Everything you need to know about life with a Shiba.

How to Rehome a Shiba Inu in California: Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-step guide to rehoming a Shiba Inu in California. Breed rescue vs shelter vs Craigslist, with paperwork and timelines.

Where to Surrender a Shiba Inu Near You: State-by-State Guide

Directory of Shiba Inu breed rescues by state, plus what to do if there's no rescue near you.

Shiba Inu Aggression: What's Normal, What's Not

Seven types of Shiba aggression, what's breed-normal, and when to call a behaviorist. Plain-language guide.

Shiba Inu Separation Anxiety: An Honest Guide

Five different problems often called separation anxiety in Shibas. How to tell them apart and what actually works.

Is a Shiba Inu Right for Me? A Real Self-Assessment

10-question self-assessment for prospective Shiba owners. Honest scoring with realistic outcomes.

What Does It Cost to Adopt a Shiba Inu? Honest 2026 Numbers

True lifetime cost of a Shiba Inu in California, year by year. Real 2026 numbers from a working breed rescue.

Part 1: Understanding Your Shiba

The breed that resists training. Why generic dog training fails on Shibas, and what motivates a Shiba when food does not.

Part 2: Foundation Skills for Shibas

Step-by-step command progressions for the Shiba brain. Name, sit, down, stay, recall, leave it, loose-leash walking, and place.

Part 3: Socializing a Shiba (Including Adult Rescues)

The critical window, exposure checklists, counter-conditioning vs flooding, and the decompression protocol for newly rehomed dogs.

Part 4: Exercise, Enrichment, and Mental Stimulation

The number one Shiba behavior problem is an exercise problem. The 2-to-4-hour rule, sniffaris, puzzle feeders, and prey-drive channels.

Part 5: Common Shiba Behavior Challenges

Resource guarding, the Shiba scream, escape behavior, leash reactivity, separation distress, and when to call a professional.

Part 6: Living With Your Shiba (The Long Game)

The 13-to-16-year relationship. Maintenance training, multi-pet households, kids and cats, travel, aging, and when rehoming is the right call.

A Guide to Shiba Inu Skin Allergies: Symptoms, Causes

Shiba Inu skin allergies can be alarming if not treated. Skin allergies are prevalent with the Shiba Inu breed and are caused by food, pollen, and even…

How to Gain the Trust of your Rescue Shiba Inu

In most cases, rescue dogs arrive in their new homes guarded with their walls up. They are scared and mistrusting after months of neglect from their…

How to Keep your Shiba Inu Calm During Fireworks

Fireworks are so much fun but for your Shiba Inu? Not so much. The bright flashes and extremely loud noises can be scary for your dogs. This can cause…

A Nutritional Guide for your Shiba Inu’s Diet

Originally, the Shiba Inu was bred to be hunting dogs in the mountainous regions of Japan and that gives us the idea that their past diet consists of…

How To Stop Your Shiba Inu from Jumping Up on People

If your Shiba Inu has been jumping on people, you are not alone. Most dog owners would vouch for this common dog behavioral problem. For the dogs, this…

History of the Shiba Inu

What is the history of the Shiba Inu ? This short infographic shows the origin of the breed and how it came to be today. Courtesy of : My First Shiba Inu…

The Eyes Have It: Unique Features of the Shiba Inu

One of the distinct features of the Shiba Inu is its eyes – a feature that distinguishes it from western dog breeds. The triangular shape of the recessed…

5 Must-have Products for Senior Dogs

As our dogs enter their senior age, they become more special than when they were just a pup. They require extra attention, care, and comfort from their…

Shiba Inu Training Guide: How to Discipline Correctly (Updated 2022)

Shiba Inu Training: They are notoriously difficult dogs to train. The Shiba is a stubborn dog. Even veteran trainers have trouble handling them. But if…

How to Maintain Your Shiba’s Weight

Obesity is a major health problem for many Shiba Inus. You need to maintain your dog’s weight so he remains healthy and slim. Obesity can lead to serious…

