they've been socialized, and how children treat them.
My male shiba was introduced to my three nieces (ages 3, 9 and 10), and my neighbors' sons (ages 4, 7 and 13) when he was 8 weeks old. They were gentle with him and gave him a little treat and he's loved children ever since. Every time we pass families on our walks he gets so excited to say hello and get petted that his whole body wiggles.
He can play a little rough though, and a hyper, playful child is going to bring out the same in him.
And if the child doesn't respect my shiba's boundaries when he backs off, or they try to pick him up, or tug his tail, etc. he won't put up with it for very long before he growls and snaps.
Anonymous - 11/27/2011 6:32:08 AM
QUESTION: I just got a shiba inu puppy and wanted to know if i could bring her swimming with me.
Anonymous - 11/15/2011 11:52:49 AM
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Most Shiba's hate water & will actually even avoid puddles if possible. Mine will go in to water up to her knees and no further or she'll freak out.
Anonymous - 12/1/2011 2:09:04 PM
We've owned three different Shiba Inus. I've bathed them and the water still "repels" off of their coat. The only concern I would have is with their ears and making sure all of the water is removed. Other than that I see no reason why they can't enjoy the water.
scrappnjost@gmail.com - 11/28/2011 3:44:07 PM
Most shibas will refuse to get in water. Mine will sit near the pool, but hates to get splashed and will absolutely freak if he thinks he's being pulled to the steps.
But I have heard that there are shibas that enjoy swimming.
Since your shiba is a puppy, if you take her in now then she might enjoy it, so you should give it a try.
Anonymous - 11/27/2011 6:40:30 AM
I heard that if you give shibas a bath, their natural waterproof coat goes away, but I'm not sure with swimming, because swimming is basically the same thing. When I say their coat goes away, I don't really mean that it falls off.
Anonymous - 11/16/2011 7:04:33 AM
QUESTION: I was told that shiba inu doesn't bark and that they are so smart you can teach them to say words - is this true?
Anonymous - 11/14/2011 1:20:03 PM
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They do bark but only for a purpose. They also have a "shiba scream", sort of a high pitched howl. They are very smart and very very stubborn!!! Be ware, you will need a lot of training with them. They think their way is the highway & traditional dominance training won't work. You have to use the NILIF (nothing in life is free) training method with them. Look it up online if you haven't heard of it.
Anonymous - 12/1/2011 2:12:30 PM
Shibas do bark, they just don't bark very much (at least mine doesn't). My shiba does, however, chatter incessantly. When he's excited he does a little whimper, when he's pissed he sounds like a cat, He squeaks when he yawns and has a million sounds in between that he uses to communicate, but I'm not expecting him to speak in human language anytime soon.
Some shibas are able to mimic certain sounds and then make the same sounds on command, and some of those sounds can sound like words, but they're really just a deliberate yodel/howl.
And shibas are INCREDIBLY smart, but they tend to use their intelligence to get what THEY want. If they can get it through obedience, then they'll be obedient. But if a shiba doesn't feel it's in their best interest to do something, they just won't do it.
So if you're looking for a dog that is easy to train, I highly recommend that you consider another breed.
And if you want an animal to speak english, I would suggest a parrot.
Anonymous - 11/27/2011 5:49:22 AM
Who ever told you Shibas dont bark has never met a Shiba! My D-O-G barks at everything and everyone! Cars, birds, joggers, other dogs, generally anything that catches his attention! I can even tell who is here based on the tone of his bark. Low growling barks is for strangers, while high pitched is for family.
Anonymous - 11/24/2011 12:32:41 AM
QUESTION: Do shiba's do well off a lead?
Anonymous - 11/7/2011 11:27:05 AM
Respond to Question
I have trained my shiba with a remote collar and all she needs is the sound of the bell once in a while to get her attention. But she is with me all the time and at work [which is a big part of her behaivior]. Best dog I,ve ever had [4rys old now].
Matt. Washington state
Anonymous - 1/29/2012 10:16:26 PM
I wouldn't recommend it. My Shiba is 12 years old and has run off twice, neither time was with me. However, she was off lead (from the car to the house) and a rabbit jumped out - I called her and she actually stopped. I thought that I would be out looking for her again all night (or week). When she had run off it was days not hours. Not a good idea.
