How Shibas get on with other pets in the household largely depends on whether they can kill it and eat it. Shibas have a phenomenally high prey drive. Hunting is their avocation.

If your hobby is raising canaries, garter snakes, and field mice, you may want to invest in another breed. Do not obtain a Shiba Inu if your passion is watching lemmings run free in your living room.

booputtee Shiba Inu Shiba Inus and Other PetsShibas can and do get along with other dogs and cats. However they, whether male or female, can be aggressive towards other animals, regardless of size. Be prepared to deal with and discourage aggressive behaviour before it becomes a problem. Keep pack dynamics intact – the senior pets should be treated in a manner that recognizes their status in the hierarchy. Training and a regular schedule goes a long way to get the pack settled.

Tips on introducing your Shiba to other pets

  • Introduce pets on neutral ground, if possible
  • Give cats a lot of perching area to observe the interloper and never force them to meet the Shiba face-to-face
  • Keep a new dog, especially a new puppy, in an area where the other pets can’t directly come into contact with it
  • Do not leave a new dog alone with the resident pets until you’re sure that war will not ensue
  • Discourage aggression immediately and decisively

That being said, just forget about trying to teach your guinea pig and Shiba to be friends. It will end badly.