Bonding With Your Shiba Inu: Things to consider

Keep In Mind Before You Start To build a strong bonding with your Shiba Inu , you have to practice respect – respect him for the dog he is. When you…

Naming Your Shiba Pup and Communicating with Him

You have just adopted a Shiba Inu puppy. But you have not come up with a name. Because a Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog, you might think of giving your new…

11 Useful Tips to Keep Your Shiba Inu Warm for the Winter

Weather conditions change, and these changes can impact the lives of dogs in a manner on how they respond and express themselves. In this article, we will…

3 Memory Foam Dog Bed Reviews of Medium/Large Dog Beds for the Shiba Inu

The beds below outline similar features and prices on Amazon.com. If you are trying to choose a dog bed for your Shiba Inu, you need to select a…

4 Helpful Tips on Exercising Senior Shiba Inu

Aging is inevitable and your energetic Shiba Inu will also grow old. But to keep them healthy, exercising senior Shiba Inu is a must-do. At this age, you…

4 ways to care for dogs after giving birth

Shiba pups are absolutely cute, and everyone is, for sure, looking forward to welcoming the new adorable litter to the world. But one primary thing we fur…

5 Tips and Tricks on How To Successfully Socialize a Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are known to be one of the most loyal dog breeds in Japan. They might be the smallest, and they are always cheery and bright. But they are not…

A Quick Guide to Grooming your Shiba Inu

One of the best ways you can show your dog love and affection is by properly and regularly grooming them. Aside from keeping them clean and attractive,…

A Shiba Inu Owner’s Shopping List

It’s definitely one of the best experiences in life to adopt or buy a dog. This fur baby is one of the most common types of animals that people have as…

Are Animal By-Products safe for your Shiba Inu?

If you are a consumer (well, your dog) of dog food, you are definitely familiar with the term ‘animal by-products.’ These are in the ingredient section…

Are Shiba Inu Good Service Dogs?

There’s little info on the origin of service dogs, just that they’ve been around for a long time. Some historians took note of a fresco found in the ruins…

Best Brushes for Shiba Inus

Shiba Inus have two unique layers of fur; such a double-coat that has a delicate fleece undercoat as well as a full coarser outer coat. Shiba is shedding…

Can My Shiba Inu Eat This? Human Food Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

Feeding dogs food from the table is a common practice for some dog owners, and while this is okay, you need to know what human food is suitable for their…

Can Shiba Inus Swim? How to Teach your Shiba to Swim

One of the most enjoyable things about being a fur parent is involving your dog in adventurous activities like hiking, running, and jogging. And when…

Cats and Dogs: How to Introduce your Shiba Inu to Cats

Most individuals think that cats and dogs will never get along. This is a myth! In fact, there are certain dog breeds that are naturally good with cats…

Collapsible Dog Bowls

If you like to hike or camp with your Shiba Inu, you need to think about hiking accessories that make it easy to feed him and water him. That is where…

Common Dog Dental Problems in Shiba Inu

A dog’s dental health is often overlooked compared to grooming , bathing, and brushing . And just like humans, our canine buddies are also prone to dog…

Complete Guide to Dog Probiotics

According to a study, dogs basically behave like toddlers and one thing these two have in common is that they can be pleasantly weird like eating food…

Cooling Dog Tents and Canopies

The following Amazon products are designed to keep your Shiba cool while camping in the summer or sleeping on the patio. If your yard does not have enough…

Cute Holiday Outfits and Toys for your Shiba

If you’re a Shiba owner or looking to get one, then you’re probably familiar with this doge meme which has been circling the internet since 2010 after…

Dehydration in Dogs: What you need to know

Humans and dogs need water to keep their body functioning. In every process our body makes, water plays a significant role. Without it, our bodies will…

Dental Disease and Shiba Inus

A chronic problem in dogs, dental disease usually affects most canines by the time they are two years old. Unfortunately, the Shiba Inu is more likely…

Dental Health for Shiba Inu: The Best Dental Chews 2021

Your Shiba Inu’s dental health is just as important as its food quality, exercise, and grooming . It is part of your dog’s overall wellness and should not…

Does Your Shiba Puppy Like to Bite?

