Shiba Inu Training & Behaviour
Master the art of training your independent Shiba Inu. From puppy foundations to advanced recall, socialisation to enrichment—proven techniques that work with this intelligent breed.
Trusted by Shiba Inu owners across Australia • Updated February 2026
1. Foundation Training for Shiba Inus
Shiba Inus are intelligent but independent. Foundation training establishes respect, communication, and a positive learning mindset from day one.
Shiba Inu Training Guide
Essential foundation training principles for Shiba Inus. Learn how their independent nature affects training and how to work with it.
Potty Training Your Shiba Inu
Realistic house training schedules and breed-specific strategies that work with the Shiba's clean instincts.
Shiba Inu First 30 Days
Establishing routines, building trust, and setting the foundation for lifelong training success.
Puppy Shopping List
Training tools, treats, and equipment you'll need for successful foundation training.
House Rules
- •Consistent schedule from day one
- •Crate training for safety and security
- •No free-feeding - structured meal times
- •Everyone in household uses same cues
First Commands
- •Name recognition: Name = good things
- •Sit: Foundation for impulse control
- •Down: Calm settling behaviour
- •Touch: Hand targeting for engagement
2. Recall Training: Teaching a Reliable "Come"
Recall is often the most challenging command for Shiba Inu owners. Their independent nature and prey drive mean traditional methods need adaptation.
Shiba Inu Recall Training
Complete guide to teaching a reliable recall. Emergency recalls, long-line training, and overcoming selective hearing.
Shiba Inu Training Guide
Foundation principles that support recall success, including engagement and motivation.
Phase 1: Foundation
- 1.Name = good things (10-15 treats/day)
- 2."Come" indoors, no distractions
- 3.Jackpot rewards every time
Phase 2: Long Line
- 1.10-15m training line
- 2.Practice in secure outdoor areas
- 3.Gentle guidance, never yanking
Phase 3: Emergency Recall
- 1.Unique word (never used elsewhere)
- 2.Highest value reward every time
- 3.Reserve for genuine emergencies
3. Socialisation & Puppy School
The critical socialisation window (3-16 weeks) shapes your Shiba's adult temperament. Positive exposure during this period prevents fear and reactivity.
ANKC Puppy School Guide
Why accredited puppy preschool is essential. What to look for, what to bring, and how Shibas benefit from structured classes.
Curbing Aggression & Reactivity
How poor socialisation leads to reactivity and how to address it at any age.
Socialisation Checklist
People:
- • Adults, children, seniors
- • Men with beards
- • People in hats/uniforms
- • Different ethnicities
Environments:
- • Busy streets
- • Parks, beaches
- • Vet clinic visits
- • Car rides
Safe Socialisation
- •Before vaccines: Carry puppy, visit friends' homes with vaccinated dogs
- •After C3: Puppy classes with health-checked puppies
- •After C5: Dog parks, beaches, public spaces
4. Managing Common Behaviour Issues
Shiba Inus have unique behavioural traits. Understanding why they do what they do is the first step to managing challenging behaviours.
Curbing Aggression & Reactivity
Understanding and managing leash reactivity, dog aggression, and fear-based behaviours in Shiba Inus.
Shiba Inu Recall Training
Addressing selective hearing and independent decision-making through structured training.
Reactivity
Barking, lunging at dogs/people on leash.
- Management: Create distance, use 'look at that' game
- Training: Engage-Disengage protocol
- Avoid: Forcing confrontation, punishment
Resource Guarding
Growling or snapping over food, toys, space.
- Never punish growling (removes warning)
- Trade up: Exchange for better item
- Management: Feed separately if needed
Separation Anxiety
Destructive behaviour, vocalising when alone.
- Build alone time gradually
- Enrichment: Frozen Kong, puzzle toys
- Veterinary behaviourist for severe cases
Selective Hearing
Choosing to ignore known commands.
- Increase reinforcement value
- Reduce distractions during training
- Never repeat cues (one and done)
5. Exercise & Mental Enrichment
A tired Shiba is a good Shiba. But physical exercise alone isn't enough—these intelligent dogs need mental stimulation to thrive.
Shiba Inu Exercise & Enrichment
Complete guide to physical activity and mental stimulation for Shiba Inus of all ages.
Shiba Inu Grooming Guide
Grooming sessions as bonding and handling enrichment.
Physical Exercise
- •Puppy: 5 mins per month of age, twice daily
- •Adult: 45-60 mins daily, split into sessions
- •Senior: Shorter, gentler walks, swimming
- •Avoid peak heat in Australian summers
Mental Enrichment
- •Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, Kongs
- •Nose work, scent games
- •Trick training (Shake, spin, bow)
- •Flirt pole for controlled prey drive
Daily mental enrichment minimum
Puzzle toys to rotate
Training sessions (5-10 mins)
Considering Adoption?
The RSPCA and other reputable animal welfare organisations across Australia have dogs and puppies of all breeds, including occasionally Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu crosses, waiting for homes.
Start Your Training Journey
Every Shiba Inu is unique. Our comprehensive training guides are written by experienced owners who understand the breed's independent nature. Build a stronger bond with your Shiba through positive reinforcement.