Anonymous - 1/8/2012 3:51:09 PM
No. Most Shiba's have a flight response. They like to run & usually do not come back very easily.
Anonymous - 12/1/2011 2:13:24 PM
My shiba would pay no attention when off-leash, and just go wherever she wanted to. Easy to leash train, however. Very smart, quick learner, tries to please.
Anonymous - 11/22/2011 10:10:53 PM
No. It's not that a shiba cannot handle being off leash it's that they were originally bred for hunting and are very independent. So once off lead they tend to run. I have had success in the past with training with a recall word but it is much more difficult to do so with this breed.
Anonymous - 11/13/2011 11:55:27 PM
Definitely not recommended - shiba's are very very fast and tend to run in the opposite direction of you. My Shiba thinks its a game and will run to strangers.
Anonymous - 11/11/2011 2:55:50 PM
QUESTION: Are there personality differences between male and female Shiba Inus?
Anonymous - 10/19/2011 3:01:14 PM
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I've always preferred males. Females (of any breed or species, really) tend to be more unpredictable and temperamental. Males do tend to be more protective, but if they're well trained then I see as a positive. My male shiba isn't possessive about toys or food, but he is very protective of our apartment and of me. But, again, he's been very well socialized and likes people, so as long as a stranger doesn't just walk in by themselves, then there's no problem.
Anonymous - 12/24/2011 3:33:12 AM
Yes, as with all thing male vs female there is a difference in behaviors and personality. Now I am not saying a male shiba are not great dogs, they are. But in my experience they are much more difficult. Especially if you have or are planing on have more than one dog. Shiba males are very protective of you as their human. I currently have three shibas two female and one male. Now I love my male to death but he is the biggest pain. He is more aggressive. I personally think that the females tend to be more cuddly and have better more playful personalities.
Anonymous - 11/14/2011 12:00:59 AM
QUESTION: How sensitive are Shiba Inu dogs to heat? We live in southeast texas.
Anonymous - 10/8/2011 3:42:14 PM
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My Shiba loves laying in the sunshine! She follows it around the yard and through the windows!
Anonymous - 11/11/2011 2:55:08 PM
We lived in Las Vegas with a Shiba Puppy and he was fine. He loved sitting in the sun so we had to make sure we would bring him in when was out for too long.
Anonymous - 10/24/2011 2:36:13 PM
I never allowed my shiba to be outside very long if it was to hot. They have all that hair, and I figure if it's to hot for me to be outside...w/o all that hair...then it's surely to hot for them.
Anonymous - 10/21/2011 5:04:27 PM
QUESTION: What is the average life span for a shiba inu
Anonymous - 9/15/2011 3:58:37 PM
Respond to Question
Shiba's can live to 19 yrs
juneka - 1/16/2012 12:19:16 PM
Anonymous - 10/18/2011 5:37:33 PM
QUESTION: How old does a Shiba Inu male have to be in order breed? Any drawbacks with having him neutered after coming of age, as opposed to having it done while still a puppy?
I was lucky enough to obtain a Shiba Inu puppy from a rescue organization who had rescued his then pregnant mother from a puppy mill.
I have always had full intentions of having him neutered, but before I do, a close friend would like him to impregnate their dog... My Shiba is currently around five months old...
Anonymous - 9/11/2011 8:20:17 AM
Respond to Question
I have exclusively raised Shibas for 10 years and the males are ready and willing to breed by time they are a year old. most of the time they would even like to sooner.
wellingtonpuppies - 1/28/2012 6:37:31 PM
No worries folks... I had my puppy fixed... I was not about to wait a couple years for him to get "interested" in the neighbor's dog... We love our Shiba! :)
Anonymous - 12/30/2011 11:03:55 PM
Is the rescue organization that you got this Shiba Inu pup from in favor of people breeding the dogs that they place? Most are not so please take that into consideration. There are plenty of homeless shibas just begging for homes so please consider this before you indicrimately breed another dog. Please be responsible!
