Shiba Inus tend to know what they like and dislike and they are not shy about communicating this information to their owners.
Shiba Sephy is particular about his food, how and when he is touched, how he is held, stepping on puddles and wet mats, and of course …
he has his own ideas on how other dogs should or should not behave in his royal Shiba presence.
Here are some things I have noticed about Shiba Sephy when it comes to meeting dogs.
You’re not the boss of me
Shibas are rebels and do not like having a boss – human or canine. They may sometimes decide to follow certain requests from their human companions but only when there is cheese on the line.
When it comes to other dogs, they do not usually get along with dominant personalities – and this includes other Shibas!
- Shibas are not submissive and will not surrender even to a larger dog.
- Shibas like to play rough and wrestle.
- Shibas will bully other dogs if they can get away with it.
As a result, socializing your Shiba to other dogs can often be a challenge.
Size *does* matter
Shiba Sephy gets along much better with larger, playful dogs, who also like to play rough. I never let him play with smaller adult dogs because he will very quickly overwhelm them.
Puppies seem more tolerant, are more submissive, and usually like to wrestle, so Sephy has fun playing with smaller puppies.
To the right, my little Siberian puppy is showing Sephy who is boss!
If you are thinking of getting a second dog, make sure to get one who will be a good playmate with your first dog.
The “Human” factor
While socializing your Shiba, you must also deal with other dog owners, and many people are uncomfortable with the rough and tumble style of Shibas. During play, a Shiba can appear quite fierce, showing lots of teeth and making Shiba war-cries.
It is best to keep your Shiba away from fearful people and their dogs as they will likely project bad energy that may trigger extreme behavior in their dog and possibly even in yours. Do not socialize your Shiba with unbalanced dogs and unbalanced owners, as they may teach/cause your Shiba to engage in bad interaction habits including fear aggression and mouthing on people.
Just as it is important to screen your children’s friends, it is important to screen your Shiba’s friends.
Shiba Sephy is very sensitive to my emotions and to the emotions of the people around him. He quickly picks up on fear, frustration, anger, or excitement, and gets even more crazy.
While meeting other dogs, stay calm and do not put undue tension on the leash.
Personal space
Shibas do not generally like having dogs come unannounced into their space.
Many other guard breeds, such as German Shepherds, feel the same way.
If your Shiba has this preference, you should protect him from strange dogs. Tell other dog owners not to come too near because your Shiba is wary of new dogs. Suzanne Clothier describes this issue very well in her article "He just wants to say hi".
My Shiba is reactive to other dogs so I am very careful during dog-to-dog greetings. He is always supervised when he is with other dogs, and he is not allowed to bully or hump. He also does not enjoy new dogs sniffing his butt without permission, so I will body block dogs from going into his buttockal region.
For reactive dogs, it is best to introduce them slowly to other dogs and have one-on-one play dates. One-on-one play sessions are easier to supervise and there is less excitement and uncontrolled behavior.
On-leash vs. off-leash
A Shiba may display different behaviors when he is meeting dogs on-leash or off-leash.
The leash can sometimes create fear (Shiba can’t run away) and barrier frustration (Shiba can’t get to the other dog). As a result, a Shiba may show more aggression when he is on-leash compared to when he is off-leash. Nevertheless, it is useful to teach a Shiba polite greetings whether he is on or off-leash.
If your Shiba is only aggressive on-leash, then you can use off-leash time as a reward for good on-leash behavior. If you are unsure of your Shiba, first start desensitizing him to dogs from a distance and slowly work your way towards a greeting.
It is also possible to use a muzzle, but that may cause the same fear and barrier issues as the leash. Shiba Sephy does not like the muzzle and shuts down when he has a muzzle on. Another possibility is to let the dogs meet from across a fence, but this can also cause barrier frustration.
Desensitization from a distance has worked best on Shiba Sephy.
Spaying and neutering
Spaying or neutering can also help with the dog-to-dog socialization process.
Un-neutered males may posture more when in the company of other dogs. This can lead to dominance displays, which may escalate into dog aggression. Female dogs that are in heat should always be separated from all male dogs, as she may trigger competition among the males and cause a dog fight.
Some owners may be reluctant to spay or neuter their dogs because they are afraid that the process may change their dogs’ personality. According to the Humane Society of the United States,
A dog’s personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
This article by the Dog Owner’s Guide also has useful information on spay and neuter surgery.
Socialize your Shiba slowly
Start socializing your Shiba by walking him on-leash in your own neighborhood. See how Shiba reacts to calm dogs, fenced reactive dogs that he can’t see, and then fenced reactive dogs that he can see.
Desensitize him to each of these situations slowly so that he does not practice any aggressive behaviors.
Remember to maintain calm energy when meeting other dogs. If you are tense, your Shiba will pick up on that energy, and get tense and reactive as well.
