Shiba Inu: Off Leash or On?

A question we get asked often is: Compared to other dogs, how well behaved are Shiba Inu's when they're off the leash? Our answer is usually the same: it depends on training, the individual dog's temperament, the environment, and the owner/master.

That said, there are certain breed traits that tend to dictate how the majority of Shibas will act when they are off the leash. In our experience, the Shiba is an excellent off-leash dog. We are able to walk our Shibas along city streets and sidewalks, around other people and dogs, without a leash and without a problem. However, we've invested a lot of time training our Shiba to be a good off leash dog.

Where problems occur is when small "game" animals appear. Like birds. Cats. Rabbits. Or mice. This is when off leash training gets tested. The Shiba is a hunter, make no mistake. They aren't just chaser dogs who like to chase and play, they will hunt and kill smaller animals when they catch them--which they will because they can be startling fast.

I have seen untrained Shibas dash for, catch, and dispatch wild rabbits, birds, and even rats while their owners screamed helplessly for them to stop. Why? Because they Shiba is a hunter. And, because off leash training takes time, effort, and discipline.

However, I have also seen Shibas obey every command their masters issue when off the leash, and restraint them selves from hunting. So while the breed likes to chase and hunt, training can ensure off leash time is pleasurable for both dog and master.

The Shiba Inu is a hunting dog--but it's also a dog who loves to put its training and self control on display for a worthy, appreciative master just as much. They type of Shiba you have will depend on the type of master you are.