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A black and tan Shiba Inu gently sniffs a cluster of six kittens of different colors on a knit blanket. 2 / 22

Six Kittens Looked Up, and the Shiba Leaned Down Very Slowly

AI imageshiba inukittensfirst meeting

The Shiba Inu's face fills the frame, his black and tan fur sleek and his dark eyes focused as he lowers his nose toward a cluster of kittens. Six little ones crowd together on a knit blanket, orange, gray, cream and black-and-white, their tiny faces turned upward with curiosity. One orange kitten is stretching up to meet his nose. Behind them, a pile of stuffed bunnies, a tote bag and a few scattered toys give the room a lived-in warmth. It looks like the most careful hello in the world.

Shiba Inus are small, independent and clean dogs that were originally bred in Japan. They can be strong-willed and a bit aloof, and many have a strong prey drive, so a Shiba should be introduced to kittens carefully. A gentle sniff is the first step in a good introduction. Keep the dog calm, on a leash if needed, and give the kittens a safe area they can retreat to. Never leave them alone together, especially when the kittens are very young. Reward calm behavior with praise and treats, and ask your vet or a trainer for advice on the best way to introduce a dog to kittens.

The Shiba is being as gentle as he can be, and the kittens seem unafraid. It is a sweet first meeting, with six tiny faces looking at one very big nose.

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