Introduction
The Shiba Inu is a small, agile, intelligent hunting dog, originating in Japan. They have a reputation for being stubborn to train. While it is true that they can be of an independent nature, making them appear stubborn, this natural independence coincides with natural fastidiousness that often accompanies hunting breeds. Tapping into this natural instinct while potty training your Shiba Inu may make potty training your dog more successful and less stressful.
Consistency and a positive approach are key to training a Shiba Inu to do anything--including go potty! The trick will be getting your Shiba Inu to understand what bathroom habits you want him to pick up and to understand where you want him to relieve himself, and to reinforce desirable behaviors and location.
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Defining Tasks
Shiba Inu puppies can begin house training or potty training as soon as possible, as early as 7 weeks of age, when they beginning to get control of their bladder. Shiba Inus can take up to 5 months of age to have full control of their bladder and other body functions, so be patient and do not expect more than your dog can deliver during potty training. Make sure to make bathroom opportunities frequent. Remember, Shiba Inus are small dogs that have correspondingly small bladders--be realistic about how often your dog will need the opportunity to relieve himself during training. Provide your dog ample opportunity to go potty in the correct area, avoid accidents with vigilance. Punishment for mistakes in potty behavior is generally not effective. Using positive reinforcement to put going potty on command, or associating going potty with a particular location like outside or in a designated corner of your yard, is the most effective way to train a Shiba Inu puppy or older dog to go potty.
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Getting Started
Potty training your Shiba Inu means positive reinforcement, lots of treats, and lots of praise. Avoid negative reinforcement or punishment for potty training as it is usually counterproductive and confusing for a Shiba Inu. Shiba Inus are sensitive dogs and punishment is ineffective, often resulting in what appears to be stubborn behavior. Make sure you have a clearly established potty area and are consistent with your Shiba Inu. Establish a clear potty area, either outside or with an indoor litter box or puppy pads.Be prepared to supervise your dog and watch for signs that he needs to have a potty break, such as sniffing around. Schedule meals for your dog so you can predict when he will need to eliminate. Have a deodorizer available so that when accidents happen you can counteract odors and prevent future occurrences of soiling the same area.
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FAQs
Take your puppy to the same spot outdoors each time they need to go, as the scent can trigger the desire to eliminate. Consistent timing and location help your Shiba Inu understand what's expected of them and when. Positive Reinforcement: Shiba Inus respond well to positive reinforcement.
How to potty train a Shiba puppy? ›
Take your puppy to the same spot outdoors each time they need to go, as the scent can trigger the desire to eliminate. Consistent timing and location help your Shiba Inu understand what's expected of them and when. Positive Reinforcement: Shiba Inus respond well to positive reinforcement.
How do I stop my Shiba Inu from peeing in the house? ›
Consistency is the key to successful potty training. Establish a daily routine for your Shiba Inu that includes fixed feeding times, play sessions, and designated potty breaks. A regular schedule will help your pup anticipate when it's time to go outside to relieve themselves, reducing the chances of accidents indoors.
Are Shiba Inus easy to housebreak? ›
Shiba Inus are incredibly intelligent dogs, they are eager to please their masters, and they are naturally fastidious. While house training any puppy can be a challenge, some breeds are known for being easier than others and Shiba Inus generally do very well once they understand what we want from them.
How long can a Shiba hold pee? ›
Adult Shiba Inus
Here's a general guideline for how often to take your adult Shiba Inu outside to pee: Age 1-3 years: Adult Shiba Inus typically need to go outside every 4-6 hours during the day. This schedule ensures they have ample opportunities to relieve themselves and stay comfortable.
What helps to potty train a puppy? ›
Tips for Potty Training Puppies
- Take Your Puppy Out Often. ...
- Stick to a Feeding Schedule. ...
- Use Crate Training as an Aid to Potty Training. ...
- Always Practice Positive Reinforcement. ...
- Recognize When Your Puppy Needs to Go Out. ...
- Put Your Puppy on a Leash for Potty Breaks.
Don't punish your puppy for eliminating in the house. If you find a soiled area, just clean it up. Rubbing your puppy's nose in it, taking them to the spot and scolding them or any other punishment will only make them afraid of you or afraid to eliminate in your presence. Punishment will do more harm than good.
What can I mop my floor with to stop my dog from peeing on it? ›
Vinegar. Just like citrus, dogs cannot stand the smell of vinegar. It seems that a dog's heightened sense of smell is not keen on acidic smells, vinegar being another very acidic substance.
Why does my puppy pee in the house out of spite? ›
But are dogs actually capable of peeing out of spite? In short, No. Dogs don't pee as some sort of revenge act against you, in fact, they don't understand the concept of revenge. They will pee to communicate anxiety, fear, health problems, to mark their territory or because they had no other option than to pee inside.
Why is it so hard to train a Shiba Inu? ›
As a highly intelligent breed, Shiba Inus are relatively easy to train. However, their strong-willed nature means that training can sometimes be a challenge as they tend to lose focus and test the boundaries of what they can get away with.
If you're looking for an affectionate dog that loves to cuddle and craves attention, shibas are not it. Hoju pretty much follows us around everywhere, but he'd much rather be a few feet away than in our laps. He only likes being pet on his terms. Shibas are loyal and territorial.
Why does my dog pee in the house even after going outside? ›
Underlying behavioral illness: Behavioral illnesses related to fear, anxiety, or frustration can cause house soiling. Dogs that experience fear or anxiety are often unable to learn the concept of eliminating outdoors, particularly if there is something outside the house that frightens them.
Why are Shibas not cuddly? ›
Shibas happens to be one of the most ancient canine breeds. Because of this fact, they exhibit a trace of their wild ancestry in their temperament. And believe it or not, this dash of “wild” often presents a no-cuddle zone. It's true—Shiba Inus are not so open to free cuddles.
Are Shiba puppies hard to train? ›
Shiba Inu Training & Exercise
As a highly intelligent breed, Shiba Inus are relatively easy to train. However, their strong-willed nature means that training can sometimes be a challenge as they tend to lose focus and test the boundaries of what they can get away with.
How long can you leave a Shiba Inu puppy alone? ›
While Shiba Inu are independent dogs who don't require constant attention, they need plenty of exercise if they will be left alone during the day. Shiba Inu may be left home alone for eight hours at a time. Crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety as bored Shiba Inu may chew dangerous items.
Can a Shiba Inu use a litter box? ›
Make sure you have a clearly established potty area and are consistent with your Shiba Inu. Establish a clear potty area, either outside or with an indoor litter box or puppy pads. Be prepared to supervise your dog and watch for signs that he needs to have a potty break, such as sniffing around.
What age is easiest to potty train a puppy? ›
Potty training should begin as soon as a puppy or adult dog is brought home, but in the case of a puppy, not a lot of progress should be expected until he is 12 to 16 weeks old. This is because puppies typically don't have enough bladder and bowel control until this time.
