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Anyone with a Shiba Unu? If so any input about training i'll take. Thanks, Kathy

>>Anyone with a Shiba Unu? If so any input about training i'll take. Thanks, Kathy

Try going down to the Shiba Inu forum.
Shiba Inu

Shibas are a "different" breed when it comes to training. They are constantly asking "what's in it for me?" before they decide to comply with obeying a command. The word "come" will never be something they are able to do 100% reliably and even "sit' can be a challenge depending on the day. That's part of the reason I love the breed. You have to think ahead of them and play train. If the game isn't fun, they choose not to do it.

Both of my dogs have been in obedience types of classes most of hteir lives. It's not necessarily rquired to use a formal class, but it keep me from slacking in the training. A shiba must use it's brain daily in order to not become a problem. Tiring out the brain of a shiba can be fun. They learn trick fast. They love tracking. The game "go find your toy!" is a favorite of my older girl as well as "stalk it!" Yet, she also knows high level competitive obedience and agility.

Ultimately, to train a shiba you must have a sence of humor, patience, consistency, and know you have a thinking breed that is incredibly intelligent. However, also know that extreme intelligence does not equate obedience. These guys are the mavericks of the dog world. Find out what turns them on and they will shine. Keeping them turned on, well, that is the challenge and again why I love the breed.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

"Shibas are a "different" breed when it comes to training. They are constantly asking "what's in it for me?" before they decide to comply with obeying a command. The word "come" will never be something they are able to do 100% reliably and even "sit' can be a challenge depending on the day. That's part of the reason I love the breed. You have to think ahead of them and play train. If the game isn't fun, they choose not to do it."

Wow Chelle, Kaiser's not a shiba but that's him to a T.

And I definitely second the fact that intelligence does not equal trainability. So far I've found it to be quite the opposite. Kaiser is far too intelligent to do what's asked of him without question, and he's very good at finding ways to get around whatever is being asked.. It can definitely be trying and my I've learned a lot about patience and humor from him.. It's definitely easier to laugh it off now that I understand him a bit better..

>>Anyone with a Shiba Unu? If so any input about training i'll take. Thanks, Kathy

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In the past, the trainable dogs were the ones bred to work in partnership with humans, such as herding, sporting and working breeds. Today the methods that have been adapted for training dogs work well for dogs who have not been bred to work in partnership with humans. Check out clicker training!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47