Although they are relatively small in stature compared to larger breeds, the Shiba Inu truly has a unique, large personality. While often described as aloof, a Shiba Inu forms a close bond with its family and is known for its excellent loyalty.
A Shiba Inu can live in an apartment, so read on to learn more about this.
The Shiba is a fairly active breed with daily exercise needs but can also relax and be calm indoors. This very intelligent breed requires a lot of mentally stimulating activities to prevent boredom and is a joy to watch when they are engaged in play and problem-solving.
Are Shiba Inus good apartment dogs? They can make excellent apartment dogs, provided they are well trained and thoroughly socialized. They are naturally clean and relatively quiet. They are dignified and independent by nature, content to be peaceful companions.
Those living in an apartment are somewhat limited in their choice of dog breeds. When making a decision, one must consider the neighbors on the other side of the wall. In these situations, a Shiba Inu may be suitable for you and your family.
We all have things to do that may require leaving your friend alone in the apartment for a while. We will outline the best path for your Shiba to be alone.
Daily exercise is important
We often say it here: regular exercise solves many problems before they start! The overall health and well-being of your Shiba depend on sufficient daily exercise. Shiba Inus are naturally active and can often become destructive if they do not receive enough exercise each day.
They can adapt well to living in smaller spaces like apartments, as long as they get the chance to burn off some energy every day. This can be accomplished in various ways.
Taking brisk walks is a great form of exercise for Shibas as it provides training for both body and mind. Mental stimulation is important for this breed, and a walk engages all five senses and effectively stimulates their minds.
A couple of short walks or a longer walk is sufficient, but try to vary the route regularly to avoid falling into a monotonous routine.
If your Shiba Inu is consistently friendly with other dogs, a dog park is a great place to play with your loyal four-legged friend. A refreshing game of fetch or frisbee provides plenty of exercise, or he may prefer to start his own games with other dogs. Tag and chase seem to be favorites among Shiba Inus.
If you take your dog along for your morning jog or bike ride, he can also expend his energy reserves. While this may not be feasible every day, most Shibas enjoy going for walks. The varied environments and challenging terrains stimulate their senses like few other activities can.
Invest in a flirt pole (this has over 1200 reviews on Amazon), or make one yourself with a PVC pipe, rope, and toys for a fun way to play with your dog indoors when the weather is bad. This toy provides an exceptional workout in relatively short time.
Make sure you Shiba-proof your apartment
While there is no way to predict accurately what your Shiba Inu will get into when left alone at home, there are some preventive measures you can and should take before leaving your dog alone.
Unless your Shiba Inu is crate-trained, you should make it a habit to keep things tidy. Or at least hide your shoes! This breed is somewhat notorious for chewing when left to its own devices. Make sure all shoes, slippers, and any other clothing items are stored behind a closed door.
Electronics and their cords must be completely out of reach. If you have outlets within your dog’s reach, it may be wise to unplug all cords as a precaution before leaving the house.
All food items must be securely stored. Do not be fooled into thinking that a baby gate will keep a Shiba Inu out of the kitchen. It may delay him for a moment, but he can and will easily climb over the gate if the mood strikes him.
Keep doors to restricted areas securely closed, including the room where the trash can is located. Remember that many houseplants and cleaning products are toxic to dogs and should be kept safely out of reach.
Spray furniture legs, sofa cushions, and anything else you want to protect with a “no chew” spray. Leave a variety of bones and chew toys so your dog can enjoy them safely.
All children’s toys and any decorations such as candles should also be stored safely. Don’t forget to close and lock all windows before you leave.
Don’t get the impression that the lower half of your house will be bare forever. As your Shiba Inu ages and training progresses, most dogs will become more reliable over time. One thing to always be on guard for is this breed’s desire to roam freely. Always be alert for escape attempts.
How long can you leave a Shiba Inu alone?
In today’s busy world, many people are often away from home for large parts of the day. Owning a dog can contribute to a somewhat overloaded schedule, but thousands of families make it work simply because it’s worth returning home to the loving, joyful greeting of a dog after a long day.
Adult Shibas that have gradually become accustomed to being left alone can often be alone for 6 to 8 hours, although less time is better. Shiba Inus keep themselves clean, as well as their environment, and they will not soil their living space if they can help it.
Puppies, like children, need regular potty breaks. The amount of time they can wait between breaks varies with age. A good rule for puppies between 2 and 6 months old is one hour for each month of age. So a 3-month-old puppy can usually wait 3 hours.
The Shiba Inu may never admit it willingly, but they are dependent on humans, not just for their physical needs but also for their emotional needs. As an owner, you are the leader of your dog’s “pack,” and he relies on your presence for stability and leadership. Try not to leave this loyal breed alone longer than necessary.
10 reasons why a Shiba Inu can be a good apartment dog
- Shiba Inus are a fairly small breed, averaging about 10-15 kg when fully grown.
- Shibas tend to keep themselves very clean and will methodically lick themselves like a cat.
- They are usually quite easy to house train.
- Shiba Inus are naturally independent and skilled at coming up with and entertaining themselves.
- They tend to be calm and dignified indoors if they get enough exercise.
- They love their personal space and will not crowd you.
- Shibas seem to appreciate quiet solitude and don’t mind being alone for some time.
- Shiba Inus are good watchdogs, always alert to their surroundings.
- Shiba Inus are not annoying, noisy barkers.
- They will be polite to neighbors in the building if properly socialized.
TIP: If you are still not sure whether you want a Shiba Inu as part of your life, contact a Shiba Inu owner and arrange to meet this breed in person. Spend some time getting to know its overall personality and quirks.
Conclusion
A Shiba Inu in an apartment is certainly possible. The key is the motivation you have for the dog. A motivated person can walk the dog more, and thus your dog will get even more exercise.
Related Questions
How much exercise does my Shiba Inu need?
Most adult Shiba Inus can get by with a long walk of 30 – 45 minutes or a couple of energetic play sessions per day. The need for exercise can vary from dog to dog, and younger Shibas will naturally have more energy to burn, so the amount of exercise required should be tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Does a Shiba need a lot of attention?
The answer here depends on the individual dog. Some Shibas are quite aloof and are content with just minimal interaction. Other dogs seem to occasionally crave affection. However, all Shibas need attention for their basic needs such as food, water, exercise, socialization, and grooming.