When Do Shiba Inus Calm Down? (What Owners MUST Know)

When will your Shiba calm down? If you’ve got a hyper Shiba at home it can quickly become hard to handle. I’ve dealt with this issue for over 10 years, so I’ll explain everything I know so you can quickly manage your Shiba’s energy without breaking a sweat.

When Do Shiba Inus Calm Down?

Generally, Shiba Inus start to calm down when they reach 2 years old.

However, every Shiba is unique the exact time can vary, for some it may be earlier than 18 months, but for others they might keep their puppy-like spirit until 3 or even 4 years old.

➡️ Still, something I say to all owners is that relying on age alone is not the right way to get a calm Shiba!

Additionally, the thing about Shibas is that even when they calm down, they will still be an active and alert breed. So, we can’t expect them to transform into couch potatoes overnight!

Why Age Alone Doesn’t Equal a Calm Dog

While age is a factor in your Shiba Inu calming down, it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

The truth is that Shiba Inus are originally working dogs with a high energy output. They have high stamina and are ready to be active all day long.

Not only this, but because they have a working background, they also need their minds to be challenged in order to be calm and content, no matter their age, mental stimulation will always play a vital role in how “calm” any particular Shiba is.

Also, we have to factor in individual temperament, some Shibas are just super energetic naturally. Yep, I guess you got lucky there!

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5 Proactive Ways to Manage Your Shiba Inu’s Energy

Thankfully, because age alone isn’t the best way to get a calm Shiba, there are things you can do right now to start reducing hyperactivity (if that’s happening with your Shiba) and create a calm, stable dog.

Emphasis should be placed on providing mental stimulation.

Regular exercise

Shiba Inus are an active breed, known for their energy and agility. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to help manage this energy.

But what do we mean by regular exercise? It’s not just about letting them out in the backyard for a while.

You should plan at least one to two good walks or runs per day. Don’t forget to switch it up, too. Try different routes and parks to keep things interesting for your Shiba.

Playtime can also be a great source of exercise. Fetch, tug of war, and other interactive games can help your Shiba Inu burn off energy while also strengthening your bond.

Mental stimulation

Don’t underestimate the power of mental stimulation! Tiring your pup’s mind, is even more important than tiring their body if you want to achieve a calm dog.

Shiba Inus are incredibly intelligent, and they need mental challenges just as much as physical ones. Without mental stimulation, your Shiba may become bored and might use that excess energy in ways you don’t want—like chewing up your favorite shoes.

Mental stimulation can come in various forms:

Puzzle toys are a great option: they require your Shiba to think and work to get a treat. Some of them can also be used when you aren’t there.
Interactive games, like hide-and-seek or treasure hunt, also work well. You can hide treats around the house and let your Shiba sniff them out.
Give names to your Shiba’s toys and practice calling them out for her to retrieve them correctly. This may take some time, but once she understand a few names it creates a fun game that’s super stimulating.
Training sessions are also an excellent way to engage your Shiba’s brain. Teach them new commands or tricks, turning learning into a fun activity!

The two methods below are also forms of mental stimulation.

The reason this is so important is because in nearly all cases of hyperactivity in dogs, they are severely lacking mental stimulation.

No matter how much physical exercise they get, if their minds aren’t tired, they will still have energy that they need to release.

Training

Training is another key to helping your Shiba Inu manage their energy. Through training, your Shiba Inu learns boundaries and behavior expectations, which can lead to a calmer demeanor.

Regular training sessions not only provide mental stimulation but also establish a strong relationship between you and your Shiba based on respect and understanding.

Consider both obedience training and socialization training. Obedience training helps your Shiba learn basic commands, while socialization training helps them learn how to behave around other dogs, animals, and people.

Remember, patience is essential. Shiba Inus are known to be a bit stubborn, but consistent, positive reinforcement can go a long way.

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Socialization

Socializing your Shiba Inu is another effective way to help them manage their energy. By introducing them to a variety of environments, people, and other animals, you’re not just helping them become well-rounded dogs, but you’re also providing them with valuable mental stimulation.

Socialization is perhaps one of the most potent forms of mental stimulation for a dog, so it’s worth staying an extra 10 minutes at the dog park!

Trips to the dog park or arranging playdates with other dogs can be beneficial. These experiences allow your Shiba to interact with others, helping them burn off energy and learn proper social behavior. Just remember to keep an eye on them during these sessions to ensure they’re playing nicely with others!

By incorporating these methods into your Shiba Inu’s routine, you’ll provide outlets for their energy, promote good behavior, and contribute to their overall health and happiness. It may take some time, but the results will be worth it!

Avoid leaving your Shiba alone too much!

Shibas do not like being left alone for too long. It’s different for every Shiba but 3-5 hours seems to be the max for most.

Read more: Shiba Inu Attention Needs

How does this relate to hyper behavior and calming down?

A Shiba that’s left alone too often/too long will quickly get stressed, anxious, bored, frustrated and extremely pent-up.

This will no doubt lead to an outburst of energy, excitement and hyper behavior when you are actually there with her or him.

The more bored your Shiba gets, the harder it will be for them to remain calm and stable for when they’re around their favorite humans. So while this isn’t often thought about when it comes to hyperactivity, it really does impact it!

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Disclaimer
The advice given in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice in any context. Before making any decisions that may affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. For the FULL disclaimer Visit Here

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