Complete Guide to Shiba Inu Accessories and Essentials

Shiba Inus are known for their distinctive fox-like faces and loyal personalities, but owning one requires more than just love and attention. You'll need the right accessories and essentials to keep your Shiba happy and healthy.

Their thick double coats shed heavily, so a good brush is essential for regular grooming. In fact, it's recommended to brush your Shiba at least twice a week to prevent matting and tangling.

Shiba Inus are also prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, so it's crucial to keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care. This includes feeding a balanced diet and providing plenty of exercise.

A comfortable and supportive collar is also a must-have for Shiba Inus, as they can be prone to pulling on the leash.

Training a Shiba Inu is a fun activity for both the dog and human, and they love challenges and are fast learners.

You'll need some basic training tools to get started, such as training treats that are very small, like grain-of-rice tiny, to keep your puppy engaged and motivated. For more difficult tasks, use high-value treats like chopped up boiled chicken or liver treats.

A "Place" mat is also a great tool to use, which helps your puppy learn to sit and stay in one place while you're eating dinner or doing other activities. It's a simple mat that you can place in a specific area and reward your puppy with treats for staying on it.

To prevent unwanted chewing, consider using Bitter Apple Spray to deter your puppy from chewing on things they shouldn't. However, the best thing is to always supervise and redirect your puppy to a toy or acceptable chew.

For leash training, you'll need a properly fitted puppy collar, a comfortable harness, identification tags or a microchip, and leashes for both indoors and outdoors.

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Training your Shiba Inu puppy is a fun activity for both you and your furry friend. They love challenges and are very fast learners, which makes training a breeze.

You'll need some basic training tools to get started. These include training treats that are tiny, like grain-of-rice small. Store-bought treats are a good option for basic command training.

For more challenging tasks, you may want to level up to high-value treats that your dog will do anything for. These can be chopped up boiled chicken, boiled turkey, or liver treats, cut into teeny tiny pieces.

Here are some specific types of high-value treats:

Remember to use these treats sparingly, as you don't want your puppy to fill up quickly on them. Consistency is key when training your Shiba Inu, so be sure to repeat commands until they get it.

Training your Shiba Inu puppy requires the right equipment, and a properly fitted puppy collar is essential.

A comfortable harness is also a must-have for leash training, and it's best to introduce it gradually with plenty of positive associations like treats, praise, and play.

You'll need a leash for both indoors and outdoors, and consider getting a 20-30 foot long leash for eventual recall training.

Here's a checklist of what you'll need:

It's also a good idea to personalize your Shiba Inu's collar with their name and your phone number, which can be an extra precaution against lost ID tags.

A dog crate is a must-have for any new puppy owner, and it's essential to choose the right one for your Shiba Inu.

To start, make sure to buy a crate that's the right size for your puppy. It should be big enough for them to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lay down, but not so big that they have too much extra space.

The type of crate you purchase is also crucial. Wire crates are more breathable and typically lighter, but plastic crates create a more enclosed space, which is ideal for puppies that are anxious or crate-trained.

Consider the features of the crate, such as removable trays, handles, and locks, for safety and convenience.

Think about the price range of the crate and choose one that fits your budget. Many pet stores have a variety of crates within different price ranges.

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Shiba Inus require regular brushing to manage their massive shedding, so be prepared to brush them frequently with a good brush.

You'll need a brush that can handle their double-coated fur, and it's best to use a brush with soft teeth to avoid causing damage.

A good brush can be used both wet and dry, making it a convenient tool for your grooming routine.

To keep your Shiba's nails short, you'll need to trim or file them often, ideally once a week. If your Shiba fears nail clippers, you can start by filing their nails first.

Here are some essential grooming supplies you'll need for your Shiba Inu:

Remember to introduce grooming routines early and consistently to prevent stress and difficulty in handling your Shiba Inu later on.

Shiba Inus require a lot of brushing due to their massive shedding, so you'll need a good brush to manage it. This brush works well dry or wet and is recommended for Shiba Inus.

You'll also need nail clippers to keep your Shiba's nails short. There are two recommended nail clippers that are specifically designed for Shiba Inus. If your Shiba fears the nail clippers, you can try filing their nails first with a nail file.

Shiba Inus are also prone to overgrown nails, so it's essential to trim or file their nails often, ideally once a week. A nail file can help recede the quick and keep the nails short.

Here's a list of basic grooming supplies you'll need:

Potty pads are a great option for puppies, and it's essential to choose the right ones. Consider the size of the pad to ensure it's large enough for your puppy to use comfortably.

Look for pads with high absorbency to quickly and effectively absorb liquid. This will keep your puppy's paws dry.

You'll also want to select a material that's safe for your puppy's skin. Avoid pads with harsh chemicals or irritants that could cause harm.