Anonymous - 12/30/2011 4:43:53 PM
males won't usually breed till they are 2 years old...sometimes older they just don't get the urge to breed younger then that...and it would be better for your puppy health wise to nueter the puppy first. before 6 months. I have all my shiba rescue pups fixed at 8 weeks
vickie123us - 9/24/2011 6:59:33 PM
QUESTION: Hi There, I Have 1 Shiba Inu Dog. He Was My Nephew's But He Didn't Take Care Of Him So My Sister Gave Him 2 Me. I Live In Washington With My Parents And I Already Have 1 Dog, She's A Aussie/Collie Mix And A Year Old. The Shiba Inu Is Only 6 Months Old. My Question Is, Will The Shiba Inu Be Aggressive With My Other Dog? Or Will The Aussie/Collie Mix Get Territory Protective Because Of A New Dog?
Thanks.
Anonymous - 8/16/2011 3:34:13 PM
Respond to Question
Once my Shiba inu was playing with my beagle pup and my cavalier pup
juneka - 1/16/2012 12:21:44 PM
Shiba sometimes are same sex aggressive...but since on is a female and the other is a male no worries there. I would worry about your mix being aggressive. Just be sure to take control at the first sign of trouble
vickie123us - 9/24/2011 7:03:05 PM
The Shiba Inu will be ok but just keep an eye on your other dog.
Anonymous - 8/27/2011 10:37:05 PM
QUESTION: Do shiba's like to be with other dogs smaller than them?
Anonymous - 8/7/2011 12:11:43 PM
Respond to Question
My Shiba is aggressive with bigger dogs, but very friendly with small dogs. Maybe because he lives with 2 very small dogs.
Anonymous - 1/23/2012 1:42:12 PM
My Shiba is scared of shepherds and huskies, but she likes to play with my cute, sweet golden retriever! My shiba likes to play with my beagle and my cavalier k.c. spaniel
juneka - 1/16/2012 12:24:12 PM
I have a 5 month old shiba male, and he actually tends to get aggressive with larger dogs, but is rather tolerant and even friendly with smaller dogs.
Anonymous - 11/27/2011 5:57:41 AM
really depends on several factors like how much time have you spent socializing your dog as a puppy. is th
vickie123us - 9/24/2011 7:05:17 PM
it sorta just depends on the dog not so much the type
Anonymous - 8/9/2011 12:24:56 PM
QUESTION: My eleven year old labrador just passed and I can't even describe the heartache. I couldn't possibly get another lab, but I can't picture my life without a dog either. I've fallen in love with the shiba and have researched them for months, but I am still left with one question/concern:
How affectionate are shibas? My lab was a true velcro dog, loving constant affection, petting, and playing. He couldn't get enough cuddles and kisses.
I know shibas are a much more independent breed, but would a male shiba still be capable of that same deep attachment and high level of affection that I've enjoyed from my lab?
Anonymous - 8/5/2011 2:21:51 PM
Respond to Question
I'm the person that actually wrote this question and I just wanted to share that I now know exactly how affectionate they are! My shiba puppy is 5 months now and he goes everywhere with me! He's the most wonderful dog EVER! He cuddles with me on the couch, sleeps in my lap, and gives lots of kisses. Training is an uphill battle but he just graduated puppy kindergarten! I REALLY can't stress the need for socialization enough! Every time I look at him I smile! Getting my shiba was the smartest, most rewarding thing I've ever done!
Anonymous - 12/24/2011 3:24:10 AM
I'M A STAY AT HOME YOUNG GRANDMOTHER,AND I HAVE HAD A SHIBA FOR 8 MONTHS,HE IS MY WORLD..HE HAS TO BE UP UNDER ME NO MATTER WHERE I GO,HE SLEEPS IN MY BED,AND HE KNOWS I'M THE BOSS...BUT THEN AGAIN I SPEND A LOT OF TIME WITH HIM..I CAN HEAR HIM HOWLING WHEN I LEAVE THE HOUSE..SHIBAS ARE GREAT DOG'S, I'M LOOKING FOR ANOTHER 1..
Anonymous - 12/22/2011 1:14:49 AM
My Peanut (16 years old next month) has always been very affectionate and loves to be petted. He's blind now and spends most of his time sleeping, but he wants me to stroke him every time he wakes up.