Once Shiba is calm around the neighborhood, you may want to take him to a nearby SPCA and desensitize him there. At the SPCA there are usually fewer dogs around than in a dog park, and SPCA dogs are usually handled by trainers or trained volunteers. There is less danger of things getting out of control at the SPCA.
Taking a dog obedience class is also a good way to socialize your Shiba and have him focus on you even when there are other dogs around. A class is also a good way to meet friends that you can later invite for play dates.
Options for dog-to-dog socialization
1. Dog Playgroups
Dog playgroups are usually organized by training facilities or dog daycare facilities. The advantage of a playgroup compared to an enclosed dog park is that these sessions are supervised, and owners are usually very conscientious about cleaning up after their dog, and making sure that their dog is behaving properly.
Dogs in these playgroups tend to be more balanced because they are more socialized compared to the average neighborhood dog.
The disadvantage is playgroups usually only occur weekly or monthly, and at a specific time; whereas a dog park is open at all times.
2. Dog Daycare
While Shibas may be aloof and independent, they generally like being with their humans. At a daycare center a Shiba gets to enjoy dog and human company all day long. This will help to socialize Shiba and increase his confidence when facing new people and dogs.
Make sure to thoroughly check out the daycare facilities and their staff before enrolling your Shiba. Ensure that the dog playgroups are not too large and are well supervised, otherwise fights may occur or your Shiba may get harassed by the other dogs.
Here is more on what to look out for in a daycare center.
3. Enclosed dog parks
Shibas really need to have off-leash time to do their Shiba running and get rid of excess energy. If you do not have a backyard, an enclosed dog park may be a good place for your Shiba to run free.
On-leash walks alone (3 hours daily), were insufficient to drain my active Shiba. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find a good dog park with responsible dog owners. Unless you find a good dog park, your Shiba may get into fights, get injured, or pick up bad behaviors from the other dogs at the park.
4. Group Dog Walking
Group dog walks may be a good way to socialize your Shiba if he is uncomfortable being in a large group of dogs. Dog walks usually have a maximum of about 6 dogs per walk and is a less stressful social environment for a Shiba.
Walks are a lot more structured, well supervised, and conducted in an interesting environment (e.g. an outdoor park). This means that Shiba has other things to focus on, and need not obsess on dog-play the entire time. Finally it is good training for Shiba to feel comfortable about walking with a pack of other dogs.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a good dog walker who can handle a Shiba without resorting to forceful aversive techniques. Here is an article from the San Francisco SPCA on choosing a good dog walker. If you cannot find a good walker, it is best to stick to the dog playgroups and daycare.
Socializing a Shiba Inu to other dogs
If your Shiba is showing aggressive behaviors, do not push him too quickly in the socialization process.
Socialization is now a popular buzzword in dog training, but do not force your Shiba into becoming a social butterfly if he is not comfortable being one.
It is important to teach your Shiba good manners when greeting people and other dogs, but do not force him to interact or play if he prefers not to.
Hi so me and my best bud decided we were going to get puppies at the same time. I got the cutest husky in world and he decided to get a cute little pitbull. My husky is 2 months and his pitbull is 3 months and every time we try to have them together they aggressively play it seems like they’re fighting. What can we do?
How I help my dogs get along.
I have a 4 year old shiba inu female. I just got a golden retriever male puppy and they are not getting along at all. My shiba tenses up, her teeth come out, and she growls whenever the puppy goes near her. I usually pick up the puppy or direct the dogs away from each other because Im scared my shiba is going to attack the puppy. My puppy just wants to play, she my shiba doesnt want too. Ive only had the puppy for a few days, but im scared they wont ever get along. Will they? What should I do?
How I help my dogs get along.
We have a 4 yr. old shiba and a 13 year old 130 lb. german shepherd/akita. They got along beautifully, until last week when my older dog passed. We were devastated as was our shiba. We thought a new dog would help with the grieving for all of us. We rescued a german shepherd/mix puppy. Well our delightful shiba turned into a horror story . . . very mean, aggressive, bullying, not listening, taking food, etc. Can you please help? I’m sure within time they will get along, I did see her kiss the little one, but she still is not a happy camper. Any advice ????
With my dogs, I set up clear dog-to-dog interaction rules and I supervise closely during times of interaction to make sure that everyone is following the rules. As soon as I notice the start of any anti-social behavior, I no-mark and redirect *before* the behavior escalates. In this way, my dogs know exactly what to expect from each other, what to expect from me, and what I expect from them in return. This creates certainty, and certainty helps to reduce stress and conflicts.
If necessary, I put a drag lead on my dogs (Only under supervision and only with a flat collar/harness. Absolutely no aversive collars) so that I can more easily control them and quickly redirect undesirable behavior.
