The border between play and exercise for shibas is virtually inexistant. In fact, keeping up with Shiba can be a fitness program in its own right. Talking a walk is not a precise term: Taking a walk to the next stage more acurately decribes how Shiba sees the issue. S/he will pull to get more out of the owner.

Vital space is a necessity for Shiba. Darting off in a flash and putting on the brakes in even less time is built into Shiba's genes. Therefore some garden space is a minimum and access to an open space (with no leash) is fully appreciated.

Back home, Shiba enjoys the normal toys. Bouncing rubber balls - or better oddshaped items that bounce around unpredictably - get the most attention. But if Shiba gets bored, s/he will start looking at things to chew on. This habit can be contained at the puppy stage. And shiba is smart enough to know when some things are off-limits. Which means, things that have not been put off-limits are free game...

Then Shiba likes to play with ... you ! Gnawing on wrists and ankles and toes... Puppies need to be educated, but rather quickly they know exactly what kind of pressure to apply. Firmness and a serious 'no' gets quickly understood.

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