Puppy Training Guide for Shiba Inu

Training a Shiba Inu puppy is both rewarding and challenging. Unlike breeds that are eager to please, Shibas are independent thinkers and often prefer to do things their own way. Consistency, patience, and early socialization are key to raising a confident, well-mannered companion.

1. Crate Training

A crate is an essential tool for housetraining and providing your puppy with a safe place to rest.

Make the crate inviting with soft bedding and safe chew toys.
Never use it as punishment—it should be a positive space.
Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the time.
Wait for calm behavior before opening the crate to prevent whining or barking from becoming a habit.

2. Impulse Control

Teaching self-control early will make life easier as your Shiba grows.

Before Meals: Have your puppy sit and wait calmly before placing the bowl down. Release them with a cue (like “okay”) once they’re settled.
Crate & Doorways: Do not let your puppy rush out of the crate or through doors. Ask for a sit, then open slowly, only releasing when calm.
Play: Teach your puppy to pause or drop a toy on cue, rewarding them when they comply.

3. Biting & Mouthing

Like all puppies, Shibas explore the world with their mouths. Left unchecked, mouthing can become a problem.

Redirect: Offer a toy whenever they nip at your hands or clothes. Praise when they engage with the toy.
Firm Boundaries: A calm “no” or “uh-uh” followed by redirection works better than yelling.
Bite Inhibition: If play becomes too rough, stop the interaction immediately. Puppies learn that biting too hard ends the fun.

4. Socialization

Shibas can be aloof or reactive if not properly socialized. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people, places, and experiences while keeping it positive and controlled.

Safe Exposure: Carry your puppy in a sling or stroller before vaccinations are complete to let them see and hear the world safely.
Controlled Settings: Avoid dog parks and daycares. These chaotic environments can lead to negative experiences. Instead, use structured puppy classes and playdates with calm, vaccinated dogs.
Everyday Environments: Expose them to automatic doors, shopping carts, traffic sounds, and different people. Reward calm, curious behavior.

5. Housetraining

Consistency is key for potty training.

Take your puppy outside frequently—especially after meals, naps, and play sessions.
Reward with praise and a small treat immediately after they go in the right place.
Keep them on a schedule to prevent accidents.
If an accident happens indoors, clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent.

6. Basic Commands

Shibas may not be naturally eager to obey, but they are smart and capable of learning. Keep sessions short, fun, and rewarding.

Sit & Down: Use food lures and reward immediately.
Come (Recall): Practice indoors first. Reward generously when they come to you. Never punish if they are slow—make it always worth it. Important: Shibas should never be trusted fully off-leash in open areas, no matter how good their recall.
Leave It & Drop It: Essential commands for impulse control and safety.
Wait: Useful for doorways, mealtimes, and car rides.

7. Mental Stimulation & Exercise

Bored Shibas can become destructive. Provide outlets for their energy and sharp minds:

Puzzle toys and food-dispensing games.
Short training sessions (2–3 minutes, multiple times a day).
Safe outdoor adventures (on leash).
Play that taps into hunting instincts, like chase or flirt pole games.

8. Handling & Grooming Practice

Get your puppy used to being handled early.

Touch paws, ears, mouth, and tail daily. Reward for calmness.
Introduce nail clippers, brushes, and blow dryers gradually with treats and praise.
Desensitize them to loud sounds (vacuum, fireworks recordings, clattering pans).

9. Common Shiba Training Challenges

Stubbornness: Shibas often test limits. Stay consistent and do not give in to demands (whining, pawing).
Escaping: They are notorious escape artists. Secure fences and doors, and always use a harness on walks.
Resource Guarding: Feed high-value treats separately in multi-dog households. Teach “trade” by swapping items for something of equal or higher value.
Selective Hearing: They may ignore commands if bored or distracted. Keep training engaging with high-value rewards.

10. Lifelong Learning

Training doesn’t end after puppyhood. Shibas benefit from continued enrichment and structure throughout their lives.

Keep reinforcing basic manners.
Enroll in advanced obedience or fun activities like nose work or agility.
Maintain boundaries—Shibas respect consistency.