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Search and Rescue dogs. Shiba Inu?

I have a Shiba Inu dog, and I want to get into some work with him. I was wondering if anyone out there has had any experience in training a Shiba Inu for scent work/tracking? I know that it is possible to train him, but would the dog actually do his job, or would he go and do his own thing? and I dont want any of that B.S. about how every dog is different, cuz I already know that.

Public Comments

1. SAR really isn't what sight hounds excel at. They use their eyes not their noses.
2. Shiba's wouldn't be nearly as good as let's say a bloodhound, but yes it's possible to train him. He may not go track any scent you give him, probably just a scent he likes or know he'll get rewarded for. For training, start off with chicken. Just see if he goes for it. It has to be cooked chicken, but it doesn't matter what temperature it is. preferably cold so it doesn't fill the house with scent. Drag the chicken from point A to point B. (Your dog should be in an enclosure or room near point A.) Then hide the chicken at point B. Let your dog out to smell your fingers and put your hand by the trail. If he follows, he's willing and ready to continue training. If he can't quite figure it out, odds are in the future he may get side tracked and do his own thing. Shiba's aren't the most inteligent dogs, but they are far more capable to learn than for instance a Bulldog. I wish you the best of luck!