Are Shiba Inus Hard To Train?

Shibas are not an extremely popular dog breed to keep, so there are a lot of people out there who will claim one thing while the reality is completely different. That’s why the title here is a bit specific, are Shiba Inus hard to train? Let’s find out!

Are Shiba Inus Hard To train or This Is A Wrong Claim?

Sadly, they are! As a matter of fact, they are one of the hardest dog breeds to train, and most conventional methods do not work. Below we will explain the matter in detail and see all the things you need to know if you want to train Shibas.

Here’s Why Shibas Are Hard To Train

Telling you that yes, Shibas are hard to train would be very helpful. Are Shiba Inus hard to train is just part of the question. Another one, probably even more important is why they are hard to train. There are a few reasons why this is the case. 

They want what they want

See, training a dog means that you want him to do something when he doesn’t. For instance, you want him to sit when he wants to stand. But Shibas want what they want, when they want it. As such, training looks impossible. In reality, it is not impossible, but it is extremely hard, much harder than with other dog breeds.

Using aversive techniques is not great either. You may cause your pet to lose trust in you, and they will fight with the training all the time.

These are independent dogs

Shibas are extremely independent dogs, and at first sight, it may look like they don’t need any attention from their owners. In reality, they do, and they see more of it than you may think. An interesting fact is that this dog breed likes negative attention from its owners. If you tell him not to do something, he will do it.

However, you can use this to your advantage. They seek attention and they will do everything they can in order to get the attention. This means they will follow the commands if that gets their attention.

Shibas have an extremely strong will

You may know that Shibas are strong willed and they will not give up. Most dogs are similar. For instance, Siberian Husky is an excellent example. But, he will give up eventually, Shibas won’t. When they decide about something, they must have it, period. They will not give up no matter what which makes training and changing their decisions almost impossible. In simple terms, they must get what they want or they will fight, period.

Obedience Training Of Shibas

Just because they are difficult to train doesn’t mean this is impossible. In reality, training Shibas is more than just common; it’s just more complicated, time-consuming, and difficult in general. The goal here is to become the “master” as soon as you can. This means that your Shiba will be a follower, and this is an ideal connection.

Always be firm and stay fair. This dog doesn’t like when someone wants to use them and gives them improper commands. Also, use specific words for commands and do not change them. If you change it slightly, your dog won’t understand it, and the training will be ineffective.

Another thing that can be used to train this dog breed is the reward training method. What this means is that when your dog does something he is supposed to do, he will get a reward, which can be praise or a treat. This type of training is effective for two reasons. First of all, it will promote positive behavior. Secondly, it will eliminate or at least decrease the negative behavior. In a nutshell, this is the only and most effective training method for Shibas. All trainers have been using it for a long period of time, and they know that other methods are not effective.

When training a Shiba, start as soon as you can, even if your dog is a puppy. This will set the boundaries and make the process much easier afterward. Yes, it is hard and looks almost impossible, but it is still something you need to do and something that is mandatory.

Potty Training Is Actually Easy

While obedience training is extremely hard with Shibas, potty training is not. It is easy and simple. First of all, they are clean animals and they will not poop or pee inside the house. But, you still need to train them. Once again, reward training is the most effective. It will promote positive behaviors and eliminate the need for bad ones. 

If your dog wants to go inside the house, always say ‘’no’’ and do not allow this. Repeat this as many times as needed. Then, take your dog outside as often as possible. Make sure to know his schedule. Most Shibas will have to poop in the morning and after a meal. Some can poop up to 6 times per day but most of them will poop 1-5 times. 

Then we have crate training. It is considered effective for all dog breeds, but especially for Shibas. The reason why is the aforementioned fact these are clean dogs. They will never poop inside the crate.

You can use this to your advantage and you can help them learn where to poop. Of course, take your dog outside when needed and as much as you can to decrease the risk of accidents. If he doesn’t poop once outside, bring him back into the crate and repeat the process when you think the time is right. Repeat this as many times as needed.

Importance of Proper Socialization for Shiba Inus

Socialization is a crucial aspect of any dog’s training and development, and it’s particularly important for Shiba Inus. Proper socialization helps them become well-rounded, confident, and less prone to problematic behaviors. Below are some reasons why socialization is especially significant for Shiba Inus:

Managing Territorial Behavior

Shiba Inus can be quite territorial and protective of their space, often showing aggression towards other dogs or unfamiliar people. Early and consistent socialization can help mitigate this behavior by teaching them to be comfortable around others and reduce their territorial instincts.

Reducing Prey Drive

Shiba Inus have a strong prey drive, making them likely to chase smaller animals. Socialization can help them learn to control their instincts and interact appropriately with other animals, reducing the likelihood of chasing and potential harm to smaller pets.

Building Trust

Shiba Inus can be reserved and wary of strangers. Proper socialization can help build their trust in people and make them more approachable. This is especially important for families with children, as it helps the dog accept and interact positively with kids.

Preventing Anxiety

Shiba Inus can be prone to anxiety when exposed to unfamiliar situations. Early socialization can help them adapt to various environments and reduce their stress levels, making them less anxious and more comfortable in different settings.

Enhancing Obedience Training

Socialization not only helps with behavior but also complements obedience training. A well-socialized Shiba Inu is more likely to follow commands and be less distracted by external stimuli, making the training process smoother and more successful.

Increasing Enjoyment and Bonding

Proper socialization allows Shiba Inus to have more enjoyable experiences with their owners, other dogs, and people. This increases the quality of their life and strengthens the bond between them and their owners.

Avoiding Behavioral Issues

Lack of socialization can lead to various behavioral problems, such as aggression, excessive barking, or destructiveness. Socialization helps prevent these issues and contributes to a well-behaved and happy Shiba Inu.

To properly socialize your Shiba Inu, expose them to various experiences, people, animals, and environments during their early months. Be patient and gradual, ensuring that every experience is positive and rewarding. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, can encourage good behavior and make the process enjoyable for your Shiba Inu. Remember that socialization is an ongoing process and should continue throughout your Shiba Inu’s life.

Conclusion

Are Shiba Inus hard to train or they are far from that? In reality, they are one of the hardest dog breeds to train and most conventional methods will not work at all. Luckily reward training works well and we would recommend using this only. On the other hand, potty training is very simple and easy to complete.