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Back to Bark Basics: How Shibas are Rediscovering playtime without tech

December 17, 2023
2 mins read

Amidst a world dominated by cutting-edge kennel technology, the sophisticated society of Shiba Inus is witnessing a pawsome paradigm shift. Somewhere between the latest dog-wearable tech and the smart fire hydrants, Shibas are turning their whiskered faces towards something surprisingly quaint: playtime without the gadgetry.

In what might seem like a howl in the tech wilderness, these bright-eyed pups are digging up the joys of good old-fashioned frolicking. ‘Bark to Nature’, a movement initiated by the wise elders of Shiba Park, advocates for the return to primal play. It’s not about shunning the marvelous inventions that fetch their life ease; rather, it’s about balancing the digital with the instinctual.

One might wonder, what does old-school play entail in a society run by such digitized doggos?
Imagine Shibas chasing after balls without them being automated drones, or participating in tug-of-wars that don’t involve robotic arms. Picture a serene scene where the only tweets you hear are from the birds at the park, accompanying the carefree barks of play. The Shiba’s tail wags for a simple game of hide-and-seek without nose-led GPS tracking – it’s all about sniffing out your friends the traditional way!

But it’s not just about the nostalgia; there’s a science to the sniffs and bounds. Experts in canine comportment suggest that unplug-playtime is vital for the social and mental well-being of our four-legged friends. It enhances their problem-solving skills (beyond figuring out the latest doggo-app), bolsters their innate pack instincts, and keeps them agile and alert. The physical benefits are just the cherry on top of this meaty treat!

The appeal of tech-free play is also sprouting amongst the pup-ulation, with more pooches paw-ticipating in analogue activities. The ‘Bark to Nature’ movement is growing, its ethos resonating through barks across the nation.

‘Play, Paws, Reflect’ – the movement’s mantra – is a reflection of their push to integrate mindful engagement with the environment. Gone are the days when a Shiba would lounge around, scrolling endlessly through ‘Pawstagram’. Nowadays, you’re more likely to find them rolling around in the grass, savoring every whiff and wiggle.

Shiba influencers, known for their meme-fame, are taking to ‘Dogtube’ to share their unplugged escapades. Videos of Shibas frolicking in piles of leaves, paw-deep in mud and chasing nature’s own toys have begun to trend. It’s a viral sensation that’s catching on faster than a pup chasing its tail!

The younger generation of tech-savvy Shibas – often referred to as ‘Pup-Gen Z’ – are surprisingly receptive to the analogue allure. Despite being born into a buzz of notifications and digital delights, they’re finding joy in the jingle of a simple bell or the puzzle of an unpredictable squirrel.

Is it a fad or a profound furry philosophy? Only time will tail. But one thing’s fur certain: Shibas are leading the pack in showing how the whimsical simplicity of traditional play is not only delightful but essential.

Will this barking back in time stick, or will the allure of shiny new toys reel our pups back to the digital doghouse? One thing is for sure, ‘Bark to Nature’ is not just a passing fad but a movement with potential to shape the future of our paw-pular society.

Keep your snouts to the ground for further developments – this may just be the beginning of a fetching new era in the Shiba world.