Top Activities For Shiba Pins

Introduction

A Shiba Pin is not a very common dog, as it’s a hybrid breed of a Shiba Inu and a Miniature Pinscher. You wouldn’t see both parent breeds very often either, so it’s clear to see that when you adopt a Shiba Pin, you will get all heads turning. After all, unusual breeds always do. While they may be unique in their looks, their temperament is similar to that of their parents. They are small, mighty, and require at least an hour of physical and mental stimulation every day. They can also be quite snappy and need a firm hand and plenty of training. Don’t waste any more time and begin treating your Shiba Pin to these activities. The more fun you can give them, the happier they’ll be!

Dog Massage

Popular

0 Votes

Rainy Day

Free

Normal

20 min

Items needed

Towel or blanket

Activity description

Shiba Pins can be little stress balls at times, not taking everything in their stride as other breeds do. If you want to invite some calm into their demeanor, then consider introducing dog massage into their routine. This free, rainy-day activity is one with an average difficulty level. You only need to use your hands, and the 20 minutes you do it can be all it takes to turn your Shiba Pin from a ball of stress into a relaxed and calm dog. Dog massage dates back to ancient times, with it becoming more popular in the 1970s. There has been a resurgence in recent years too, as more people see the unique benefits for their furry friends.

Step

1

Effleurage

Effleurage tends to be a “warm-up” massage technique which is particularly useful for nervous dogs or those who you have never massaged before. Run your hands in long, flowing strokes down their body, warming up their tissue for other massage techniques to follow.

Step

2

Compression

One of the most beneficial at-home massage techniques for your Shiba Pin is the compression technique. This one involves applying compression by pumping your hand on your dog. The pressure helps to relieve muscle spasms in your dog’s tissue while increasing their circulation at the same time. There are also many videos online to guide you through the process.

Step

3

Petrissage

Petrissage is a useful massage technique for your dog and one you can do in the comfort of your home. Petrissage means to apply pressure and knead the body. For a dog, this means pressing and twisting their skin to massage their underlying tissue and potentially remove adhesions as well.

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Dog Park

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Doggy waste bag

Toy

Activity description

Because Shiba Pins can be quite snappy, selfish, and aloof, it’s essential to begin the socialization process early on. You not only want them to be friendly and satisfied with your family but with other people and dogs as well. That’s why a dog park is such a vital activity to carry out on a regular basis. You only need a leash, waste bag, and a toy, but it’s a valuable social tool that’s free, easy, and only takes an hour. It’s also something fun to do with your Shiba Pin on a warm summer’s day. Clip on their leash and walk them to the park for an hour of fun with other dogs and people.

Step

1

Choose a park

Shiba Pins are small dogs, never growing larger than lapdog size. As a result, you have to be picky with your dog park selection. If you put them into a mixed enclosure with big dogs, they are likely to get hurt. Larger dogs may not wish to hurt your furry friend, but they don’t know how big they are! Choose a dog park with a separate pen for smaller dogs. Your Shiba Pin can then make friends of a similar size, so no one gets hurt.

Step

2

Start slow

Taking your Shiba Pin as a puppy to a dog park is going to be less challenging than going as a more mature dog. If you think you may run into problems during the socialization process, then start slow. Make sure they are wearing a harness or leash and walk them around the outside of the pen. Pay attention to their body language and let them smell all the scents and view all the dogs. Once you are happy with how familiar they are with the environment, you can take them in to meet other dogs and people.

Step

3

Play

Most Shiba Pins are going to play nicely with other dogs and people, but it can be a slow process to get to that point. Always supervise your dog when you take them to the park, and make sure they are playing nicely with other dogs.

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Beach Fun

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Toy

Towel

Doggy waste bag

Activity description

Even though your Shiba Pin is small, and more “handbag” in stature than other larger dogs, that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy outings. They are small like a lapdog but have a large personality you need to let shine through. A beach trip can help. On a hot summer’s day when you have an hour up your sleeve, pack a leash, towel, toy, and waste bag, and take your Shiba Pin for a trip to the beach. Here, they can sniff around, paddle in the water, play with their toy, and enjoy their surroundings. This simple and free activity is also one that will appeal to dog owners too. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a trip to the beach when the sun’s beating down?

Step

1

Choose a beach

Unfortunately, not every beach welcomes dogs with open arms – and your Shiba Pin is no exception. If you aren’t sure whether your local beach or watering hole has any restrictions, then find out. Take a look online, ring your local council, and ask friends and family. The last thing you want to do is turn up to a beach with your dog when they aren’t welcome. A few of the many options include Fort Myers Beach in Florida, Rosie’s Dog Beach in California, and Montrose Dog Beach in Chicago, Illinois.

Step

2

Teach swimming

Is your dog an avid swimmer? Do you want them to be? Then teach them to swim before you take them to the beach. Alternatively, you can prepare them for wearing a life jacket so they can hit the waves with confidence. Take them to a flat body of water with no people around. Encourage them into the water slowly with treats, toys, and positive reinforcement. It may take several days, but the time you put in can equate to a more rewarding beach experience.

Step

3

Have fun

Going to the beach in summer is always a fun experience, but many dog owners feel terrible about leaving their pets at home. Don’t let your Shiba Pin miss out. Include them in on the trip and provide them with fun activities to do while you’re there. You can then return home with a dog that wants to sleep and relax!

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More Fun Ideas...

Walk

A Shiba Pin requires between 45 minutes and an hour of physical and mental stimulation every day. If your creative juices aren’t flowing and you can’t come up with anything overly exciting, then you can’t go wrong with a walk. It doesn’t matter where you go; your Shiba Pin will enjoy going for a walk with you by their side. What’s more, it’s free, easy, and gives you an excuse to pound the pavement as well.

Car Ride

One of the most convenient things about owning a Shiba Pin is their size. They are not hard to bring anywhere with you and won’t take up a lot of space in a vehicle. As a result, a car ride is often an excellent activity option for a dog who loves to go with you everywhere. You can put a harness on them with a seatbelt attachment, and take them on an adventure in the car. Most Shiba Pins will jump at the chance to watch all the traffic whizzing by from a vehicle rather than your home’s front window.

Conclusion

Shiba Pins can be similar to a grumpy old man. They can be aloof, a little snappy, and not very social when they aren’t feeling up to it. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have a lot of love to give, or don't want it in return. If you want your Shiba Pin to feel pawsitive about you and be in a good mood, then treat them to fun and exciting activities. They don’t ask for a lot, but they will be happy with any of these options above.