Anonymous - 9/26/2011 7:38:02 PM
I have a male shiba, and he has always been a dog that enjoys his alone time, however he is a very loving dog as well. He is always cuddled up in my arms when its bed time and will lick me and my boyfriend to death if we let him. It really is the best of both worlds.
Anonymous - 8/25/2011 12:00:24 PM
It depends on your Shiba. I have 3 daughters, and my Shiba is a male. He spends most of his time just relaxing on his own, but if we start to show him attenetion he wants more. Sometimes he will lift my elbow with his snout to let me know he wants to love. He does this with all my kids, my wife, and sometimes houseguests if he has taken a liking to them.
Anonymous - 8/8/2011 7:46:38 AM
QUESTION: would a shiba inu be a good dog if i leave the house for a few hours every day and am gone basically all weekend every weekend for 10 weeks
Anonymous - 7/4/2011 5:16:04 PM
Respond to Question
ok thanks for all the help... but please do not answer any more. THANKYOU! :D
Anonymous - 1/26/2012 8:11:27 PM
My shiba inu loves me so much. She gets lonely when I leave.
juneka - 1/16/2012 12:25:45 PM
Our Shiba Inu just celebrated his 12th birthday today. He is in excellent health and still very active. We can leave him alone in the house for eight (8) hours and he is O.K., however, I would not recommend leaving a Shiba Inu alone (yet not even another breed) for more than eight hours. They get bored and could be destructive.
Anonymous - 12/13/2011 6:49:35 AM
Well, that seems like that is to long to be away from any puppy, and plus shiba inus need extra training because they can be very stubborn and difficult to train.
Anonymous - 8/23/2011 2:43:36 AM
If you are gone every weekend, basically all weekend, for ten weeks at a time....you should reconsider whether you are actually in a position to care for a puppy. Any dog will need more attention than that.
Anonymous - 7/24/2011 11:48:36 AM
no because i have a shiba inu and she can get very lonely. so i would have to say no
Anonymous - 7/10/2011 9:45:12 PM
QUESTION: how do shiba inu's do on real long hikes?
Anonymous - 6/30/2011 2:57:32 PM
Respond to Question
I have taken our shiba on many hikes. I think we've gone up to 8 miles in one day. We live in Washington though and the weather is very mild. I don't think I would suggest that in really hot weather. But bring water for you & your pup!
Anonymous - 12/1/2011 2:18:26 PM
I have taken my shiba inu mix on 45 min hikes in heat and they do just fine. I would say it depends on the weather.
Anonymous - 7/17/2011 8:30:31 PM
QUESTION: How long do Shiba Inu Live?
Anonymous - 6/29/2011 11:08:02 PM
Respond to Question
Shiba's can live from 12-15 years
Anonymous - 1/1/2012 1:53:22 PM
Anonymous - 6/30/2011 1:05:48 PM
QUESTION: Do Shiba Inu's have any health problems?
Anonymous - 6/22/2011 8:42:31 AM
Respond to Question
My Shiba was both blind and deaf by 17.
Anonymous - 11/22/2011 10:12:55 PM
Luxating patellas is another issue in the Shiba Inu breed.
Anonymous - 7/17/2011 12:03:42 AM
yes shiba's have hip trouble and sometimes minor heart problems
Anonymous - 6/29/2011 12:39:34 AM
QUESTION: I'm 12 in a 1/2, and I've been begging for a Shiba Inu pup!! My question is, how much do these pups cost?? Or does it just matter on "it depends"? Are they stable, good start?? I know the experience of being a dog owner..just mainly wondering if the results should be positive:)
Anonymous - 6/19/2011 1:09:27 AM
Respond to Question
Please read & research the shiba breed thoroughly! It is not a lab or golden. Raising one will not be easy!
Anonymous - 12/1/2011 2:20:34 PM
Well i would like a dog like you do and i too wanted a shiba, but it really isnt the price that has got me worried, it is the lack of being able to be trained easily! shibas are extremely difficult to train. so i am looking in on cavalier kings charles spaniels, i suggest to get a cavalier! they seem like good dogs. and if you havent seen one they look like mini cocker spaniels.:) good luck with getting the dog!!!:)
Anonymous - 8/23/2011 2:49:18 AM
I've seen shiba inu pups run for about $500-$600.
If this is too high, check out for craigslist or newspaper ads.
