I dedicate this post to Kate:
What to know about Shiba Inus:
(however some of these facts may just refer to Zen)
1. Shiba inus will only listen when they want to listen
Example: if you want your adorable little Shiba Inu to come when you call, most of the time you will see her stop look back at you and then continue on her way. They will only come if they want to, and aren't too concerned what you want.
2. Give a Shiba an inch and they will take a mile
Example: If your shiba is off leash and you expect her to sit and play in one specific area think again- They are very adventurous and love to explore! The shiba inu was bred for hunting and I believe they are one of the least domesticated breeds out there. I'm still working on this one because I like to think I can trust Zen to stay in the yard at mom and dads HOWEVER she proves me wrong every time and goes straight to the back and will only return when she wants to....but at least she always comes back, but that's not to say every shiba would.
3. Similar to # 2 - A shiba inu needs a fully fenced yard
Example: Make sure you have a completely fenced in yard. If there are holes or cracks where Shiba can escape you have a big problem and that needs to be fixed. It will only take seconds for your little Shiba to run off, and you'll be lucky if they come to your call - However Zen was a very good dog today in this aspect- I came inside the house from the backyard and noticed that the side door was opened ( i forgot to latch it properly) I called for Zen in the house and couldn't find her so I knew right away she had gotten out..I panicked right away because last time she got out she was down the street and people were trying to pick her up and put her in their van...lol...so you can see why I was panicking. Anyways today I ran outside and started calling for her and she right away came from creepers backyard and came in the house with me no problem. She is getting alot better because we have really been working hard with her.
4.Not the typical small dog-
Example: Although these little dogs are the most adorable things you have ever seen they are no Maltese or shih tzu. They are a complex breed and you really need to train and work with them for the shiba to reach it's full potential. They are very strong willed and they have lots of personality. The shiba inu is also a very independent breed which is a good thing. They are fine being left alone at home and do not demand alot from you as an owner. They aren't at all a needy breed however they do require alot more exercise then your typical small dog..I will get to that in my next point.
5. Shibas need their exercise-
Example: The shiba Inu loves to run and play. The great thing about shibas is that they are content with playing in the yard, going for a leash walk or of course going off leash in forest areas. All they need is a good run or walk and they are good to go unlike Marley who is a freak dog who could run non stop for hours..lol.
6. Shibas love to cuddle-
Example: Marley is an extremely loving and affectionate breed however he doesn't cuddle like a Zen pup does. It may just be Zenny but she loves to cuddle and be close to people. Shibas love to sit on your lap and get a good massage- however this may also be Zen, not to sure. She also loves to sleep under covers, its the cutest thing when Joe or myself discover her sleeping in our bed and she put herself under the blankets..lol.
7. Socialize them early- in everything! -
Example: The shiba inu is a very intelligent breed and they are always looking around to see what is going on. The shiba inu is much like a german shepherd in this regard, they are always looking around to see whos near, what noises they hear, and what is to come...always on alert. Shiba Inu's are very skeptical of strangers, they are not like a lab or even Marley for that matter (however he is not typical for a shepherd) Some won't even go near strangers,which is abit awkward because when you walk your shiba down the street every person you see will want to stop and pet her, and your shiba will not react great when people go to pet and fuss over her.
Alot of shiba inu's are skeptical of kids as well. Zen is scared of most all kids, but we have noticed a huge improvement in her with Pavel and Danik. It's all about them getting used to kids, and feeling comfortable around them. I think now that Zen has been around Pavel and Danik quite abit she is learning they aren't a threat to her. The reason I know she sees them as a threat and that she is scared of them is because she reacts by running away from them with her tail in between her legs. This body language is showing that Zen feels threatened and vulnerable, so the result is running and hiding. She has never reacted in anyways aggressive to any children and I have never read about shibas being aggressive so I would never worry about that.
Every breed should be socialized in every situation, however the Shiba for sure because like I said before they are very smart breed, and the smarter the dog the more you have to make them comfortable with everyday things. It's all about making your dog feel confident...and to make a confident dog you should take them to many different places so they can see and smell all kinds of different things. This also goes for socializing your shiba to other dogs, it's just as important, make sure you start asap.
That is pretty much the basics, shibas are great companions and they truely are a very unique breed. All the best Kate, hope I helped abit!
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