If your Shiba puppy is teething, it will tend to chew and bite almost everything in sight. Even by enforcing dog obedience training, your pup will like to…

Dog Care 101: All About Paw Cleaning

Dogs are cute and that’s a fact. They’re even more popular than celebrities. You can go on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and you will find…

Dog Constipation: Symptoms, Causes and What to do

When your Shiba isn’t pooping as they usually do, or not at all, they are most likely constipated. Constipation is a common health problem in dogs. This…

Dog Vaccinations: Everything You Need to Know

Puppies are babies, which means they rely on their fur parents to provide them with the necessities to survive and grow into healthy adult dogs. These…

Everything You Need to Know About Puppy Biting in 10 Simple Tips

It is highly evident for puppies to be rowdy and energetic, especially when they encounter new toys or objects to chew with. Puppies are known to latch on…

Exercise with Shiba Inu: How Much is too Much?

Exercise is always recommended for dogs as it has many physical and mental benefits. It helps maintain an appropriate weight, promote healthy bones, and…

Exercising Your Shiba Inu: Exercising Guides and Why is Exercising Important?

The Shiba Inu was originally bred to hunt small birds. They are playful, energetic, and have a high prey drive. They are also fast learners and…

First Aid for Shiba Inu: What To Do

An emergency is a serious and unexpected situation, and this does not only happen with humans but also to your beloved dog. And with treatment, every…

Giardia: How to Prevent and Treat In Puppies

Giardia: How to Prevent and Treat In Pets Giardia is often thought to be bacteria, a virus, or worm, instead, represents it a one-celled parasite. The…

Grooming Your Shiba Inu: What You Need to Know

DIY dog grooming can be done, even when you own a sensitive self-cleaner like a Shiba Inu pup. While the dog is fastidious like a kitty when it comes to…

Halloween Costumes for your Shiba Inu

Adopting or having a dog can be really challenging at times. It comes with a lot of responsibilities that you need to fulfill and tasks that need to be…

High Blood Pressure in Shiba Inu: What you Need to Know

In human health, high blood pressure is an alarming condition. But do you know your Shiba Inu is also susceptible to such a difficult health issue? High…

How To Take Care of your Shiba Inu’s Digestive System

Our Shiba Inu’s digestive system is crucial to its overall health. The digestive system’s role is to dissolve food, convert and absorb nutrients to…

How to Clean your Shiba Inu’s Ears in 4 Easy Steps

One way to keep your Shiba Inu happy is through grooming . This includes nail trimming, teeth cleaning, trimming their fur, a nice bath, and of course,…

How to Handle a High-Energy Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are high-energy dogs, which makes them perfect companions if you live an active lifestyle. And, even if you don’t, they are still excellent…

How to Introduce Shiba Inu to other Dogs

No matter how friendly your Shiba Inu is, remember they are still territorial animals, and introducing a new dog at home can be challenging. Most fur…

How to Introduce your Shiba Inu to Children

A newborn in the house not only changes your life but your pet dog as well. The routine will change, attention will be shared, and the walkies your Shiba…

How to Keep Your Shiba from Slipping Past You

Shibas are notorious escape artists. Therefore, you need to practice additional safety measures to keep them safe. The following information will help you…

How to Know If Your Shiba Inu Has Fleas

If you suspect your Shiba Inu has fleas, address the problem right away. You may have not come across this problem before and have no idea how to check…

How to Loose Leash Walk your Shiba Inu

Walking with your Shiba Inu should be an enjoyable activity, but when they are constantly pulling on their leash and dragging you to places, then walking…

How to Pick a Crate for your Shiba Inu

Contrary to popular (or maybe unpopular) opinion, crates are not punishment for dogs. It’s not like a time-out, face the wall things that parents do to…

How to Protect your Shiba Inu in the Summer

With their history as hunters, the Shiba Inu thrive outdoors and withstand different weather climates. They have double-layered coats that act as…

How to Stop Excitement Urination in Dogs

Have you recently bought a rescued dog or a housebroken puppy at home? From time to time, have you seen them pee on the floor for no reason? If yes, your…

