Are Shiba Inus Affectionate? Tips & FAQs
By Hanh Duong
Updated on
The Shiba Inu is an ancient breed of Japan that was once used for hunting duties. Today, these smiley-faced dogs are the most popular four-legged companions. If you’re considering getting a Shiba, you may wonder how affectionate they are. Well, the Shiba Inu is not an overly affectionate breed. Most are independent, aloof dogs not known for affectionate or clingy behavior.
As pet parents, we’re always looking for ways to strengthen our relationship with our furry friends. In this post, we’ll dive deeper into the Shiba’s affection levels and some fun methods to help you connect with them that you might not have considered before.
Do Shibas Like Cuddling?
Shiba Inus are very independent. They are typically not cuddly dogs that demand attention or crave cuddling. These pups will certainly cuddle you if they’re interested, but they’re more likely to lie a few feet away from you than want to be held in your lap. These independent dogs prefer to be petted on their terms.
How Do Shiba Inus Show Love?
Even though the Shiba Inu is not the world’s most affectionate breed, that doesn’t imply that they don’t love their owners unconditionally. As these canines are more independent dogs, they do not have the instinct to spend most of their time cuddling and snuggling with family members. They often have a stronger sense of responsibility and an innate desire to defend their pack and possessions. Shiba Inus may show their love and respect through their dedication.
Can You Make a Shiba Inu More Affectionate?
You’ll need to develop your relationship with your dog first to encourage them to be more affectionate. Fortunately, the task is actually not as difficult as it may seem. With consistent attention and proper care, your furry friend will quickly return your love.
1. Security
Shiba Inus need to feel secure around you in order to be affectionate. If you don’t threaten or hurt them and take care of their fundamental requirements, in their eyes, you are a trustworthy person. Never hit, scold, or severely punish your dog. They learn best through positive reinforcement and gentle corrections.
Make it clear to your furry friend that you are a reliable source of good things in their life. They need daily access to wholesome food, a safe environment, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. Provide these canines with a cozy space where they can rest and relax. Reward them with treats for good behavior and let them know their boundaries and limitations.
If you want your pet to show affection, the procedure works both ways. Even a shy dog will eventually trust you and engage in cuddling if you constantly pay attention to their fundamental requirements.
2. Attention
Your dog is a social creature that genuinely wants to be a part of the family. Therefore, don’t isolate them or stay away for extended periods. You should instead pay close attention to them every day.
Engage with your Shiba in a meaningful way. For example, it can be talking, getting on the floor with them, playing games, taking them outside, walking, brushing their hair, taking them to the dog park, etc. The more you pay attention to them, the more affectionate they will be.
3. Training
Working on training every day with positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your bond with your furry friend. When you exercise your dog’s brain to learn something new and reward the small successes, you’re building the trust needed to make them more affectionate.
Every walk, every interaction with other dogs or humans, and every interaction with you is a sort of training that shapes your Shiba’s view of the world and actions, whether they’re positive or negative. Training happens every day, whether you are conscious of it or not, so try to make the most of every opportunity.
It’s best to practice active training with positive reinforcement. Your dog will pay you considerably more attention over time, and you’ll find that your interactions with them are more natural.
Conclusion
Shiba Inus are known to be independent and aloof, and this is partly due to their natural personalities. Even when around people they know well, many Shibas are not very affectionate. In addition, they are frequently not very interested in connecting with strangers. Although the Shiba Inu is not one of the most affectionate breeds, they can still make great loyal family members and slowly become more affectionate over time.
Featured Image Credit: Elena Shvetsova, Shutterstock