In general, I want to set my dogs up for success. Successful interactions help them to build confidence, trust, and positive associations with each other. Similarly negative experiences will undermine that confidence and trust, set back training, and increase the likelihood of reactive behavior in the future. Supervision, management, and consistency are key with my dogs.
More on how I help my dogs get along.
However, as you know, dog behavior is very context depedent, and things become more complex in a multi-dog household. Therefore, when in doubt, I get help from a good professional trainer, who understands operant conditioning principles, desensitization, and positive socialization.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/finding-professional-help
https://apdt.com/pet-owners/choosing-a-trainer/
Hello my name is Kimberly and I’ve had my shiba I u since he was a puppy and he’s almost 3 just got another puppy not sure what kind yet and everytime I bring the puppy or him around each other my dog Milo just tenses up and runs into the bedroom he won’t play or anything he eats and eats the other dogs food too which I don’t really mind but just need some advise we did a walk and they lived it and little play date in the grass outside seemed fine but once they get inside he won’t be around him maybe it’s like territory any advice???
Congratulations on your new puppy!
With my dogs, I set up clear dog-to-dog interaction rules and I supervise closely to make sure that everyone is following the rules. One important rule is the no stealing rule. I do not let my dogs steal food from each other, steal toys, or anything else. I also set up a fixed schedule for all of my dogs, and I follow the Nothing in Life is Free program.
In this way, all my dogs know exactly what to expect from each other, what to expect from me, and what I expect from them in return. As soon as I notice the *start* of something undesirable, I quickly redirect the behavior before it escalates into something more. Structure, rules, and consistency help to create certainty, and certainty helps to reduce stress and conflicts.
I do not let my new dog disturb my existing dogs when they want some alone time. I manage my new dog carefully, so that I set everyone up for success. I want to not only maximize positive and successful interactions, but also minimize negative events. In this way, my dogs learn to associate each other with good and rewarding experiences.
More on what I do when introducing a new dog into my household.
Hello, I am planning to get a Shiba Inu soon and I’ve been reading your blogs and articles for quite some time! I love it! It is great! Thankyou for the advices and tips. I’ve been studying a lot about Shiba Inu and their personalities. I wanted to ask when picking a new Shiba Inu puppy, is their a way to know more about their personalities? I know Shiba Inus are very dominant but I was wondering if their is a different level of dominance in them. Maybe some have lower dominance but some are higher? So when picking out a puppy is there any way to tell which one has higher or lower dominance? Is there any simple to test to test out the puppies? I’ve heard that the more submissive the puppy is, the easier it is to train. Is there any submissive Shiba Inu puppies out there? Or ALL Shiba Inus are dominan.
I think that the best person to ask is their breeder and whoever is taking care of the puppies. When I picked my Sibe puppies, I asked the breeder to point out the more submissive ones. She can tell because she supervises her puppies, and she sees which of them submits more often during play, eating, etc. The key here is to pick a good breeder.
Yes, this has been my experience as well. Both my Huskies have more submissive personalities, and they are much easier to train and make awesome companions as well. They are a joy to be with.
I think with all breeds, including Shibas, there will be individual differences in personalities, including level of dominance/submissiveness. I did not do much research before getting my Shiba, and ended up going to a not very good breeder. That was a big mistake. I think finding a good breeder is key, as well as taking the time to find the right puppy/dog.
Some breeders also have adult dogs that they are looking to adopt out.
http://www.shibas.org/newstand/how_to_choose_breeder.html
ADD – However, a submissive dog may be more uncertain of new things, new sounds, new environments, new people, etc. With my Huskies, proper and positive socialization was very important, as well as desensitization and counter conditioning exercises.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/socializing-your-puppy
http://shibashake.com/dog/dog-socialization-what-why-how
Hi! I’m not a shiba owner right now but I am certainly interested in the breed. I already have a multiple dog household (a neutered dachshund, about 13lbs, very sociable as well as a spayed Jack Russell/doxie mix, about 17lbs, and a little shy but friendly) and was wondering if a shiba puppy might be a right fit for our pack. I want another dog that isn’t quite as clingy to me as mine are, but still playful with the other dogs. They’re such a beautiful breed, but I don’t want to bring a puppy into the wrong kind of environment. We also have a manx cat who is dog friendly. Opinions? Advice?
What type of dogs do your current two enjoy playing with? How do they react to larger dogs? What is their play style?
My Shiba loves wrestling and has a more rough, high energy, play-style. As a result, smaller or same sized dogs usually get overwhelmed by him, and do not enjoy playing with him. He does best with larger dogs who also enjoy wrestling. When picking a second dog, I observed Sephy closely and chose a breed that will fit well with his temperament, energy, and play-style.
More on how I picked an additional dog.
