How to Potty Train a Shiba Inu
Jump to section
Introduction
The Shiba Inu is a smaller breed of dog originating in Japan. Its original role was to hunt in dense jungle terrain. They typically stand about 15 inches tall and only weigh around 20 pounds. While they may be stubborn and hard to train in many other ways, potty training is really not much of a challenge. In fact, many owners say by the time they brought their pup home from the breeder, it was already self-potty trained. One of the more unusual things about the Shiba Inu is that it likes to be clean and for its territory to be clean.
Top
Defining Tasks
The idea is to teach your pup that the only place he is allowed to go potty is outside in a designated spot in your yard or when you are out for a walk. Since your pup naturally prefers to be clean, the process should be relatively easy. However, you will still need to work with your pup and train him. This will not only keep him from going potty in your home, but in any other home or building as well. Once your pooch is trained not to go potty in the house, then the rest should follow suit.
Top
Getting Started
You can get started training your Shiba Inu from the moment you bring him into your house--even if the breeder tells you he already goes outside. The reason for this is that coming into a new home and a new family may cause your pup to regress. Also, you may find you are the one being trained to take him out when he needs it. Along with this, you need a few basic training supplies, including:
- A crate – A safe place for your pup when you are unable to watch him or have to go out
- Treats – Always have a healthy supply of these on hand for rewards
- A leash – To take your dog outside on during training
Along with all of this, you will also need a lot of time to work with your pup and the patience to stick with his training until he has finally mastered this very important skill.
Top
The This Is Your Spot Method
Effective
0 Votes
Effective
0 Votes
Crate your pup
Whenever you can't supervise your pup, go ahead and keep him in his crate.
Pick your pup's spot
Before you start potty training, choose a spot in your yard that your pup can use to go potty.
Show your pup
Take your pup outside and set him down in the middle of the spot you want him to use as a potty. As you are setting your pup down, tell him to "Go Potty!" Then give him plenty of time to go. When he does, be sure to praise him and give him a treat.
Back to the crate
Take your pup back inside, and unless you plan to play with him, go ahead and put him back in his crate. If for any reason he starts to whine, sniff, or circle around in the crate, take him back outside.
Continue
Continue working with your pup, allowing him to stay out of his crate for longer periods of time each day until he can stay out all day. When your Shiba Inu starts to go to the door and whine to let you know he needs to go out, you have reached your goal.
The Kitchen Timer Method
Effective
0 Votes
Effective
0 Votes
Choose your location
Before you start to potty train your pup, you need to choose a spot in your yard that will become your pup's toilet.
Choose your cue
Choose a cue word you will use each time you take your pup outside to go potty.
Work your cue
Put your pup on his leash, use the cue word, and take him outside to the chosen spot to go potty. When he pees or poops, be sure to praise him and give him a treat.
Set the timer
Bring your pup back in the house and set the kitchen timer. Set it for 30 minutes and then take him back out again.
Repeat for success
Repeat the steps above, slowly adding more time between when you take him out until he no longer messes in the house.
The Marked Spot Method
Effective
0 Votes
Effective
0 Votes
Hi ho, it's to the store you go
For this method, you need to run out to your favorite pet store for a spray bottle of puppy potty training spray. Go home and use the spray to mark the spot in the yard where you want your pup to go potty.
Take your pup to his spot
Call your pup over, put his leash on and take him outside over to the spot you marked previously.
Wait it out
Give him plenty of time to explore the spot. With a little bit of luck, he will go potty almost instantly, when he does give him a treat and lots of praise.
If he doesn't go
If your pup doesn't go right away, hang out for 15 minutes to give him time to do his business. If he still doesn't go, take him back inside and try again in a few minutes. Praise him when he goes and, of course, give him a treat.
Keep working it
Continue working with your pup, adding more time between outings until he can hold himself for several hours. When you reach this point, your pup will come and let you know when he needs to go.
By PB Getz
Published: 03/02/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
