Shiba Inu are an incredible service dog breed, and they make great therapy dogs for a few reasons. First off, Shiba Inu are not typically large or muscular dogs. Since they are not intimidating, scared kids feel more comfortable around the Shiba Inu than other breeds of dogs. Without getting hurt or anything, a Shiba Inu can help a kid understand that not all dogs are scary.
Shiba Inus also have an incredible demeanor, and can avoid being intimidated by things that would scare most dogs. Shiba Inus are hardy, courageous, and highly intelligent dogs, which makes for a good emotional support dog as compared to any other breed.
Shiba Inus are friendlier than most dogs, and they can be very gentle. With this demeanor, Shiba Inus are very good therapy dogs. Shiba Inus attract a lot of attention, which is an excellent way to boost a child’s self-esteem.
Shiba Inus are also very trainable service animals, which is a necessity for a therapy dog. Shiba Inu enjoy doing things with their owners, which makes them great as therapy dogs.
What exactly is a Shiba Inu therapy dog?
There are many dog breeds that possess the qualities required to be a therapy dog. However, not all dogs will find it easy, comfortable, or safe to meet with strangers and may shy away from them. Shiba Inu are considered to
A therapy dog is defined as an animal that provides affectionate contact, comfort, and stimulation to people in need of emotional support. Types of therapy dogs include everything from cats to horses to hamsters (although rabbits are typically used for children’s visits).
Does a Therapy Dog Need a Certification?
The answer to this question Does a Therapy Dog Need a Certification? It can be found in the name itself. A therapy dog is not same as an animal that is used for service dog like dogs, horses, or pigs. A therapy dog is not certified but does undergo temperament testing to ensure they are calm and friendly around people.
There is no one set temperament test for therapy dogs, but each organisation that uses therapy dogs has its own. Some of the tests include learning how to walk on a loose leash, walking through crowds of people, being petted by strangers, and not reacting to unexpected noises. Therapy dogs are also tested for overall friendliness. While there are no certifications required, therapy dogs must be able to pass a temperament test given by the organisation or institution they will be working with.
Shibas: A Brief Overview
The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed which was bred for hunting small game such as rabbits, squirrels, or birds; the name translates literally from Japanese as “small dog.” Shibas tend to be intelligent but stubborn with strong wills; this makes them difficult for average owners without experience in owning powerful breeds to handle. Shibas are also very independent and need to be given a task that only they can do, or else they will become unhappy.
Shiba Inu as a Therapy Dog: We’ve got the cure for your blues!
Shiba Inu who are often used as therapy dogs because of their calm, fearless, and friendly demeanor. They’re also very smart and trainable and enjoy meeting new people! Shiba Inus are not a good type of dog for being a therapy animal. Shiba Inus want to do what they want to do and will not listen or follow commands.
Shiba Inu Temperament
Shiba Inu temperament Inu has a very calm, fearless, and friendly demeanor. It is also very intelligent and trainable- they enjoy meeting new people! Shiba Inu are independent, headstrong, and often stubborn. They can be willful and may not follow explicit instructions.
When Shibas get angry, they express their anger through urinating and defecating. The Shiba Inu would not make a good therapy dog because it is incredibly independent and will not want to do things that are forced on it. Shiba Inus independent nature makes them not suitable for being a therapy dog! But as said earlier if trained properly, Shiba Inus make incredible therapy dogs!
How can Shiba Inu become a good therapy dogs?
Shiba Inu who are often used as therapy dogs because of their calm, fearless, and friendly demeanor. They’re also very smart and trainable and enjoy meeting new people! Shiba Inus are the perfect pet for someone looking to maintain their independence and avoid any unwanted activities.
Shiba Inu must be trained to become a therapy dog, they are not born with this talent. Shiba Inus must go through training to learn how to be patient, calm, and friendly towards others. They need patience and dedication from both owner/patient(s) so that’s one point in their favor already.
You’ll also want them trained on how greet people; wait patiently while waiting room fill up etc., no distractions present around room during work time (people or otherwise), don’t bark at others unless there is an emergency meanwhile staying still when nearby patient needs attention most.
Shiba Inu need to learn all of the following: how to greet people, be patient while waiting for their turn, not get distracted by other things in the room, no barking or growling, lay down on their own and stay there while the patient is near, and they must learn how to focus on people despite noises or other distractions. They can be trained to perform tasks by providing positive reinforcement. In this way Shibas can perform exactly what is is expected from them. Shiba Inu therapy dogs work in nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
Shiba Inu are not the perfect pet for everyone. However, if you’re looking to train your Shiba Inu as a therapy dog then they will be more than happy with all of these requirements!
Is therapy dog same as service dogs?
A therapy dog is a canine, typically a Shiba Inu, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, or German Shepherd Dog who has been trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals. They live with their human family and not in a kennel.
Therapy dogs are used as part of a pet therapy team that visits people who need emotional support dogs. Shiba Inu breed are best suited for the work of emotional support dogs. They are also used as part-time pets for children with special needs, such as those on the autistic spectrum. Unlike service dog that must meet certain requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), therapy dogs require no formal training or certification.
Service dog have special equipment including a harness, backpack, vest markings, and tags identifying them as working animals so they can accompany their owners everywhere. Therapy dogs are trained to behave properly around people and are well-behaved in public.
Since they are not considered service dog, therapy dogs are not allowed into stores, restaurants, or other places with “no pets” policy. Some places will allow therapy dogs to enter if they accompany their disabled owner.
How are Shiba Inu as service dog?
As said earlier Shibas are not the first choice as a service dog. Usually a Retriever or Labrador is expected to be a service dog. Shiba’s feisty and independent nature makes them not suitable for the job of service dog. Even though they have an aggressive temper, they can be trained to work hard as service dog for a family. Shibas can be good service dogs if they are provided dog training.
Shiba Inu can be emotional support dog if better training is provided to them. Training programs can be held to provide them proper training as a emotional support dog and service dog. Shibas are best as Post traumatic stress disorder dogs. Owners can approach a training company incase they face troubles with their shiba. There they can be individually trained as per breed’s requirement. Shiba Inu breed’s ability to provide emotional support and mental support to the victims during panic attacks is much better than other dogs.
Conclusion
Shiba Inu are independent, headstrong, and often stubborn service dog. They can be willful and may not follow explicit instructions. When Shibas get angry, they express their anger through urinating and defecating. The Shiba Inu would not make a good therapy dog because it is incredibly independent and will not want to do things that are forced on it.
Shiba Inus independent nature makes them not suitable for being a therapy dog! But as said earlier if trained properly, Shiba Inus make incredible therapy dogs! Shibas must go through training to learn how to be patient, calm, and friendly towards others. For this positive reinforcement is the best technique to make them perform certain commands and tasks. Training of Shiba can be time consuming by it will be worth your time. They need patience and dedication from both owner/patient(s) so that’s one point in their favour already.
The Shiba Inu is very smart and trainable, which makes him more suitable for therapy dog work. He also enjoys meeting new people, so he’ll enjoy the attention.
Shibas are known to be fearless and calm which gives them another point in their favour. They are not easily startled or frightened by people or situations, which makes them perfect for therapy dog work.
They are very good with kids. They are confident, fearless, and affectionate towards children, making them amazing therapy dog for kids. Their intelligence allows them to amuse, play with, and help with children.
However Shibas will always choose their independence over pleasing others – so they’re never going to make good therapy dogs because they won’t want anything forced on them. These dogs have the potential to become amazing therapy dogs if trained properly!
What’s your opinion? Do you think Shibas would make an excellent addition to any family or animal shelter? Let us know in the comments below!
