The Samoyed is a highly intelligent non-hypoallergenic dog breed that is eager to please its master. Unfortunately, it’s also an incredibly energetic breed, which can make training it a bit tough. These Samoyed dog training tips will help you successfully train him.
Related: Is the Samoyed a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Samoyed Dog Training Tips
The Samoyed is a high energy breed. Because of that energy, you’ll have to approach Samoyed training in a slightly different way than you would another breed.
The Breed
The Samoyed is a working breed that was bred in Russia. The Russians used the breed as sled pullers, herding dogs, and guard dogs for a reindeer. That heritage is still strong in the breed today. They are fiercely loyal to their masters, highly intelligent, and full of energy. While they are friendly in general, proper socialization from an early age is key to ensuring that they get to know all sorts of people and animals.
Energy
The sheer amount of energy a Samoyed has been your first hill to climb when training this breed. As a high energy working dog, the Samoyed loves to run and chase, and once it’s focused on something, you’ll need the training to get it back in line.
One of the biggest tips in training your Samoyed is to work off all of that energy. Play with your puppy until it’s thoroughly tired out. A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. They just don’t have the energy to be bad when they’re tuckered out. About an hour after a good round of exercise is the perfect time to train your puppy. It won’t have enough in the tank to romp and play as much as usual.
Be Firm
Be firm. Not mean. And not loud. Firm. Many people mistake being firm for being overly loud or for using training tactics that are downright mean. Being firm is not that. Being firm is brooking no nonsense. You can’t allow a dog with such a big personality to become the alpha or it won’t ever listen to you.
Be Kind
Praise is the name of the game when training a Samoyed or any dog, for that matter. Yelling will only cause fear. The same goes with any sort of striking your dog. Ignore crying and whimpering. Distract your Samoyed when it begins doing something you don’t want it to do. And lastly, praise your dog whenever it does what you ask. Make it the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to your Samoyed whenever it successfully follows your commands.
Treats, Treats, and More Treats
Almost every dog is food motivated. If your Samoyed isn’t food motivated, make its treat something else. If it loves to cuddle (which it will) make that its currency. Whatever it is, use that in your training. For example, to teach your Samoyed to sit, hold a treat above its head and say sit while you move the Samoyed treat over its head. Your dog will naturally sit while watching the treat. After it sits, be over, ridiculously happy and give it the treat. Make treats and praise a consistent part of your training.
Socialize
Proper socialization is key for any dog. Your Samoyed will love you and your family intensely. Proper socialization is so important because even a social butterfly like a Samoyed needs to interact with the world to foster that friendly attitude. Without proper socialization, your Samoyed may not realize that the neighbor’s cat is not on the same menu as the squirrel.
Use Its Heritage
The Samoyed was bred as a working dog, so use that to your advantage. Create a strong bond with your dog by working it. Go on long walks. Go for a jog – just be careful in the heat. You can teach it to pull sleds. Working you Samoyed isn’t mean. It wants to work. It was bred to work. Working dogs are always happiest when they’re working, so play lots of physical and mental games with your dog to strengthen that bond.
A Well Behaved Samoyed is Within Reach
When you train your Samoyed, play to its strengths. Work off that energy. When you train it, give it all the love that it will give you. Be kind, yet firm. If you use the heritage of the Samoyed to your advantage when training, you’ll have a well-behaved, loving animal.
