The Shiba Inu is a type of spitz, which belongs to the dogs of the so-called archetype. This means that he was little influenced by humans and still has some traits of a wild dog in him. It is, therefore, all the more important to know about this and to find out in advance exactly how to train a Shiba Inu.
When should you start training a Shiba Inu?
If you adopt a puppy, you can start training your Shiba Inu as soon as it arrives at your home - usually at the age of two months. It is important to establish clear rules that you should not deviate from later. Things that you will not tolerate in your dog as an adult should be forbidden from an early age. Exceptions can always be made later, but forbidding something that was originally allowed all of a sudden is not an option.
Your Shiba Inu must be able to trust you, and achieving just that is not easy with this breed. Before you adopt a Shiba Inu you should take a closer look at the dog training of Japanese breeds.
Is it possible to train an already adult Shiba Inu?
Puppies are generally more receptive, of course, because they have to learn everything anew, this is true for all dog breeds. Therefore, to train an adult Shiba Inu is not impossible, quite the opposite. Dogs can learn new things at any age. You just have to keep in mind that an adult dog has already experienced a lot and may carry traumatic memories. Therefore, in some cases, you may have to break him of unwanted behaviors. With an adult Shiba Inu, just as with a puppy, patience should therefore come first. If you are unsure, feel free to ask a professional dog trainer for help.
The most important points when raising a Shiba Inu.
While they are young, Shiba Inus are known to be quite unruly. Therefore, it is all the more important to be familiar with the breed, but also to have previous experience in dog training.
The Shiba Inu has a reputation for having a difficult character. In reality, you just need to pay attention to your four-legged friend and know how to interpret his behavior. The Shiba is an independent dog that needs a master or mistress with natural authority who will deal with him absolutely without violence because at the wrong pitch or an exaggerated gesture he will immediately close down and refuse obedience. Take the time to teach your furry friend what you want from him. Shiba Inus are not necessarily disobedient by nature, quite the opposite. Accept to question yourself regularly to make progress and strengthen your relationship with him.
At the same time, familiarize yourself with dog training and the three basic principles - patience, consistency, and coherence.
Patient
Don't try to rush things. Your Shiba is intelligent, but he can't instantly retain everything you ask of him. Take the time to teach him the commands gradually and cut him some slack if he doesn't understand them right away.
Coherent
It is important to set a line of behavior and stick to it. Your Shiba Inu will notice the slightest hesitation on your part and refuse to obey. Choose clear commands that are easy for both you and your dog to remember, and set rules that you will follow as well.
Consistently
The only repetition, over and over again, will get you where you want to go. Every day for a few minutes, repeat the exercises you have already taught your Shiba Inu or are currently showing him. However, you should not prolong the learning units, otherwise, he would get bored. Instead, use play sessions or walks to perfect your Shiba Inu's education, and don't get discouraged.
Always take a positive approach and do not punish your four-legged friend, either physically or verbally. Positive behaviors should be praised instead of reprimanding negative ones. Rewards to motivate your Shiba Inu can be treats, praise, petting, or games. Get creative!
Don't just change your dog food,
change your mentality