Independent, clever, and famously stubborn, Shiba Inus tend to question commands before they follow them. But with a thoughtful approach grounded in trust and consistency, even the most strong-willed pup can learn to tune in and respond. 

Let's unpack how to train your Shiba Inu in sync with their unique temperament and learn how the right nutrition can sharpen focus and support long-term learning. 

Read more: Shiba Inu breed insights: care, personality & expert tips

Shiba Inu temperament and trainability 

Often described as cat-like in their behaviour, Shiba Inus are clean, quiet, and extremely particular. They're intelligent and capable of learning quickly — but whether they want to obey is another story. 

Their independent nature can make training a challenge, especially for first-time dog owners. While they aren’t aggressive by nature, their strong prey drive and tendency to bolt off-leash means recall training is vital and requires extra effort. 

That said, consistency and positive reinforcement go a long way. This breed tends to be highly food-motivated, and with the right incentives and approach, they can be responsive and eager to please — on their own terms. 

Health considerations that can affect training 

Shiba Inus are generally a healthy breed, but a few health considerations could affect their training: 

Skin sensitivities and allergies: Shiba Inus may be prone to skin allergies or sensitivities, leading to itching, redness, or irritation. Such discomfort can distract them during training and affect their well-being. Regular grooming and a diet containing vitamin E, zinc and ingredients with antioxidant properties can help maintain healthy skin.  

Lyka’s Skin Supplement is chock full of skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin E, flaxseed meal and burdock root extract– a great way to boost your dog’s skin.  

Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos)

Joint conditions: Joint issues, like patellar luxation, can impact a Shiba Inu's mobility and willingness to participate in physical activities. Providing a complete and balanced diet with high-quality protein and rich in omega fatty acids, maintaining an appropriate exercise routine, and a healthy weight can support your pup's joints.  

Lyka’s Joint Supplement contains key ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, like green lipped mussel and curcumin, to support your pup’s joint health.   

How real food fuels your Shiba Inu’s focus 

Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information.  

Shiba Inus benefit from: 

• Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly. 

• Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil) support brain health and development, memory, and learning. 

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients from ingredients like shiitake mushrooms and blueberries, to support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing. 

“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.” 

– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)   

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience. 

All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health. 

Read more: What does a Shiba Inu eat? Breed-specific nutrition tips 
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training  

Exercise first for improved focus 

Shiba Inus are an active breed that thrives on both mental and physical stimulation. Giving them a healthy outlet for their energy before training can help them settle and focus. 

Try: 

• A brisk 20–30 minute walk or jog 

• Off-leash time in a secure yard or park (if recall is reliable) 

• Mental games like puzzle feeders or scent trails 

Make sure the exercise is engaging but not exhausting — a calm Shiba is a more trainable one. 

Training tips for Shiba Inus 

Training a Shiba Inu can be equal parts pure delight and a test of wills — but with consistency and a calm, creative approach, you’ll make real progress. 

Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best: 

Positive reinforcement 

This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship. 

Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Shiba Inu, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat. 

Find their favourite motivator 

Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Shiba motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you? 

Lyka’s Piggy Training Perks are a high-value, low-calorie treat that’s designed to keep your pup motivated and rewarded during training.  

Train at the right time 

Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered. 

Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue. 

Stay consistent 

Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues. 

Be playful and engaging 

Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious. 

Watch their body language 

If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another time. 

Training your Shiba Inu puppy 

Shiba Inu puppies are bold, curious, cheeky, and often too smart for their own good. Don’t be surprised if they try to outwit you. 

What works? 

• A regular toilet routine 

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime 

• Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, places and situations 

Shibas are especially sensitive to harsh corrections, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence. 

Read more: Bringing a new puppy home: everything a new puppy parent needs to know

Training your adult Shiba Inu 

Just because your Shiba Inu’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced. 

This might look like: 

• Reinforcing polite greetings at the door 

• Learning new tricks or games 

• Adjusting to life changes, like moving house 

• Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years 

Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning they’re capable of learning at any age. Keep training light and engaging and always celebrate progress — no matter how small. 

Read more: Training adult dogs: expert tips to boost learning, brain health & bonding

When to call in a trainer or behaviourist 

Not sure if your Shiba Inu’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper? 

A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like: 

• Reactivity 

• Anxiety or phobias 

• Aggression 

• Resource guarding 

They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change. 

“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.” 

— Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Training your Shiba Inu is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together. 

And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Shiba Inu’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential. 

Lyka nourishes hundreds of Shiba Inus across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.