Mastering the Art of Chihuahua Walks: A Training Guide

The Daily Walk: A Cherished Routine for Shiba Inus

For Shiba Inus, a daily walk is not just a physical activity; it's a vital part of their daily routine and a means to switch up their mood.

Moreover, appropriately exposing young puppies to the outside world is an essential part of their socialization process; for older dogs, it helps combat aging.

And, of course, this time spent with their owners allows for joyful communication and bonding.

Optimal Walking Schedule, Frequency, and Routes for Shiba Inus

Time

Adult Shiba Inus should have a walk lasting over an hour each day.

Once puppies have received their vaccinations, they can start walking on the ground. Initially, start with short walks around the neighborhood and gradually increase the distance and time.

Gradually teach your dog to walk independently.

For healthy adult dogs, a walk of about an hour is ideal.

Observe your dog's physical condition while walking in parks and other places, playing with balls, running, and allowing it to freely move its body.

Frequency

Twice a day is ideal

It's best to take your dog out for walks twice a day if possible, with one walk ensuring it gets adequate exercise.

On bad weather days, one walk per day is fine, but spend time playing with your dog indoors to help relieve its stress.

Time of Day

Randomness is key

Decide on a general time for walks in the morning or evening, but not being too strict about the exact time can make the walks more exciting for your dog.

Setting a fixed time for walks might lead to your dog barking for walks at that specific time.

Avoid taking your dog out during hot or cold times, such as the middle of summer or early morning and late at night in winter.

Especially in the summer, choose cooler times to avoid overheating.

Routes

Keep it interesting with some variety

Changing up the walking route occasionally can enhance your dog's enjoyment and socialization.

Even if you choose the same route, just a different road or walking in the opposite direction can make it feel new and exciting.

Discovering new surprises, like meeting other dogs, can be delightful.

Handling Encounters with Other Dogs

Training 1: Passing by Other Dogs Calmly

(The goal of this training is to ensure your dog doesn't bark at other dogs and leaves calmly when passing by.)

When another dog approaches from the front, shorten the leash, and both owners should keep their dogs on the outside, with themselves on the inside.

When they get close, speak to your dog to attract its attention and quickly pass by the other dog.

Tip:

When encountering large dogs, the most important thing is to prevent your dog from feeling scared.

If your dog still approaches the other dog, instruct it to "sit" or "lie down" and make sure it follows the command immediately.

This not only stops it from approaching but also helps to calm its nerves.

Training 2: Greeting Other Dogs

(This training is to help your dog learn to greet other dogs calmly and play with them.)

Let the dogs sniff each other's butts. They will decide who sniffs first, and sometimes they will sniff each other simultaneously.

After this, you can let them face each other.

Tip:

When training your dog to greet other dogs, it's safer to start with a friend's dog that is of similar size and temperament.

If the dogs don't get along, separate them immediately and never force them to interact.

Never let them face each other suddenly.

If the dogs haven't sniffed each other's butts before facing each other, they may become aggressive or the smaller dog may feel scared. Always start with the sniffing part.

Teaching Your Dog to Walk Properly for a Happy and Safe Walk

Once your dog has been vaccinated, it's time for its first independent walk!

For owners, walking with their beloved Shiba Inu is a joyous experience.

For dogs, walks are their favorite time, and they can easily get excited and run around. To prevent accidents or injuries, it's crucial to teach them to follow your pace.

Walking Technique Training

Walking Beside the Owner

Command: "Come here"

(The goal of this training is to have your dog walk beside you without pulling on the leash and in sync with your pace.)

1. Basic stance.

Have your dog stand to your left, and firmly hold one end of the leash with your dominant hand. The other hand should hold the middle of the leash, ensuring it's not too long (not pulling on the dog).

2. Wait for your dog to calm down, then call its name and establish eye contact. Start walking slowly while keeping your dog's attention on you. It's okay if your dog walks slightly in front or behind.

3. Continue talking to your dog during the walk to keep its attention on you.

If your dog doesn't pull on the leash during a short walk, you've succeeded! Remember to praise and reward it!

4. If your dog starts to walk ahead or is distracted and stops, don't pull on the leash to get its attention.

Use toys or treats and say "Come here" to get it to return.

Using the leash to pull your dog back is a mistake!

Even if your dog pulls on the leash eagerly, pulling it back with the leash will only have the opposite effect. Shiba Inus tend to move in the opposite direction when pulled.

Therefore, if this happens, call its name, show it a treat, and call it back. Then return to the basic stance and feed it, keeping its focus on you.

Wait for your dog to calm down and then start walking again. Be patient and repeat this training.

Prewalk Practice with Puppies

Before puppies are vaccinated, they are susceptible to various diseases. If you want to go for a walk, hold your puppy and avoid letting it touch the ground.

However, puppies from 3 to 16 weeks old are in a crucial socialization period. Regardless of whether they have been vaccinated, it's important to expose them to various people, things, and sounds to help them get accustomed to the outside world.

If your puppy is healthy, you can start the prewalk practice the day after you bring it home.

Even though it's just being held and not touching the ground, remember to put it in a harness and attach a leash to prevent it from running away.

Prewalk Practice During the Socialization Period

Example of prewalk practice

(The goal of this training is to ensure your dog doesn't bark at other dogs and leaves calmly when passing by.)

1. Get used to the natural scenery, people, and other animals in the park.

Start by taking your dog to quiet parks with few people or dogs. Let it watch others or sniff leaves from a distance.

2. Get used to the sounds of cars and noise on the streets.

Once your dog is accustomed to the outdoor environment, take it to busy streets with a lot of traffic.

Let it listen to various sounds, like car noises, honking, and sirens, and watch people and cars moving.

3. Get used to things around you.

Let your dog observe and sniff things around, such as cars, bicycles, garden tools, trees, and grass.

Preventing Your Dog from Getting Lost

For safety, your dog should wear identification tags

Shiba Inus are naturally playful and curious, and they can easily run away and get lost. Even if they are lucky enough to be protected by others, the chance of them finding their way back to you is low.

To protect our furry family members, make sure they wear identification tags! This is your last line of defense!