How to Successfully Crate Train Your Dog in 6 Easy Steps

Crate training is a method to house train dogs or puppies and is also a method that requires a lot of time and effort. Of course, all hard work reaps…

How to Take Care of your Shiba Inu’s Joints

Joints are where two bones meet. They are fluid and are important factors in making your dog move. However, due to friction of everyday movements, wear…

How to Train a Rescue Shiba Inu

Regardless of the reason why they ended up in the shelter, rescue dogs can be the sweetest companion you’ll ever have. However, since we don’t know much…

How to Train your Shiba Inu in Agility Sports

The Shiba Inu is an athletic dog breed. They are energetic, smart, playful, and enjoy physical activities. Their size, strength, and stamina make them a…

How to Train your Shiba Inu to Behave in Public

A peaceful walk downtown with your Shiba Inu is an enjoyable pastime that you both would definitely love. Running errands and eating out together are…

How to care for Newborn Shiba Inu

Everyone loves puppies. They are adorable, cute, and cuddly. And seeing them grow into majestic adults is always such a delight. But if you have an…

How to deal with a Shiba Inu’s Anxiety

Shiba Inus can develop anxiety issues and fear, which can eventually lead to biting, scratching, or clawing. If you love your dog, it’s easy to feel…

Is My Shiba Inu Depressed?: Everything You Need to Know

Depression is a medical illness that affects how humans feel, think, and act. It is a daily struggle and for most, it means losing interest in their…

Is the Shiba Inu Breed Good for Kids?

Being a dog lover means that the presence of dogs in daily life is valued. A dog owner loves, cares, and is compassionate about their furry buddies. Dogs…

Is the Shiba Inu for First-Time Dog Owners? 4 Things to Consider

The tear-jerking movie about a loyal dog “Hachiko” and the famous meme “Doge” might be two different concepts, but one thing they have in common is the…

Items that Will Help You Stay Organized When Walking Your Shiba Inu

Things can get messy and rather jumbled up if you walk your Shiba without wearing some type of doggy pack organizer. Therefore, before you run out of the…

Learn how to trainyour Shiba Inu puppy

Maintain Your Shiba Inu’s Dental Health Using Chews or Wipes

Shiba Inus are sensitive about getting their teeth brushed, so you need to find a way to control plaque, bacteria, and tartar successfully. You can easily…

Mari and Her Three Puppies: A Story of a Shiba Inu’s Selflessness

Unless you live in Japan, you may not know about the movie, “Mari and Her Three Puppies,” which recounts the true story about a Shiba Inu and her loyalty…

Mental Stimulation for Shiba Inu: 4 Ways to Challenge your Pet

Generally, a dog’s physical needs consist of good food, grooming sessions, vet care, vet visits, toys from the fur parents, and an established exercise…

My Shiba Inu Won’t Eat: How to Feed Picky Eaters

It’s no secret all Shiba Inu love food. However, not all have big appetites. If you find yourself with a dog who only sniffs, licks, and knocks over its…

Origins of the Shiba Inu in Japan

Before you adopt a Shiba Inu, it is nice to know something about its history. This Japanese bred dog’s name means “little brushwood” (Shiba) “dog” (Inu).…

Portable Dog Paw Cleaners and Washers

If your Shiba Inu likes the outdoors, or treads the streets in the rain, you need to make sure you clean his paws, once he returns. A paw dog…

Potty Training a Shiba Inu: Tips and Tricks

Dogs of all kinds are very cute. But Shiba Inus are especially adorable . From the moment you see them, most people can’t wait to have a Shiba Inu as a…

Pregnant Shiba Inu: 9 Signs to Look Out For and How to Care

You’ll quickly realize that a pregnant Shiba Inu shares similar traits to a pregnant woman. Just like how women get when they are pregnant, a pregnant dog…

Pros and Cons to Get a Shiba Inu

Pros and cons of owning a Shiba Inu are important to know if you are deciding to get a Shiba Inu breed. Well, almost all of us would feel the same. After…

