When you get a Shiba Inu puppy, it is important to housetrain him as soon as possible. You can use the following tips to start toilet-training your Shiba Inu puppy:
Be patient, as the Shiba Inu’s character can make him stubborn at times. Always reward your puppy when he relieves himself in the right place, so he builds positive associations and becomes house-trained faster.
1. Growing up in a spacious den
A dog’s natural instinct is to be clean and hygienic. From an early age, puppies learn from their mother to keep their den clean.
In the first weeks of life the mother does most of the work, but as the puppies get older they begin to explore their environment and learn how to do things themselves.
One of the things they will learn is where to relieve themselves. Instinctively, puppies will want to do this as far away from their den as possible; this helps keep the area clean and free of unpleasant odors.
However, if a puppy is raised in a small nest with little room to move, it may not develop this instinct as strongly.
This can make house-training a Shiba Inu more difficult later in life. That is why it is important that puppies have plenty of space to explore and learn from an early age.
2. How often should you take a Shiba Inu puppy outside
How often you should walk a Shiba Inu puppy depends on its age. In the table below (source: hondenclubderoedel.nl) you can see the minimum number of times your puppy should be taken out.
| Age | Holding pee | Minimum number of walks |
| 8 weeks | 2 hours | 12 times |
| 12 weeks | 3-4 hours | 6-8 times |
| 16 weeks | 4-5 hours | 5-6 times |
| 20 weeks | 5-6 hours | 4-5 times |
| 6 months | 6-8 hours | 3-4 times |
| 7 months | 12 hours | 3 times |
A dog digests things very quickly; if he drinks he may need to pee within an hour. If you plan to leave him alone for a long time, you can withhold water a few hours beforehand. This way you extend how long your puppy can hold his bladder.
3. Designated place for toileting
A designated place is an area where you want your Shiba Inu to relieve itself. This can be in your backyard, on a path, or even inside your home.
The most important thing is that you are consistent in bringing your dog to the same spot. This will help him understand that this is the place where he should go.
You can teach your Shiba Inu this spot by walking there with him every day and giving him a moment to do his business.
Once he goes, you should reward him with praise or a treat. This teaches your Shiba Inu that this is good behavior.
With patience and consistency you can train your dog to use a fixed spot and make walks more enjoyable for both of you.
4. Pay close attention and go outside promptly
Timing is everything.
As soon as you see your puppy start to sniff or circle in preparation to relieve himself, pick him up and take him outside.
This gives him the chance to relieve himself in the right place and helps break the habit of pooping indoors.
If you catch your puppy in the act, correct him gently. That way he will not only know where he is rewarded but also where he should not pee.
If there is an accident after all, just clean up the mess and neutralize any lingering odor with vinegar or a neutralizing spray.
5. Correct gently after an accident
A correction only works if the mistake was made just now.
A good correction is quick and makes your puppy clearly understand that he did something wrong. Never cause your puppy pain: a mild reprimand or a startle is enough.
6. The crate and nighttime urination
Crate training can be a useful way to teach your Shiba Inu good habits. When it is done properly, it will teach your dog that his crate is his own personal space. This will help prevent accidents in the house, because your dog will instinctively avoid soiling his own space.
However, young puppies cannot yet hold their bladder all night, so take your puppy outside regularly for a toilet break.
7. Peeing = indoors
Dogs are intelligent animals that quickly learn to associate certain behaviors with rewards. If you always bring your dog inside as soon as he has relieved himself, he will eventually hold it in to be able to stay outside longer.
This can be frustrating if you want to take a quick walk and the dog hasn’t relieved himself yet. To prevent this, train your dog from the start to relieve himself as soon as he needs to.
Then reward him with a short walk or another activity he enjoys. With time and patience your Shiba Inu will learn that he doesn’t need to delay relieving himself in order to stay outside longer.
8. Teaching a command
Teach your dog a ‘go potty’ command. This way you can let him know when it’s time to go outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Shiba Inu puppy to be potty trained?
It takes on average between 1 and 2 months before a Shiba Inu puppy is fully potty trained. This can vary depending on the individual pup and the consistency of the training. Most rarely pee in the house, starting from the very first week.
What are the most important steps in potty training a Shiba Inu puppy?
The most important steps are establishing a routine, rewarding good behavior, gently correcting the puppy if you catch him in the act, and being consistent with training. This also includes using a designated toilet area outside.
How often should I take my Shiba Inu puppy out to promote potty training?
It is recommended to take a Shiba Inu puppy out at least every 2 to 3 hours, as well as immediately after eating, drinking, playing, and sleeping.
Which methods are most effective for potty training a Shiba Inu puppy?
Positive reinforcement, such as rewards and praise, works best when potty training a Shiba Inu puppy. Only correct your dog, and gently, if you catch him in the act. Be patient and stay consistent with the training.
What should I do if my Shiba Inu puppy pees or poops inside?
If you catch your Shiba Inu puppy peeing or pooping inside, correct the behavior immediately and gently. Clean up the accident calmly and try to figure out why it happened, to prevent it from happening again.
How can I prevent my Shiba Inu puppy from peeing in the house at night?
To prevent your Shiba Inu puppy from peeing in the house at night, you can limit water intake in the evening and ensure he goes outside one last time before bed. Sleeping in a crate also helps them hold their bladder.
What are common mistakes people make when potty training a Shiba Inu puppy?
Common mistakes include inconsistent training, insufficient supervision and not understanding the puppy’s signals.
How long does it take on average for a Shiba Inu puppy to be house trained at night?
On average, it can take 1 to 2 months for a Shiba Inu puppy to be house trained at night, but this can vary depending on various factors.
Can I potty train my Shiba Inu if I live in an apartment?
Yes, it is possible to potty train a Shiba Inu in an apartment, but it may require extra planning and attention to creating a suitable toilet area indoors and frequent trips outside.
For reviews from Shiba Inu owners you can click on this link.
