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Many dog owners worry about leaving their dogs home alone while away at work, which can be a huge stress factor. Sometimes, one may add a dog breed to the family without knowing the specifics of the breed, such as if the breed does well being alone or gets along with other pets. Thankfully, the Shiba Inu is an independent breed, and an adult can be left alone on average for 6-8 hours and a puppy for 2 hours, depending on their exact age and any underlying health issues. However, some dogs may be prone to separation anxiety.
Let’s explore the history and characteristics of the Shiba Inu and dive into how to handle separation anxiety issues should they arise when left alone.
History of the Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is the oldest and smallest native dog breed of Japan, having been around since 300 B.C. These dogs have a strong history as hunters in the rugged and dense underbrush of the mountains of Japan, which is where they got their name—“Shiba” means brushed wood but also little, and “Inu” means dog in Japanese.
These dogs almost became extinct after World War II but managed to survive wartime hardships. Today, they are the most popular dog breed in Japan and have continually increased in popularity over the last 50 years in the United States.
Characteristics of the Shiba Inu
As we’ve stated, the Shiba Inu is an independent breed that is alert, active, attentive, and friendly but tends to be wary of strangers. They are self-reliant, energetic, and playful companions, requiring 1-2 hours of exercise per day, if not more, depending on their age and health. You can exercise your Shiba Inu by taking long walks, running, hiking, or engaging them in a game of fetch. They have a long lifespan of 13–16 years and weigh 17–23 pounds.
Early socialization is important with this breed like with any other. If not properly socialized, some dogs can become fearful, and possessive of food and toys; they also may not get along well with other dogs.
Is the Shiba Inu a Good Breed for the First-Time Dog Owner?
The Shiba Inu typically bonds with one or two owners, but this breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners. They are relatively easy to train due to their intelligence but require a patient and dedicated trainer who can handle their sometimes-stubborn streak. They also have a strong prey drive and may not come when called. They also do better with older children, so keep this in mind if you have little ones running around. In short, this breed is not ideal for the first-time dog owner.
If you’re set on adding one to your family, you may want to consider hiring a professional dog trainer or even enrolling your pooch in obedience classes to help you with training.
So, How Long Can I Leave My Shiba Inu Alone?
An adult Shiba Inu can be left alone for up to 8 hours per day. However, some may develop separation anxiety when you leave, which can lead to unwanted destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, chewing, digging, and even going potty inside the house.
For puppies, you should leave them alone for no more than 2 hours per day, which can be challenging when you can’t come home for breaks throughout the day. Puppies simply cannot hold their bladders for 8 hours and need frequent potty breaks, so what do you do? Fortunately, you have options.
Take Time Off Work
If you can’t come home throughout the day to let your puppy Shiba Inu out, you may need to take 2 to 3 weeks off work to be home with your new puppy if feasible. The first few weeks are critical in establishing a bond with your pup, and you can spend this time training and socializing your new furball. If you work from home, then you already have an advantage.
Enlist the Help of Family and Friends
Not everyone is lucky enough to work from home, and if this is you, you may want to ask for help from family and friends who can come over 2–3 times a day to let your puppy out. This may be a pain, but remember, it’s only a temporary situation. Once your Shiba Inu grows out of the puppy stage, you can leave them alone for longer without worry.
You may need to reconsider getting a puppy if you cannot utilize these two options.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
If your Shiba Inu has separation anxiety, you may notice these signs when preparing to leave your home:
- Pacing
- Whining
- Trembling
- Destructive behavior (chewing, digging)
- Urinating or defecating in the house
- Drooling
- Panting
- Barking
- Desperate attempts to escape the home
How Do I Deal with My Shiba Inu’s Separation Anxiety?
Not all dogs of this breed will develop separation anxiety, but it’s wise to learn how to deal with the issue should it arise. Let’s look at helpful tips to help deal with the issue.
- Exercise your Shiba Inu before leaving for work to tire them o This will also give them plenty of opportunity to use the toilet.
- Grab your keys or anything other objects you usually grab before heading out on a regular basis, but do not leave. Instead, sit down and read or watch TV. Keep in mind this is an ongoing process and takes time—eventually, your Shiba Inu will realize that just because you’re grabbing your keys does not always lead to you leaving. Alternatively, try to prepare your keys and everything you need well ahead of time so your dog doesn’t get upset when you start to get ready to leave.
- Hire a pet sitter to be with your dog when you can’t.
- Give your Shiba Inu a puzzle feeder or kong toy filled with kibble or frozen treats, so they can spend some time enjoying this treat.
If you have any concerns about your dog or their health, we recommend you contact your vet directly.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!
Final Thoughts
The independent Shiba Inu can be left alone for up to 8 hours per day. A puppy Shiba Inu can be left for up to 2 hours at a time. Training your pup to become accustomed to being alone takes time, but once they have entered adulthood, you can safely leave them alone while away for longer.
Exercising your Shiba Inu before leaving to tire them out and give them a chance to use the toilet is best. These dogs are active, and if you can exercise them through a game of fetch or a long walk before work, they’ll do even better while you’re gone.
Featured Image Credit: Sergiy Palamarchuk, Shutterstock