Creating a comfortable and safe environment for your Shiba Inu is crucial for their well-being and development. A crate is a must-have for potty training and providing a sense of security.

You'll want to choose a crate that's the right size for your puppy, not too big that they have too much extra space. A metal 8-panel X-pen is also a great option for creating a safe and comfortable living space.

To ensure your pup feels safe, never leave them unsupervised outside of their X-pen or puppy home. This will prevent destructive habits and make potty training much easier.

Here's a list of essentials for a Shiba Inu's living space:

A sturdy dog bed is also a must-have, as Shiba Inus love to curl up in cozy spots. Expect to replace a few beds as your puppy grows and becomes more destructive.

A seat belt is a must-have for your Shiba Inu when traveling in the car. NEVER connect a seat belt to your dog's collar, as even a small impact will put all the pressure on your dog's neck.

A heavy-duty seat belt that includes a harness is a great option. We like the one from Amazon that includes a harness as well.

If you plan on taking your Shiba Inu with you in the car, a seat belt that connects to their harness is a must.

Creating a safe and functional environment for your Shiba Inu puppy is essential for their comfort and development. A good starting point is to designate a centralized area, such as the living room, where your pup can spend most of their time.

A metal 8-panel X-pen, at least 24" in height, is a great investment for your puppy's living space. This will provide a safe and comfortable area for your pup to play, eat, and sleep.

It's crucial to include a comfortable bed or soft towel in the X-pen, as well as a potty pan or potty pads for easy cleaning. Water and food bowls should also be easily accessible.

A crate can be a useful addition to your puppy's living space, but it's essential to introduce it as a positive experience, not a punishment. The crate should be the right size for your puppy, allowing them to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lay down.

Here are some essential items to include in your puppy's living space:

• Metal 8-panel X-pen at least 24" in height

• Comfortable bed or soft towel

• Optional: crate

• Potty pan or potty pads

• Water and food bowls

Remember, supervision is key when it comes to your puppy's safety and development. Never leave your puppy unsupervised outside of their X-pen or puppy home, as this can lead to potty training delays and destructive habits.

Shiba Inus need plenty of sturdy toys to redirect their play biting behavior, which can be hard to break initially. This is especially true for puppies who will eventually learn to "soft bite" to play.

Some of my Shibas' favorite toys include a rope, a duck, and a hedgehog. You can also consider giving them chew toys to help with teething and give your hands and ankles a break from those sharp needle teeth.

To make chew toys more appealing, you can put a little bit of creamy peanut butter in them and freeze them. This will make them more durable and fun for your Shiba to chew on.

Playing with your Shiba Inu is a must, and having the right toys is key. Shiba Inu puppies love to play bite, so be prepared to redirect their attention with sturdy toys.

Plan to have plenty of sturdy toys around to keep your Shiba Inu entertained and engaged. These toys can easily turn into training sessions, so be prepared to use them as teaching tools. Give specific names to each toy, like "rope", "duck", or "hedgehog", and you'll be amazed at how quickly your Shiba will learn which one you're asking her to fetch.

Chew toys are also essential for Shiba Inu puppies, especially during teething. These toys give your hands and ankles a much-needed break from those sharp needle teeth. You can even fill them with creamy peanut butter and freeze them for an extra-special treat.

Make sure to pick toys that are safe and durable, as Shiba Inu puppies love to chew and can easily destroy a toy. Non-toxic materials, easy washability, and no small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed are must-haves.

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Here's a list of some of the best toys for your Shiba Inu:

Remember to always monitor your puppy while playing to ensure they don't destroy a toy and it becomes a choking hazard. Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting for your Shiba Inu.

A playpen can be a lifesaver for Shiba Inu owners, keeping their curious puppies out of trouble. It's a convenient way to section off areas of the house you don't want them getting into.

Most Shibas are excellent escape artists, so don't expect to be able to contain them for too long. They'll figure out a way to scale or jump over a playpen if they're determined to get out.

A sturdy playpen can be used to temporarily contain your Shiba in a certain area. This is especially helpful when you're not around to supervise.

You can also use a playpen to give your Shiba a safe space to play and relax. Just be sure to make it a positive experience by introducing it gradually and making it a comfortable space for them.

Elevated food and water bowls are great for Shiba Inus, especially as they get older, as they're easier to eat and drink from.

Quality dog food is crucial for Shiba Inus, and poor quality food can lead to allergic reactions or worse over time.

Choose a water and food bowl that's easy to clean and won't harbor bacteria. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are good options because they're durable and don't hold onto odors.

A non-slip bottom on the bowl is also important to prevent it from sliding around on the floor while your Shiba Inu is eating or drinking.

You can also consider signing up for an autoship with a reputable online retailer like Chewy to have dog food shipped automatically to your doorstep.

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