Interview with Carlo Gaspare

ILiving with a Shiba Changes You

Interview with Carlo Gaspare

Author of The Secret World of the Shiba Inu, The Most Loyal Dog in the World, and now the brand-new I Am My Shiba Inu

After the success of The Secret World of the Shiba Inu and the epic storytelling of The Most Loyal Dog in the World, Carlo Gaspare returns with his most ambitious work to date: I Am My Shiba Inu. More than 350 pages that go beyond dog training—this is a book about what happens when a creature forces you to become a better version of yourself.

We met with Carlo to understand why the Shiba Inu, a National Treasure of Japan, is not just a dog—but a profound journey inward. And why this book, in truth, speaks to everyone.

Carlo, let’s start with a confession: you didn’t really intend to write this book, did you? What changed your mind?

That's true. For two reasons: first, I felt I had already said so much in The Secret World of the Shiba Inu. Second, I’m not a fan of rigid, emotionless manuals—as if all dogs, regardless of breed, behave exactly the same way. But after publishing that book and meeting hundreds of Shiba owners, I saw a shared frustration: standard guides, often copy-pasted from general manuals, simply don’t work with a Shiba. People kept asking: “But what did you do when Jin stopped listening to you?” or “How do you handle your Shiba at the vet?” I realized we didn’t need another list of commands—we needed a book of experiences. So I wrote the book I wish I’d had when Jin entered my life: a blend of practical solutions and honest truths about what it really means to live with a “little wolf.”

“I Am My Shiba Inu” is a powerful title. What does it really mean?

It means this dog acts like a mirror. A Shiba doesn’t live to please you like a Labrador (and I say that with great respect for that breed). A Shiba watches you, assesses you, and decides whether you deserve their trust. If you’re tense, they’ll be restless. If you’re inconsistent, they’ll stop following you. Over time, if you want to be understood by your Shiba, you have to change. You learn to slow down, to read their silences, to question your own behaviors. Eventually, in their eyes, you see a more authentic and patient version of yourself. That’s when the title stops being about the dog—and starts being about you.

Let’s dive in: what will readers actually find in these 350 pages?

A complete journey—from the first 72 hours with a Shiba to life with a senior companion (a stage that’s often overlooked but incredibly meaningful). This isn’t just a book of stories. At the end of each section, I’ve included quick-reference summaries with practical advice. I tackle the challenges that drive Shiba owners crazy: the recall that’s never 100%, resource guarding, the passionate hatred for rain, the national drama of nail clipping. But there’s also the quieter stuff: how to choose a breeder without being scammed, what really happens during those first chaotic days, how to welcome an adult rescue Shiba when you know nothing about their past.

You also go into a lot of technical detail—why is that important?

Because many people feel inadequate when their Shiba doesn’t respond to standard methods. I explain why training sessions shouldn’t last more than three minutes, and why food is an honest motivator—not a shortcut. There are dedicated sections on tools: why I prefer the H-harness over collars, which brushes to use during the dreaded shedding season. These may seem like small details, but in daily life, they make all the difference between peaceful coexistence and silent war.

People often say the Shiba Inu isn’t a dog for everyone. Do you agree?

Yes, and I say that with great respect for the breed. They’re not for people who want blind obedience or constant cuddles. They offer what I call samurai affection—quiet, steady, and more about silent companionship than over-the-top displays. Choosing a Shiba means being ready for a constant exercise in patience and humor.

Jin, your Shiba, is the co-star of this book through your “Diary Pages.” What has he taught you above all else?

He taught me that control is an illusion. I thought I had to teach him how to live in the world—but he ended up teaching me how to be more present and aware. Jin isn’t the most obedient dog in the world, but he’s been my greatest teacher. This book is a tribute to that ongoing exchange, where your identity and your dog’s inevitably merge.

Final question: is this book only for Shiba owners, or does it speak to a broader audience?

That’s my favorite question. When I started writing, I thought I was talking to Shiba owners. But as I went on, I realized I was writing about something much bigger. About patience. About learning to respect someone else’s timing. About earning trust instead of demanding it. About realizing that some bonds are built slowly, not bought instantly. Anyone who’s ever had to build a real relationship with someone who didn’t immediately open up—anyone who’s learned something important by sitting quietly beside another being—will recognize themselves in these pages. Shiba owners will find practical solutions and comfort in knowing they’re not alone. And non-owners might find themselves rethinking what they’re really looking for—from a dog, or from life.

📘 “I Am My Shiba Inu” is available on Amazon in hardcover and paperback.

✨ Includes exclusive bonus content via QR code: “50 Japanese Names for Your Shiba Inu”—a guide with meanings, myths, and cultural roots inspired by the Spirit of Japan.