I got my pure-bred Boxer for free this way.
Good luck!
Anonymous - 7/10/2011 8:30:13 PM
QUESTION: Is it better to train a Shiba Inu in its native language rather than English? I know Japanese and I was wondering if its true.
Anonymous - 6/12/2011 12:21:00 PM
Respond to Question
Actually I've heard that dogs learn English better when being trained. The commands are much more simple. Compare "sit!" to "osuwari!", one syllable vs three syllables.
Anonymous - 7/9/2011 7:52:20 PM
If you want to train your shiba in Japanese, you can, but it won't make him learn faster or better. Like humans, dogs don't have any in-born language predispositions. They learn through conditioning. You can use any cue words you want, as long as you are consistent and reward him when he completes the desired action.
Anonymous - 6/21/2011 1:41:45 AM
I think it doesn't really matter because my cousin is chinese and he trained the dog with mandarin...
-any language should be fine, it's mostly about what command your using for that specific skill...and when they hear those words they'll know (that's what I think)
Anonymous - 6/20/2011 12:00:00 AM
Do you speak dog?
Our Shibas do not speak Japanese or English. They do understand commands in American English though.
I would recommend training your dog with German commands. The German language sounds very stern and disciplined.
Seriously though, use the same language you speak at home. YOUR native language. Your dog will respond to the commands it is taught.
Anonymous - 6/17/2011 5:08:29 PM
QUESTION: My puppy is 7 months and she looks lilke a Shiba, but the rescue center said it was a terrier mix? Aren't Shiba's expensive, who would abandon that?
Anonymous - 6/10/2011 12:49:57 PM
Respond to Question
People don't understand how difficult a breed shibas are. They get them for their cuteness factor & then realize "oh my gosh I can't handle this!" and then they end up in rescues :(
Anonymous - 12/1/2011 2:22:08 PM
Sometimes the people who leave the dog at the rescue center are not able to take care of the dog. No matter the price.
Anonymous - 6/20/2011 10:18:43 PM
QUESTION: I live in a small apartment - how big does a shiba inu get?
Anonymous - 6/5/2011 1:37:29 AM
Respond to Question
Shiba's are small to medium size; o.k for apartments
Anonymous - 1/1/2012 2:17:15 PM
Shiba Inu's are around 20 pounds
Anonymous - 6/20/2011 10:19:12 PM
Anonymous - 6/15/2011 8:29:42 AM
QUESTION: Is it normal for shiba inu's to get a thin coat in the summer time?
Anonymous - 6/4/2011 10:18:36 PM
Respond to Question
Yes, all dogs lose their winter coat in the spring.
Anonymous - 6/20/2011 10:19:49 PM
QUESTION: I live in a small house and i was wondering do you have to have a big house for a shiba inu?
... as apparently they grow big
Anonymous - 6/1/2011 3:59:20 PM
Respond to Question
i would say no...just let her run out side alot
Anonymous - 6/3/2011 11:04:35 PM
Shiba females grow to around 17 lbs and males are around 23 lbs. That being said most apartments have a 25 lb limit. Therefore, a small house should be fine for the Shiba Inu. Granted you still need to exercise this breed daily whether it be play indoor or outside walk.
Anonymous - 6/3/2011 7:33:48 PM
QUESTION: Are Shiba Inu's good hunters?
Anonymous - 5/23/2011 7:52:43 PM
Respond to Question
Very. My shiba would kill possums and take on raccoons and would mouse with our cat.
Anonymous - 11/22/2011 10:14:30 PM
My female Shiba hunts rabbits and birds. She doesn't eat them either.
Anonymous - 9/14/2011 7:29:10 PM
Yes, that is one of the main things they were bred to do. My shiba usually gets 3-4 squirrels a summer. He's learned to slowly stalk them and wait for an opening and then goes for it. He doesn't play with them once caught, a few quick shakes with the squirrel in his mouth and it's done.
Anonymous - 5/27/2011 12:30:59 AM
QUESTION: I'm 13 and I have a 3 year old Pomeranian and our Labrador retriever just passed. My little Pomeranian is so lonely during the days when everybody is at work and school. I have been an admirer of the shiba for a long time now and training it wont be a problem I'm just wondering if a shiba will be okay to get for him and I just really want a shiba. So would a shiba be okay for me and our little Pom.
