How to Adopt a Shiba Inu in Hawaii

The Shiba Inu is a very unique breed; they’re strong-willed, independent, and more cat-like than dog-like. Though this breed can be affectionate with their families, Shibas typically aren’t cuddly. They’re also escape artists who can never be let off-leash unless in a securely fenced area. Despite all this, the breed has seen major popularity in both Japan and the West.

Surely, you’ve seen plenty of these dogs’ antics on social media. Still, this breed can be difficult and is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. It’s imperative that anyone interested in the Shiba Inu do plenty of research to ensure they can handle the breed.

If you’re sure the Shiba Inu is for you, consider adopting one. If you don’t have the time to raise a puppy, then adopting an adult dog is a great choice. Furthermore, adoption allows you to meet dogs and choose the one that fits best into your lifestyle. Another great aspect of adoption is that it tends to be an affordable way to get a dog.

If you’re ready to adopt a Shiba Inu, then keep reading. In this article, we’ll discuss the adoption process and fees, and we’ll also offer advice on training a Shiba Inu.

Shiba Inu Adoption in Hawaii

Before adopting a Shiba Inu, there are a couple of things you should consider. First of all, this breed is best-suited to a home with a fenced-in yard, as it is otherwise unsafe to let them off-leash since they are escape artists. If you live in an apartment, you need to dedicate time to walking the Shiba, or make trips to a fenced-in dog park.

The next thing you should consider is the climate. Hawaii is hot and often humid. Shiba Inus have thick, double-layered coats meant to protect them from cold weather; as such, they don’t do well in hot weather and are at a higher risk for heat stroke. This isn’t to say you can’t own a Shiba in Hawaii, but you’ll need to take precautions when spending time outdoors.

If all of this sounds good to you, the first step in the adoption process is to fill out an application. After this, shelters may vary in how they handle things. Almost every shelter will require a meet and greet before you can adopt a dog, but some will also perform home visits where they check out your living situation; sometimes, the meet and greet and home visit can happen at the same time.

Some shelters may allow you to meet dogs during visiting hours and leave the same day with a dog. Every rescue has its own protocol, so check online or call your local shelters for more information.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shiba Inu in Hawaii? Adopting a Shibu Inu in Hawaii could cost anywhere between $25 and $1,000. This is quite a vast discrepancy in price, and there are a few reasons for that. First of all, some shelters receive more funding and have more resources at their disposal (such as access to veterinary care), and thus are able to price their dogs lower. Shelters that move large numbers of dogs every month may also have lower adoption fees because it leads to the dogs being rehomed more quickly, which then allows them to bring in more dogs who need help. Shelters often price their dogs based on factors like age or desirability. A senior dog may cost as little as $25 because most people don’t want to adopt older dogs. Puppies, on the other hand, are highly desirable. While researching for this article, we found a rescue that charged $1,000 for purebred puppies. However, most shelters will charge closer to $400 to $600 for puppies regardless of purebred status.

How Should I Train a Shiba Inu? Shiba Inu are notorious for being difficult to train. If they don’t want to do something, they simply will not do it. Therefore, you have to make the Shiba Inu want to work, and you can do so with positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement uses rewards to motivate dogs and keep them engaged in training sessions. That said, it’s vital that you pick a reward of high value. For many dogs, this might be cheese or meat, but simply watch your dog’s behavior and see what they get excited over. If they have a toy they love, take that toy and use it only during training sessions. Do not let your dog play with it outside of training, or they will grow bored with it, and it will cease to be effective. Similarly, you should keep training sessions short. Shiba Inus are not eager to please, and as we stated, have a very “do what I want” nature. It’s best if you can stop a training session before your dog gets bored. Stop while your dog is still wanting more. This can help them be more eager to participate in training. Training a Shiba Inu is no easy feat due to their strong-willed nature. Even if you’re a great dog trainer, it doesn’t hurt to get help. Dog Academy offers a plethora of online dog training classes created by professional dog trainers that can help you train your future Shiba Inu. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Shiba Inu in Hawaii for You

Shiba Inus have taken over the internet with their antics; they’re adorable, smart, and sometimes dramatic. However, they’re also very stubborn, they’re escape artists, and though they can be affectionate, they’re usually not much into cuddling. As such, it’s important to be certain that you can handle this breed before adopting one.

Once you’re ready to adopt, your first step is to fill out an application. After that, the process can vary, but expect to do a meet and greet. Don’t rush into adopting the first dog you meet — if you think it’s a good fit, go for it, but if not, be patient. The right dog will find you eventually.