Rabies in Shiba Inu: What you need to know

Rabies is a deadly disease that affects dogs. It is a rapidly progressing virus that takes less than ten days to develop and has no cure. Sadly, when…

Raw Dog Food Diet and Summer Safety for Improved Shiba Health (Updated 2021)

If you are a pet parent, you already know what it means to have a pet that serves as a companion and a friend. That is why choosing a diet is an important…

Running with your Shiba Inu: What you need to know

Athletic fur parents would want to involve their pets in their daily activities. And this is good because not only does this keep you in shape, but also…

Separation Anxiety in Shiba Inu: What are the symptoms and how you can handle it

Just like humans, dogs can easily stress over big changes in their routine. Especially if the shift entails unexpected negative changes. There are…

Shiba Inu Coat: What Does a Double Coat do and How to Care

Many dog breeds have a double coat, but even experienced dog owners don’t know how to properly care for it. A Shiba Inu coat falls under the double coat.…

Shiba Inu Colors: The Different Variations of a Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are great companions. And when we thought they couldn’t get any more adorable, we find out that they come in different colors. In this article,…

Shiba Inu Digging Holes? Understand Why and What You Can Do

Digging is natural dog behavior and could be one of the most difficult to manage. Since it is embedded in their genetics since the beginning of time, it’s…

Shiba Inu Health Issues: 6 Common Health Conditions Shiba Inu are Prone To

Shiba Inu health issues can range from a slight issue to serious conditions that may even require a trip to the veterinarian. It is your duty as a dog…

Shiba Inu Puppy: Must-Have Essentials for New Shiba Inu Owners

You’ve decided to bring home an adorable Shiba Inu puppy, one that you are sure would bring joy to you and your home. But keep in mind that a puppy means…

Shiba Inu Scream- Truth or Myth?

Shiba Inu scream despite barking. The Japanese Shiba Inu does not bark, but it still is known to vocalize. It either whines or is known to scream, just…

Shiba Inu Shedding Season

Shiba Inu shedding are fantastic! Of course, your Shiba seems as excited as ever to be shedding so much fur, but you might be slightly less excited by the…

Shiba Inu: A Complete Breed Guide

With its fox-like appearance and engaging personality, the Shiba Inu stands out amongst even the cutest and most popular dog breeds. Today, the Shiba is a…

Shiba Inu: Names You Should Consider!

Congratulations on Your New Shiba! You have just decided to make a Shiba Inu your companion dog, but you have not yet named it. Naming your dog is…

Shiba Inus Fun Facts You Might Not Have Known

Shiba Inus are a bundle of joy, love, and care. It doesn’t matter what breed they belong to. It’s safe to say that we all know that. However, every dog…

Shiba Inus, Akitas, and The Shibakita

Both Shiba Inus and Akitas are Spitz dogs, and are ancient breeds of Japan. They look similar in appearance, looking fox-like, friendly, and proud. What…

Should I Spay or Neuter My Shiba Inu? Benefits and Risks of Neutering

You’ve now decided to bring home your Shiba Inu. You’ve prepared your house for its arrival, bought all the toys it needs and read all the dog training…

The 10 Best Dog Shampoos for your Shiba Inu

Dogs love giving warm hugs and nothing beats their endearing cuddles. But they also love rolling in the grass, playing in the mud, and sprawling under the…

The 4 Best Ways to Care for Senior Shiba Inu

As your Shiba Inu approaches old age, you should also start preparing for their older years. Senior dogs require a different kind of care than puppies.…

The 5 Best Dog Training Treats for Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a smart and energetic breed, which makes training them extremely fun. Fur parents have different methods of training but one of the best…

The 5 Best Supplements for Pregnant Dogs

A pregnant Shiba Inu requires different methods of care for the two months of her pregnancy. This means that owners should ensure proper nutrition, avoid…

The 6 Best Joint Supplements for Dogs

If you notice your Shiba Inu has been having a hard time getting up in the morning, is reluctant to use the stairs, or has been showing signs of limping,…

The Best Brushes For Double-Coated Dog

A double-coated dog has fur that you just can’t ignore. Why? Because they shed all year round, most especially during warmer weather. Your Shiba Inu is…