Anonymous - 5/23/2011 7:22:40 PM
Respond to Question
I have a 12 year old shiba and a 5 year old pom and the pom actually keeps the shiba young and on his toes!!! male shiba female pom
Anonymous - 1/8/2012 9:41:26 PM
My Shiba's "boyfriend" is a Pom. and they love each other. They play and give kisses and when they see each other she whines (as well as at my friend that owns him).
Anonymous - 1/8/2012 4:07:52 PM
Shibas can be same sex aggressive. I suggest that if you get a Shiba have it spayed or neutered, that will help to them get along. Also, make sure that the Shiba has been well socialized by the breeder. There are puppy mills out there, and you don't want a puppy that has a bad temperament bred into it.
sorariku - 6/1/2011 1:42:48 PM
QUESTION: I'm 15 years old, and I have never owned a dog before, though I've cared for my neighbor's dog at times. I've looked at tons of dog breeds and information, but can't get over my adoration of the Shibas to look closely at any other dog. I was wondering, are they good first time dogs, or is their stubborness too much for beginners?
Anonymous - 5/18/2011 8:35:09 PM
Respond to Question
I had never wanted a dog until I got my shiba. Peanut was actually pretty easy to train except for "sit" - he was so active that it took several months for him to learn it.
Anonymous - 9/26/2011 7:45:00 PM
I would have to disagree. I was a first time dog owner when I got my Shiba. Yes it was a lot of work and I recommend that you take him/her to puppy classes. Not only does it socialize your puppy at a young age but I realized that I actually learned more then my puppy did there. While Zsa Zsa (my shiba) learned a lot from my constant postive reienforcement and the activities that we would do between classes and at home. All in all if you choose to go with a Shiba, you will not be disappointed, they are like kids and they are eager to learn and be loved.
Anonymous - 8/18/2011 9:19:34 AM
This a really common question on the shiba inu forum! I think it depends on you. If you are a disciplined person who has no concern about spoiling a dog, you are excited by the challenge of a difficult or stubborn personality, and you aren't easily frustrated....then it might be a fine first dog. My shiba is my first dog.
However, they aren't "easy" dogs. They can be destructive, aggressive, and will completely ignore you without consistent positive training. If you are concerned that you aren't up for the challenge, you might consider other breeds.
Look for forums about the breed and read, read, read. Lots of comments about how the dogs behave and you can ask more questions there. Remember, too, that this is a LONG commitment....shibas live 12-15 years. You have no idea at 15 where your life is headed, so make sure you can offer the dog the right kind of stability and won't have to rehome if you go to college or move into an apartment that doesn't allow dogs. :)
Anonymous - 7/24/2011 11:54:03 AM
I was even younger than you when I got my Shiba Inu and he is fine.
Anonymous - 6/20/2011 10:21:44 PM
Shibus are definitely not 1st time dog owners. They can be suborn because they have independent minds
Anonymous - 6/1/2011 1:10:14 AM
Everything I've read about shiba's say they are not for the first time dog owner. They are independant, headstrong, and intelligent so they are often difficult for the inexperienced. That said, a shiba was my first dog. I did a ton of research before getting him and had 2 different litters to choose from for my puppy. I'd definitely recommend that situation. I also did 3 different classes with him when he was young and spent and continue to spend a lot of time working with mine. He just turned 3 and is spectacular, he behaves much better then any other shiba I have met. He listens to both verbal commands and hand signals, he's great with children and adults, and even has learned not to hunt my cats. They are a great dog but not for everyone. He was A LOT of work but it was worth every minute. If you are calm, consistent, continually correct and work with them you can do it.
Anonymous - 5/27/2011 12:36:41 AM
QUESTION: how many years can a shiba inu live
Anonymous - 5/14/2011 10:44:25 PM
Respond to Question
My Shiba Inu was 18 when he passed away.
Anonymous - 6/9/2011 12:39:21 AM
Shiba Inu's live 12-15 years at most
Anonymous - 5/23/2011 7:07:52 PM
QUESTION: Im 12 and my mom wants me to kennel train my dog. Would shiba be ok in a kennel while no one is home? Please, i want to get a dog in about 3 weeks.