Shibas are also bred to hunt so they will usually have high prey drive. I don’t have a cat, but based on what I have read, Shibas do have to be trained and properly managed to co-exist with a cat.
http://www.shibainuforum.org/forum/discussion/8146/shibas-cats/p1
Hi there, we have a shiba who is 5 years old and are thinking of getting another. Just wondering what your opinion is on how a shiba would react to another shiba puppy in the home?
This will depend a lot on your Shiba, what kind of dogs he likes to play with, his environment, routine, past experiences, etc.
I got a Husky puppy when my Shiba was around 4 years old. At first, Shiba Sephy did not really enjoy puppy very much. Sephy really needs consistency and certainty, so I made sure to keep everything as consistent and usual as possible. I also set up consistent rules and a very fixed routine for puppy. In this way, each dog knows exactly what to expect from each other, what to expect from me, and what I expect from them in return. This creates certainty, and certainty helps to reduce stress and conflicts.
I made sure that puppy left my adult dogs alone when they didn’t feel like interaction, and I try to create as many positive together experiences as I could.
In the beginning, Sephy couldn’t really see how a new puppy enhanced his lifestyle, so I manage things carefully and showed him that a new puppy causes very little disruption to his routine, can be a really great play-mate for him, results in him getting more rewards, etc. After he saw that the Husky puppy was a big plus to his routine, he accepted her into his circle of trust.
However, it was very important for me to institute structure, and carefully manage and supervise the new puppy. I want to not only maximize positive experiences between my dogs, but also minimize negative interactions.
More on how I introduced a new dog to my existing dogs.
More on how I picked a second dog.
Well, I have 2 shiba inu’s. One is an 11 week old boy, and the other is an 8 week old girl. I mean, they get along fine, except I do have to supervise during mealtime because the boy likes to steal the girl’s food sometimes. Me and my parents also usually supervise at playtime because they could fight over toys. Also, when we leave the house we have to leave them in different rooms, because if we are not there and they have babies, the girl can die, since she is too small to give birth. But, it’s really fun having 2 dogs, and I just love the breed too.
Hi there! I currently have a change of getting a lovely little Shiba Puppy, but I have a 7 year old male toy poodle. He is fantastic with other dogs, but he’s quite small and definitely a more dominant dog even though he isn’t aggressive at all he’s definitely the type to be on top.
Would it be a bad idea for me to get one in case the shiba acted aggresively towards him?
Many thanks!
I had a very quick question. We have an 8 month old Shiba and she is doing great making great progress walking, potty training, commands, and even biting finally. The only issue now is socializing with other dogs. At the dog park she gets along with everyone humans and dogs. The smalls ones don’t usually hold her interest and she loves playing with bigger dogs. The problem is at home. We have a duplex and our upstairs neighbor has a nice older boy dachshund. Often they will play together and for tug of war or chasing each other it works great but Shiba’s run out of energy after a few hours of play while the Dachshund is done after about 20 minutes. He will lay down and she keeps biting to get him to play which gets him to whine and whine a lot. I was wondering if the proper method to deal was this was what I am currently doing. I try redirecting her by throwing a ball or another game with my Shiba or I put her in her timeout zone if she is being very overly aggressive and eliciting screams from the dachshund. Is this a good approach or no?
Wow! That is really great. Sephy was always a bit on the extreme side when visiting dog parks.
In terms of play at home, one thing that helps with my dogs is to have some safe zones, e.g. their bed area, t.v. room, etc. If a dog goes there, my Shiba knows that he is not supposed to pester at all, or go near the other dog who wants to rest. If he tries to go near, I no-mark and then body block him away if necessary.
Sometimes, I may set up an enclosure around the dog who just wants to rest so that I remove the temptation for Sephy, and it is more relaxing for the other dog. This is assuming that the other dog is ok with enclosures and such.
Big hugs to your Shiba girl!
I have a 5month old female Shiba, she’s super mellow, loves me, follows me around… doesn’t necessarliy come when I call her.. She seems timid of people, including my husband.. she doesn’t seem to care what treat he has either.. and this goes for most people.. She isn’t aggressive, just aloof.. we are very social, she meets many people, we even have 2 kids.. (she will play a little, when she wants to)..and other animals, whom she has gotten along with great so far. Also suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!
I did people desensitization exercises with my Shiba to help him get more comfortable with people greetings.
http://shibashake.com/dog/how-to-calm-a-fearful-reactive-dog#people
My Husky Shania is also more timid, and the key with her is to start small, go slow, and make sure to always keep her greeting experiences positive. I go at a pace that she is comfortable with and if she doesn’t feel up to meeting certain people, she doesn’t have to.
It is usually large men with deep booming voices that can sometimes spook her. If I can, I get them to bend down, not speak, not initiate eye contact, and let her approach them (rather than the other way around). Here is a bit more on what I do when meeting a dog.