Shiba Inu Care Kit

  Shiba Inu Care Kit 

Leashes & Harnesses

Features

The Shiba is incredibly energetic and muscular. When walking, you’ll need:

• A secure harness that won’t choke your dog.
• Sturdy material that will not break.
• A 22 – 27″ chest fit (measure your Shiba).
• Avoid dangerous retractable leashes.

Expert Picks

• Freedom No-Pull Harness – Clip your leash to the front of the harness and the collar for extra security.
• Vivaglory Dog Leash – This six-foot leash is thick and sturdy.

Basic Toys

Features

Energetic dogs need lots of toys. You should pick toys for your Shiba that are:

• Difficult to destroy.
• Preferably indestructible.
• Provide different textures for your Shiba to bite.

Expert Picks

• Goughnuts – This toy’s claim to fame is its indestructible material! Your Shiba will be the judge of that.
• Mammoth Flossy Toys – This six-foot rope lets your Shiba play, while also cleaning their teeth.

Mentally Stimulating Toys

Features

Shibas are intelligent and high energy dogs. You need to keep them mentally stimulated with toys that:

• Keep them occupied for long periods.
• Allow your Shiba to utilize natural foraging behaviors.
• Make your dog think to reach a goal.

Expert Picks

• iFetch – Tennis ball launcher. Your Shiba uses problem-solving to learn how to play.
• OurPets IQ Treat Ball – Simple but effective. Your dog rolls the ball to get the treats out. Easy to clean.

Chews

Features

Chewing is a great way for your high-energy Shiba to burn energy. When looking for a chew, you want:

• Digestible.
• Tasty! It has to keep your dog’s interest.
• Long-lasting.

Expert Picks

• Bully Sticks – Edible, easy to digest, dogs love them! Do not overfeed, they are high in calories.
• Deer Antlers – Choose the split variety. Supervise at first for your dog’s safety.

Dog Beds

Features

Your Shiba plays hard, so you need to make sure he/she has a good place to recharge their batteries. When choosing a bed, consider:

• Comfort.
• Durability.
• Style.

Expert Picks

• Furhaven Dog Bed – Only for non-chewers. Features: memory foam, machine washable cover. When it comes to beds, bigger is better.
• AmazonBasics Elevated Pet Bed – Best for heavy chewers. Features: Elevated for comfort and joint support, indestructible metal frame.

Dog Crates

Features

Shibas can be a little devilish. They are incredibly intelligent, have lots of energy. To keep your dog secure, and your belongings safe, choose a crate with:

• Metal or wire material (indestructible).
• Just enough space to lie down.
• A divider included.

Expert Picks

• MidWest Homes Crate – Perfect size for an adult Shiba. Features: Divider, roller feet.
• AmazonBasics Crate – Cheaper alternative option. Comes with a divider panel.

Dog Treats

Features

Shibas are notorious for being difficult to train, so you need to keep them interested. You should ensure your treats are:

• Moist! Dry biscuits are boring.
• Varied.
• Flavorful. Favorite flavors: Salmon, duck, rabbit, etc.

Expert Picks

• ACANA Singles – Not moist, but flavorful. Featured: Freeze-dried ingredients, high-value.
• Zuke’s Training Treats – Easily breakable. Features salmon, duck, and rabbit flavor.

Travel Supplies

Features

With their high energy levels, Shibas make great hiking companions! When traveling with your dog, it’s important to have:

• Something to protect your seats.
• Dog seat belts (attach to their harness).
• Supplies while on-the-go.

Expert Picks

• URPOWER Seat Cover – Shibas can get messy, and that doesn’t mix well with your seats. Features: Waterproof, two seatbelts.
• Earth Rated Poop Bags – Every dog poops, and not cleaning it can land you a fine. Features: Recycled materials.
• Deyace Dog Water Bottle – Prevent heat stroke by keeping your high-energy Shiba hydrated. Features: Water bottle, built-in bowl, carabiner.

Anxiety Reduction

Features

Any dog can develop anxiety. If your Shiba is displaying some anxious behaviors, you might want to try out the following:

• Increasing mental stimulation.
• Compression therapy.
• Coping mechanisms.

Expert Picks

• Monster Braided Bully Stick – Distractions help reduce anxiety. Braided bully sticks take longer to chew.
• ThunderShirt – A medium should fit your Shiba, but always measure first. Uses compression to reduce anxiety.

Housebreaking

Features

For the most part, Shibas are pretty easy to housetrain. However, you should always make sure you train your dog the right way. Some key rules:

• Use crate training.
• Prevent accidents.
• Restrict access.

Expert Picks

• MidWest Homes Crate – Use the divider to keep your dog in a smaller space. Dogs don’t want to potty where they sleep.
• Glad for Pets Charcoal Puppy Pads – Keep messes in check. ONLY use if you leave for longer than your puppy can hold it.
• Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Dog Gate – Use gates to keep your Shiba puppy from sneaking off and having an accident. Features: Tall enough for athletic Shiba pups.

Dog Foods

Features

You need a good food to fuel all that energy! There are a few important things to look for in a good dog food:

• High protein percentage.
• Salmon, duck, venison, and other “exotic” proteins for allergy sensitivity.
• The first two ingredients are proteins.

Expert Picks

• Amazon Brand Wag – Features: Salmon, first two ingredients are protein, 35% protein to fuel your athletic Shiba.
• Nutro Wholesome Essentials – Features: Lamb, chicken, first two ingredients are protein, 22% protein.

Hair Clippers

Features

Shibas have double coats that insulate them. If you shave your dog, they lose the insulating effect. Do not shave your Shiba.

Expert Picks

• Do not shave your Shiba.

Shampoos

Features

Your playful Shiba will get dirty. When looking for a shampoo to clean your dog up, you want one that:

• Won’t irritate skin.
• Smells nice!
• Helps with shedding.

Expert Picks

• Furminator Shampoo – Features: Affordable, non-irritating, reduces shedding.
• Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo – Features: Also affordable, great for itchy or irritated skin, oatmeal.

Brushes

Features

With its double coat, your Shiba will shed… a lot! Here’s what you need in a brush:

• A de-shedding tool to remove the dense undercoat.
• A pin brush to clear up any leftover loose hairs.

Expert Picks

• Oster De-Shedding Tool – Features: Removes loose undercoat. Be careful not to scrape the skin while brushing.
• Andis Premium Pet Brush – Features: “Standard” brush, removes loose hairs, detangles knots.

Hair Dryers

Features

You need to dry your Shiba after baths. If they don’t dry, their skin can become irritated. Considerations for hair dryers:

• Power.
• Sound level.
• Temperature.

Expert Picks

• CHAOLUN High Velocity Pet Dryer – Features: Powerful, quiet, several nozzles to choose from.
• XPOWER Pet Dryer – Features: Budget-friendly, powerful, also vacuums. Cons: Quite loud.