Anonymous - 5/10/2011 10:39:37 PM
Respond to Question
I have a shiba and she loves her kennel. I think it is good for the dog to have a safe area they can go to, but you need to only leave them there when you NEED to. Shibas get antsy when left in there for too long. Not to mention that a puppy needs to be let out every 30 minutes or so in the beginning to potty train, so do not get a dog unless you can give it the time it needs, including waking up in the middle of the night up to 4 times to let them out.
Anonymous - 5/19/2011 3:21:31 AM
QUESTION: I wanted to know how good are Shiba Inu's with younger children - I have a four year old and we are looking for a good small dog. She is very active and loves to play. She is used to my mothers golden retriever. But we cant have a large dog.
Anonymous - 4/28/2011 7:57:17 PM
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Little kids may annoy your shiba (like pulling his curly tail)so he would hate the little kids.they get scared of male with deep voice too.
juneka - 1/16/2012 12:29:55 PM
My Shiba would run and hide whenever very young children would come on the property.
Anonymous - 11/22/2011 10:15:42 PM
If my kids are getting on my Shiba's nerves, he will walk away. I have told my kids that if he does that, to leave him alone. Most times, as long as it's not hurting him, he's fine with it, and appreciates the attention.
Anonymous - 8/8/2011 7:50:38 AM
I do not think a shiba would respond well to Mr. Milan's methods. At all. I would recommend reading about positive training techniques instead.
A shiba puppy may be fine if it grows up around your child. My shiba is pretty good around kids but he doesn't like to be grabbed and touched all the time. If you are going to have a shiba around your child, supervise them every second they are together, and spend a lot of time teaching them how to behave around each other. Other breeds might be better, to be honest.
Anonymous - 7/24/2011 11:56:32 AM
My family has had 2 shiba's for the last 5 years (1 male & 1 female). They were raised with my young children and we have never had any problems at all. The dogs are loving and are mindful of the kids.
Anonymous - 5/3/2011 8:31:36 PM
If you are a calm assertive pack leader, then any do can be good with your kids. Read Cesar Millan's "Cesar's Way" or "How to Raise the Perfect Puppy" and watch the "Dog Whisperer" on the discovery channel, from netflix or get it from your local library.
DogwhispererFan - 4/30/2011 6:44:09 PM
QUESTION: Me and my boyfriend are looking for the right dog for us - I have golden retrievers so I love the affectionate lap doggy qualitys and he has cats so he dosnt mind dogs that dont give a lot of affection...we are very active but the problem I see is if we are working during the day would the Shiba Inu be alright crated or fine if we left him run the house?
Anonymous - 4/26/2011 12:27:50 AM
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My Shiba is 12 years old and with the last 3-4 years she has decided that she doesn't want any part of a crate. As a puppy she was in it over night, later she was in it when the maintenance people would come in when I wasn't there. Now she won't stay in it so I had to get rid of it. I was gone for 5 minutes (if even that) and when I walked int he door she had the tray of the kennel 1/2 way pulled out. She has also somehow managed to break out of the back of it. So if someone's coming (maintenance, bug guy, etc. I just make sure that I am here. I don't want her to run out the door or bite them.
Anonymous - 1/8/2012 4:18:29 PM
We had our Shiba Inu for around 18 years and while he had his mishaps (with my toys!!!) he was always very good. We never trained him (professionally). Whenever he made a mistake, my father treated him like one of the kids, spank him and make him understand why he is being spanked. It worked out really well! I miss him so much! The day he passed, I lost a friend and more importantly a brother!
Anonymous - 6/9/2011 12:42:09 AM
Our male shiba figured out how to brake out of his crate so now we just put him in our bedroom and shut the door but our female is really good and we let her run around the house.
babyh1999 - 4/27/2011 7:49:38 PM
I have a 6 mo old shiba and we've kept him out of his crate during the day in our bedroom. They are easily housebroken and if you plan on keeping him out of his crate i suggest a smaller area and give him plenty of toys to keep him entertained, also put away all chewable items, but if you plan on not being home at lunch time i suggest keeping him crated.
Anonymous - 4/26/2011 11:48:20 PM