How To Successfully Recall Train A Shiba Inu (With Tips)


Training your Shiba Inu to come when called is an essential skill every pet should know, but with how stubborn Shibas can be, they can make training a bit challenging.

Always use positive reinforcement when training your shiba inu to come when called. Reward your pup with praise, treats, or playtime for responding to your recall command. This creates a positive association and motivates your dog to respond consistently.

shiba inu recall training

And while incorporating the above elements will help, there’s more to recall training a Shiba Inu. Let me explain.

What Is Recall Training?

Recall training is teaching your dog to come back when called. It’s one of the most important behaviors to teach your dog. A strong and reliable recall can keep your dog safe and give them more freedom. Before letting your dog off the leash in a public place, it’s also necessary.

Which, unfortunately, isn’t recommended for Shiba Inus.

How To Train A Shiba Inu To Come When Called

1. Take Your Shiba Inu To A Quiet And Distraction-Free Area

First, find a quiet, distraction-free area to begin training your Shiba Inu for recall. This will help your dog focus on your commands and ease learning. Start indoors and gradually progress to outdoor spaces with minimal distractions.

2. Use A Simple Call Like “Here” Or “Come Here”

Choose a simple and consistent command for recall, such as “here” or “come here.” Consistency is key, as using different commands can confuse your Shiba Inu. When your dog is focused on you, confidently say the command and use a hand gesture if needed.


Tip – Avoid repeating yourself. If you feel the need to repeat yourself, the environment may be too distracting. Instead, wait a few seconds and try again.


3. Respond To Their Efforts Positively

When your Shiba Inu successfully comes when called, reward them with a treat, toy, or their favorite form of praise. If they do not respond to the command or become distracted, simply ignore the mistake and try again.

Avoid scolding or punishing your dog, as it may create a negative association with the recall command and discourage future responsiveness.

4. Reward Their Successes While Ignoring Their Mistakes

Remember to reward your Shiba Inu’s successes while ignoring their mistakes.

If they don’t come to you when called, resist the urge to scold or punish them. Instead, calmly wait a little bit before getting their attention and trying again.

5. Be Patient And Practice Consistently

Recall training takes time and patience, so be sure to practice consistently. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as your Shiba Inu becomes more comfortable and confident with the training.

How Long Does It Take To Train A Dog To Recall?

The time it takes to train a dog to recall can vary depending on the dog’s age, personality, and previous training experiences. Some dogs may quickly pick up the recall command, while others may take weeks or months of consistent training.

Don’t get discouraged if your Shiba Inu doesn’t immediately respond to your recall command. Consistency and patience are key to successful recall training.

How Do You Recall A Dog That Won’t Listen?

If your Shiba Inu is not responding to your recall command, there are a few things you can try:

Use a more exciting tone of voice: Your dog may not respond because they don’t find your recall command exciting or engaging enough.

Use High-Value Rewards: Shiba Inus can be stubborn, so it is essential to use high-value treats or toys that your dog truly loves and can’t resist. This will help your dog associate the recall command with a positive experience, making them more likely to respond.

Use a long leash or training lead: If you’re having trouble getting your Shiba Inu to come when called, try using a long leash or training lead to give them more freedom while still having control over their movements.

Begin in a Controlled Environment: Start training in a controlled environment (such as your home or a fenced yard) with minimal distractions. Once your dog consistently responds to the recall command, gradually increase the distractions.

Be Consistent and Patient: Consistent reinforcement of the recall command is key to success. If your Shiba Inu doesn’t respond to your call initially, don’t become frustrated or give up. Keep practicing and reinforce the behavior consistently to build a strong foundation of trust and understanding.


Tip – Avoid chasing your dog, even in an emergency situation. They’ll see it as a game and may continue to run away from you.


Shiba Inus Rarely Listen To Every Command

It’s important to remember that Shiba Inus are known for being independent and stubborn. While they’re certainly trainable, they may not always listen to every command you give them.

That’s why it’s crucial to practice recall training consistently and in a distraction-free environment.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to train your Shiba Inu to come when called and handle any recall training challenges that may arise.

Summary: How To Successfully Recall Train Your Shiba Inu

Recall training is an essential skill for any dog owner, and it’s especially important for Shiba Inus, who have a tendency to be independent and stubborn. You can get started by:

  • Find a quiet and distraction-free area to start your training.
  • Use a simple command like “Here” or “Come here” consistently.
  • Respond positively to your Shiba Inu’s recall efforts with verbal praise, treats, or both.
  • Reward successes while ignoring mistakes.
  • Be patient and practice consistently.
  • Use a more exciting tone of voice or high-value treats if your Shiba Inu is not responding to your recall command.
  • Use a long leash or training lead to give your Shiba Inu more freedom while still having control over their movements.
  • Avoid chasing your dog, even in an emergency situation.
  • Avoid letting your Shiba Inu off-leash outside.

Remember, recall training takes time, patience, and consistency. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to successfully training your Shiba Inu to come when called. Happy training!


Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Train A Shiba Inu Not To Run Away?

Shiba Inus can be trained not to run away. Recall training is a great way to prevent your Shiba Inu from running away or chasing after small animals. It’s important to keep your Shiba Inu on a leash or in a fenced area, especially in the early stages of training.

But even still, I don’t recommend letting your Shiba Inu off-leash.

Why Does My Shiba Inu Keep Ignoring Me?

Shiba Inus are known for their independent nature, and they may not always listen to every command you give them. This doesn’t mean that they’re being disobedient – they may simply be distracted or more interested in something else.

Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help improve your Shiba Inu’s response to your commands.

Are Shiba Inus Difficult To Train?

Shiba Inus can be more challenging to train than other dog breeds, but they’re certainly trainable with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It’s important to keep training sessions short and engaging and use high-value treats or other rewards to motivate your Shiba Inu.

With the right training techniques and a positive attitude, you can successfully train your Shiba Inu to come when called and respond to other commands.

How To Discipline A Shiba Inu Effectively?

Discipline your Shiba Inu using positive reinforcement methods, like timeouts, redirection, and ignoring unwanted behaviors. Avoid physical punishment or harsh reprimands, as they may have negative consequences. Praising and rewarding good behavior is also crucial for reinforcing desired actions.

Colby Adkins

I am a proud Shiba Inu owner who is just looking to share any tips, tricks, or advice I have to help others.

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