Yeah Sephy really needs his multiple walks as well, or else he will definitely be up to “no good”. I think it is a favorite Shiba pastime

Hugs to Memphis and congrats to all of you for helping him onto Santa’s good list!

Overall, it has been a good couple of months.

Our family is at the perfect age for this type of dog. Our kids are ages 13 and up. Memphis likes attention and active play. He loves the snow!!

Renea

We have also gone back to walking him several times a day. We notice his guarding behavior is worse when he has had only been walked once a day.

That is very good advice Renea. A busy and well-exercised Shiba is always a better behaved Shiba.

Another thing you can do is make your Shiba work for all of his food. Use Kongs and other safe interactive food toys. My Shiba likes his Buster Cube and Omega Kibble ball. Here are some interactive food toys that I have tried.

Let us know how things go.

Senbei has been perfect so far.

Good to hear that not all Shibas are hellions Also a lucky Shiba to have found such a good home.

When I got my Shiba, I didn’t do enough research, and made a lot of mistakes with him. I don’t think he was very happy then, and neither were we.

He is much better now though, and I think also much happier. Not quite a model citizen; more like a rogue moocher

I have hand fed him since we got him at five weeks. He has a very soft mouth and doesn’t guard his food.

We are giving him high priority items when he is in his outdoor kennel all day. He is inside at night and when my son goes to school, he goes to his outdoor kennel. I feel he still needs to chew and that way he has all day. He comes back inside in the late after-noon.

We have also gone back to walking him several times a day. We notice his guarding behavior is worse when he has had only been walked once a day.

thanks for the great web-site. Shibas are very rare in our area so I always find something I can use on your site.

Renea

What you describe is a common problem with Shibas – resource guarding. Shibas are bred to be guard dogs so they have a strong guard instinct.

However, it is a behavior that you want to correct because it can become dangerous for everyone involved.

More on the how and why of resource guarding.

Bite inhibition training was also invaluable for my Shiba, but only do that if your Shiba is fine with hand feeding, and will not resort to aggression.

I would also follow the NILIF (Nothing in Life is Free) program so that your Shiba learns that you are the source of all his resources and he has to work for you to get what he wants.

If Shiba escalates his aggression, it may be best to consider getting a professional trainer.

Our shiba is 8 months old and is a great dog except for one thing. He gets aggressive at different times. For example, tonight he had a bone in his crate and barked and growled anytime someone went near his cage. Should we just leave him alone or make him get out of his crate. He has also gotten aggressive over socks. He will find one, go to a corner and guard it. Should we ignore his behavior, try to take the sock, distract him or none of the above. We really need so help.

Thanks.

Renea