The Best Dog Beds for Puppies and Senior Dogs 2022

On average, your pooch snooze for around 12 to 14 hours a day. Aside from their night sleep, they also nap a lot during the day. With all the sleeping…

The Best Dog Ear Cleaning Solutions Recommended by Vets

Fur maintained, check. Teeth cleaned, check. Nails cut, check. But how about ear cleaning with dog ear cleaning solutions? Sometimes, ear cleaning is one…

The Best Dog Food for Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus have steadily held their place as one of the most popular dogs in the world. According to AKC, it ranked 43rd in the list of most popular dog…

The Best Dog Food for the Active Shiba Inu

Active dog breeds, like the Shiba Inu, need a different diet. To maintain good health, it is important to fuel them with energy-dense food to match their…

The Best Dog Vitamins for your Shiba Inu’s Health

The typical dog diet consists of the dog food that best suits them, kibble, dog treats, and for some, a few pieces of table food from their human’s meals.…

The Best Online Dog Training Classes for Shiba Inu 2022

Dog training is not easy, especially with a stubborn breed like a Shiba Inu. If you are a new fur parent, it’s always better to take them to training…

The Best Treat Dispensing Dog Toys for Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu is a highly active dog breed. They are perfect for equally energetic fur parents, but sometimes, it’s difficult to cope with their tireless…

The Misconception of Shiba Inus as Red Foxes

Dog lovers and enthusiasts often discuss the similarities between a Shiba Inu and a Red Fox . Yet as similar as they look, they are distinctly different.…

The Shiba Inu’s Personality

Dogs are universally known as “man’s best friend.” Dogs have proven that they can be trusted, relied on, and counted on. These characteristics of the…

The Top 3 Retractable Dog Leashes of 2020

Welcome to another round-up of THE BEST FOR YOUR SHIBA INU! Today, we’re going to ask our product expert Max the Shiba and talk about 3 retractable dog…

Top 3 Best Jerky Treats and Snacks for Your Shiba Inu

When it comes to keeping your Shiba Inu fed and obedient, treats will certainly do the trick. However, you don’t want to over-feed your pooch, as Shibas…

Top 3 Best Treats for Shiba Inus

Giving a treat to your Shiba Inu is one approach to communicate with him. It is also a way to strengthen the enthusiastic bonds you have with your kid. In…

Top 5 Best Organic Dog Food

Nowadays, dogs are seen as being a part of the family. There are many popular pet food brands with hundreds, even thousands, of various kinds of pet food.…

Traveling with Your Shiba Inu: Dog Car Safety Tips

The Shiba Inu is an adventurous breed. They have a lot of energy to spare and are good companions for your outdoor activities. But before you can go on…

Wearable Dog Bath Towels and Robes

The Shiba Inu is good at cleaning itself, and is known to wail or give off a Shiba scream during bath-time. However, you can assure your pet that all is…

What You Need to Know when Flying with a Shiba Inu

Sometimes, leaving our pet at home is not a choice. It could be finally relocating to a new place or taking an extended vacation at your family house a…

What does a Shiba Inu look like?

What is the cost of getting a Shiba Inu?

Getting a dog can be really overwhelming at some point. At one moment, you are buzzing with excitement as you realize that you’ll soon be having your own…

What to do if your Shiba Inu has Diarrhea?

It’s not an exactly wonderful experience but it does come with being a pet owner and that is cleaning up a messy, brown, stinky puddle of waste.…

What to do if your Shiba Inu has a Sensitive Stomach

Dogs love mealtime. It’s probably one of the, if not the most, things they look forward to in their day. Sadly, not all lovable pups get to enjoy their…

Why You Should Train your Shiba Inu with Positive Reinforcement

There are many benefits of positive reinforcement dog training. For dog owners, positive reinforcement can mean a lot of things. It can mean training your…

Your Quick Guide to Shiba Inu Aggression: What You Should Know About It

Dog aggression can be one of the most difficult issues for owners to deal with. It is necessary to understand the root cause of any aggressive behavior to…