How to Handle and Tame a Shiba Inu: A Beginner's Guide
Learn how to safely pick up and build trust with your Shiba Inu, avoiding common pitfalls for beginners.
Picking Up Your Shiba Inu Properly
When picking up a Shiba Inu, it's crucial to support their body correctly. Start by bending at the knees and keeping your back straight. Place one hand under their chest, just behind the front legs, and the other hand under their hindquarters. This position ensures you're supporting their weight evenly, preventing strain on their back.
For a 17–23 lb Shiba Inu, the chest support hand should be about 12 inches from the ground, while the hindquarters support hand should be around 6 inches from the ground. This helps maintain balance and control, especially if they're escape-prone.
- Bend at the knees and keep your back straight
- Support the chest with one hand, just behind the front legs
- Support the hindquarters with the other hand
- Keep the chest support hand about 12 inches from the ground
- Keep the hindquarters support hand about 6 inches from the ground
Building Trust with Your Shiba Inu
Building trust with your Shiba Inu is a gradual process. Start with short, positive interactions. Here's a clear sequence to follow:
1. Spend time sitting or lying on the ground, allowing your Shiba Inu to approach you at their own pace.
2. Offer treats and gentle petting, focusing on their favorite areas, like the base of their tail or behind their ears.
- Spend time on the ground, letting your Shiba Inu approach
- Offer treats and gentle petting
- Focus on favorite areas like the base of the tail or behind the ears
- Start with short interactions
- Gradually increase the duration of positive interactions
When Not to Handle Your Shiba Inu
There are specific times when handling your Shiba Inu should be avoided to prevent stress and anxiety:
1. After feeding, as they may be full and less interested in interaction.
2. During their heavy seasonal blow-out, as they may be sensitive to touch.
3. While they are asleep, to respect their need for rest.
4. When rushed, as it can lead to a stressful experience for both of you.
- Avoid handling after feeding
- Avoid handling during heavy shedding
- Respect their need for sleep by not handling while asleep
- Avoid handling when rushed
Stress Signals to Watch For
It's important to recognize stress signals in your Shiba Inu to prevent further distress:
1. Lip licking, especially if it's excessive or accompanied by a yawn.
2. Hiding, which can indicate a desire for space.
3. Shaking, which may be a sign of discomfort or anxiety.
- Watch for excessive lip licking and yawning
- Observe for hiding behaviors
- Notice shaking or trembling
Keep reading about Shiba Inu: Shiba Inu care sheet
Related questions
How often should I handle my Shiba Inu during the first week?
Start with 5 minutes of handling per day, gradually increasing to 10 minutes over the first week.
What should I do if my Shiba Inu seems uncomfortable during handling?
Stop immediately and give them space. Offer treats and gentle petting to help them relax.
How can I tell if my Shiba Inu is stressed?
Look for signs like lip licking, hiding, or shaking. These can indicate discomfort or anxiety.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your shiba inu is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.