The Samoyed is a loving, playful, and fun dog. They make excellent pets, but they’re perhaps more suitable for an active family who can give them plenty of attention and outdoor exercise. They’re also prone to being very vocal and might not be the best option in areas where noise is a concern.
Like all puppies and dogs, a Samoyed needs to be properly trained when you first adopt them. Though they’re very affectionate toward just about anyone and get along well with children, their tendency to be so “happy go lucky” can lead to some owners overlooking their training needs. This can result in a dog that refuses to listen or follow basic commands. In turn, this can get them in trouble.
There is no secret unlock code for training a Sammie. The best results come from patience, persistence, and consistency. Below, we provide 12 tips to help ensure you have the best chance of success when training this working breed.
About the Samoyed Breed
The Samoyed is an ancient breed, first reared by the Samoyede people of Siberia. The dog was raised to herd cattle, pull sleds, hunt game, and perform other tasks required by families. As a working dog, the Samoyed also had to live in very close quarters with the family, often sleeping with their handlers to keep the family warm at night. While the Samoyed’s duties may differ today, the breed has retained many attributes that made it such an important part of the Spitz family.
Are Samoyeds Easy to Train?
Having been raised as sled-pulling dogs, Samoyeds are full of energy. They are also very receptive to training, typically looking to help with jobs and tasks to entertain themselves. This combination means training needs to be well structured, and owners need to provide tasks and reinforce positive actions with positive rewards.
They are intelligent and loving and will work for their owners. Therefore, Sammies can be trained relatively easily. The AKC ranks their trainability at four (on a five-point scale) 1, leaning heavily towards being “eager to please.”
The 12 Samoyed Training Tips
Correcting unwanted behavior, rewarding positive behavior, and persisting with your training efforts are considered the “holy trinity” of training dogs, and Samoyeds are no exception to this rule. Below are some tips to help ensure that your efforts are properly rewarded.
1. Start Young (For Puppies)
Dogs are at their most receptive when they are young puppies. They will be more likely to learn and remember the commands you teach, and the training you undertake when your Samoyed is young will set you up for a lifetime of positive behavior.
Ideally, you should start basic training as soon as a puppy leaves their mother and you take them home. Failing this, start as soon as possible, even with basic training. House training, crate training, teaching your puppy not to jump up, and discouraging unwanted behaviors are some of the first training steps you will take.
2. Socialization
Socialization means introducing your puppy to other dogs, new people, and new situations. This not only helps your dog get used to other types of animals and people, but they are less likely to become scared or anxious when they encounter something new.
Like training, socialization should start when your puppy is young and continue throughout your pup’s life. Puppy classes are a great place to start. However, keep in mind that if you adopt an adult, they may have a personality that doesn’t easily warm up to other dogs.
3. Regular Exercise
Samoyeds have a lot of energy, and if you don’t exercise your Sammie, it can lead to behavioral issues that are difficult to train out of your dog. As the saying goes, a tired dog is a good dog. Ideally, you should aim to provide around 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day for a healthy adult Samoyed. While some of this can include intense indoor play, Samoyeds will definitely appreciate time outdoors, and they’ll likely be very appreciative of a long walk.
Samoyeds are athletic dogs that were raised to pull sleds. Some people even enter their pets in sled-pulling competitions, while others take their dogs for ski excursions. However, such athletic endeavors do require some conditioning, and they’re best undertaken by healthy adult dogs.
Puppies do best on exercise centered around training and multiple play sessions. They shouldn’t be taken for fast-paced runs, and they shouldn’t be tasked with pulling sleds (or other heavy objects) when they’re still growing.
4. Be Consistent
Consistency is critical to positive training. If you want to prevent your dog from getting on furniture, consistently tell them no and praise them when they sit or lay calmly next to the furniture. Additionally, make sure to praise positive actions like sitting and being patient consistently.
To ensure clear communication, use the same commands each time and speak them clearly. Be honest with yourself about your training abilities and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Positive reinforcement, such as praising your dog for desired behaviors, can be very effective. Avoid punishing your dog and instead focus on correction and encouragement of positive behavior.
Utilize treats as a training tool, but be mindful of calorie intake to prevent overfeeding. Keep training sessions short and engaging to avoid boredom and distractions.
Consider seeking veterinary input if your dog is not responding well to training, as they may be unwell. Most importantly, have fun with the training process and celebrate the milestones you achieve with your furry companion. Training is a learning experience that strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Final Thoughts
The Samoyed is a working dog breed with a highly trainable streak, making them receptive to instruction. However, training requires time, patience, dedication, and compassion. Therefore, always remember to take it easy, keep it simple, and have fun with your beloved Samoyed. With the right training and love, they can become your favorite walking companion and even participate in activities like flyball, agility, or sled pulling! sentence: Please rewrite the sentence for me.