If you’re a fulltime Shiba lover and as well an avid camper, then “would a Shiba Inu dog be good for camping?” has to be a question ravaging in your mind. Worry not, though, as the sweat will be no more as this article is here to help you find out whether a Shiba Inu can make a good camping companion.
Seriously, can they? Yes, Shiba can make a great camping dog. The Japanese describe Shiba Inus with three words: kaani-i. ryosei and soboku, which translate to boldness, good nature, and alertness respectively – evidently preferable for trips out in the wild. The breed is also known to be smart, athletic, and independent, all of which makes them an excellent camping companion.
What makes an excellent hiking dog?
Most dogs would just enjoy hiking, but not all can fit the tempo and the demands of a hike – some even far from it. Your best choice for a hiking dog would require you to consider whether the breed’s characteristics would be suitable.
What, to be specific? Let’s dive right in.
1. Active & Enjoy natural settings
First off, the dog needs a huge love for the wild and a high energy level. The environment will be vastly different from their apartment lives, so for a good hiking experience, a dog needs to be relatively nature-oriented and, well, like to move-it move-it energetic.
Which one shall be good? A more active dog – Shiba Inu, for example – would be more favorable than lapdogs who only love to couch and snuggle on their comfy beds. A Shiba can be quite playful and would enjoy sun-drenched walking and gaming out in the open air.
2. Intelligent & Great sense of smell
What else is needed in a camp canine? Utility for the win. Dogs are known to be helpful companions to humans, but the types of “helpful” do differ among them.
For a good camping mate, you would like to find a smart, agile dog with an insane sense of smell. This way, you can have them navigate your hike through tricky paths and trails without much assistance, and play certain dog-owner games when at, say, a beautiful recess point.
3. Trainable for camping
Easy to train dogs usually make excellent camping friends since they can learn the trails and behaviors in a short time.
Trainable dogs will also interact well with other hikers and dogs and not cost you sweat to stop them from going raucous. It would always be nice to have a walking mate that will not bite or bark at just any novel beings that it sees.
Careful here. You need to pay especially close attention to this aspect if you are planning to take your Shiba Inu on a camping trip. The breed is known to possess a sense of superiority – or so he thinks – towards other animals and, yes, also its owner.
The Shiba Inus approach the world with calm dignity, which might sound good, but it is the reason for the breed to be described as quite stubborn. For that reason, a dog from the Shiba breed can be quite difficult to deal with for novice owners and have a tendency to be mouthy.
However, do not let that deter you from having a trip with these boys. Once you have managed the stubbornness and individuality with the right methods, you’ll end up with a very capable camping companion.
4. Appropriate Fur
What characteristics are we looking at when deciding on a good fur for hiking, exactly? Being climate-appropriate & Hypoallergenic.
For your best experience, you would want to find a dog with furs suitable for the expected climate and at the same time does not shed too heavily.
That means, if you love a flexible dog that can cope well with both hot and cold weather, do not hesitate to pick your Shiba. However, pay attention that they do shed, but they’re being easy to groom and fastidious about self-cleaning make that not too much of a problem.
Tips for camping with your dogs.
1. Not all dogs are suitable for camping
As we mentioned above, dogs love to be walked, but hiking or camping is a wholly different story. A canine needs to possess the various favorable features that are listed to qualify as a good hiking mate, and there are quite some breeds which just, sadly, do not.
Here are some breeds that are not cut out for outdoor camping:
- Pugs (a brachycephalic, particularly sensitive to heat, exercise, and stress);
- Siberian Huskies (prone to mischief, high prey drive);
- Chihuahua (fragile, low endurance) and so on.
Think twice before you take these dogs on a trip with you.
2. Vaccinate your dog
Vaccination prior to trips is crucial to keeping your dog healthy during & after the trip. As the outside environment can expose your companion to harsh conditions as well as dangerous disease sources.
It is always a good idea to get your dog vaccinated before going on a camping trip to keep him healthy and active.
3. No wildlife chasing
Do NOT let your dog chase wildlife animals. Camping-suitable dogs very often fall into the hunting dog family. If you let him chase animals or intendedly do so with him, you will regret it. Even dogs with moderate prey drives can go wild if stimulated by the action of chasing other animals.
Once that happens, they can get out of control or even escape your sight – not something you would love, we suppose. So, unless you are purposefully hunting, we have to repeat: No wildlife chasing.
4. Give your dog a tag
A tag is necessary at home and VITAL in camping or hiking settings. In case your dog gets overly excited and runs away from your sight, a name tag would help you find him much more easily.
Get your companion a durable tag, jot down his/her name, your phone number/address, and both are ready for the trip.
FAQs
Q: Can Shiba Inu hike?
As mentioned above, Shiba Inus can make an excellent hiking partner. The breed is agile and nimble, making it able to follow owners on trails effortlessly.
Shiba dogs are also very athletic, smart, and bold with good weather tolerance and an exceptional sense of smell, all of which grant the breed a superb ability to hike.
Q: Why do Shiba Inus not bark?
Contrary to some beliefs, Shiba Inus do not have any physical differences in their voice box that make them unable to bark.
In fact, it is just the nature of the breed to be not very barky. Shiba dogs instead make other vocalizations (Scream/squeal) or do “huff and puff” to express their emotions.
- Read more: Why Dogs Bark and Curbing Excessive Barking
Q: Can my Shiba Inu camp in extremely cold weather?
A good yes. Shiba Inus are known to be cold-resistant dogs. With their thick layers of fur, these Japanese-bred dogs can walk and play quite comfortably under cold weather. In fact, they even enjoy the snow, the thicker the better.
Q: Can I get my Shiba to stop digging?
Shiba dogs do tend to fervently dig, and that drives some owners insane. However, you may not realize that the reason for their digging can be simply due to their restlessness.
Simply letting your dog outside for walking, hiking, or physical activities will do the trick in getting the dog to stop digging.
Q: Are Shiba Inu active dogs?
They are. Shiba Inus have a high energy level and are quite playful. Their athleticism gives them a constant need to exercise, which can include running, rolling, or jumping. They can be quite restless and love to take part in outdoor activities.
Q: Are Shiba Inu good outside dogs?
Shiba Inus are great outdoor canines. Their intelligence is coupled with an agile, weather-tolerant body with quick reflexes, thus making them highly suitable for outdoor environments.
However, he can be quite problematic to first-time owners due to their high prey drive and aggressiveness, so pay a little extra attention when you take them outside with you.
Reading more:
- Shiba Inu Dog Breed: Facts, Temperament and Care Info
- Shiba Inu Training Secrets
Conclusion
Camping is already a fun activity, but it can be even more enjoyable with a Shiba Inu companion. Their physical abilities as well as mental capabilities would make Shiba dogs excellent camping buddies.
Although the breed is not without problems as they require extra attention in training from owners, do not be deterred from taking your Shiba Inu as your camping/hiking mate.
Would Shiba Inu be a camping dog? Yes, they would. Once you have carefully read the information and follow the tips that we provided, you will realize the breed is one of the most wonderful hiking dogs you can ever get.
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