Samoyeds are some of the most intelligent dog breeds and benefit from training as it gives them some mental stimulation which keeps them from getting in trouble to entertain themselves.
Are Samoyeds Easy To Train? Samoyeds can be challenging to train because they tend to be stubborn and independent. However, they aren’t impossible to train even if you aren’t a pro. Samoyeds bond closely with their owners and want to obey those loyal to them after consistent and patient training.
Keep reading to learn some tips for making training your Samoyed easier, from potty training to walking without them pulling on the leash. There will also be some tips if this is your first dog so you will know what to expect from your Samoyed.
Are Samoyeds Easy To Train?
Samoyeds are incredibly entertaining dogs as their intelligence and independence give them a sense of humor that few other breeds can match. However, those same traits can also become roadblocks for anyone trying to train a Samoyed for the first time.
Some of the things that make Samoyeds difficult to train are:
- Stubbornness: Samoyeds are some of the most stubborn dogs. If they don’t want to do something, you will find it challenging to make them. Since training is all about getting your dog to do something you want, training a Samoyed can be a frustrating experience when they ignore you.
- Boredom: Samoyeds need physical and mental stimulation to keep themselves from getting bored and causing mischief. Training them to do new tricks or obedience training courses can be a great way of keeping them entertained, but only if they enjoy it. If your Samoyed thinks training is boring, they will wander off or play with their toys instead.
- Freedom: Samoyeds are very independent and love having a sense of freedom. If they feel their freedom is gone because of a training session, they are likely to act out.
However, just because Samoyeds can be challenging to train doesn’t mean you can’t teach them yourself or reach out to a professional to help you. With enough patience, you should be able to train your Samoyed and bond with them.
Are Samoyeds easy to potty train? Samoyed puppy training
It can take up to six months to fully potty train a Samoyed, which isn’t above normal for puppies of any other breed. However, it can take a bit more patience with Samoyeds as they prefer to roam freely throughout the house and can have accidents if left unsupervised.
Things to keep in mind while potty training your Samoyed:
- Do not let them have the run of the house. When you can’t watch them, keep them in a crate. When you can watch them, keep them on a leash attached to your belt to keep them by your side.
- As soon as you see them start to circle or sniff in preparation, take them outside to the designated spot immediately. Make sure you stay in that one spot so your Samoyed doesn’t get confused about where they can go potty or think they are going for a walk.
- Consistently use the same phrases and distinct tones. For example, use an excited tone to praise them when they finish their business as a form of encouragement. Use a firm voice to say “no” or “don’t” if they try to go indoors and don’t let they finish inside.
- Be patient and attentive. Puppies take time to adjust to their new homes and understand what behaviors are allowed through repetition. Think about how much time you have to train your Samoyed before bringing them home and get some professional help with training if you need it.
How to stop Samoyed from pulling the leash (start training your puppy)?
Samoyeds need a lot of daily exercises to keep themselves healthy and occupied throughout their life so walking your Samoyed is a must. However, they are also very curious and like to explore, resulting in them pulling on their leash. Pulling on their leash can result in injury and frustration if it isn’t dealt with immediately.
What do you need for dog training
What you will need to teach your Samoyed how to behave.
- Get your Samoyed a harness. Samoyeds are working dogs that have an instinct for pulling sleds, so getting them a harness will make them feel like they are fulfilling that instinct and evenly distribute the forces over their back and shoulders to prevent neck injury.
- Pick a leash that works for both you and your Samoyed. It would be best if you avoided retractable leashes while training because it’s harder to maintain control. You will want a fixed-length leash with a comfortable handle that won’t cause injury if it’s yanked out of your hand.
How to train a Samoyed dog not to pull
To train your Samoyed not to pull:
- Treat walks as training, not exercise. This means you will need to find an enclosed space for your Samoyed to exercise and play in while you train them to walk with a leash properly.
- Put on their harness and a short leash. Having a shorter leash makes it easier to control your Samoyed and keep them by your side instead of having them rush out in front of you.
- Ensure that you step out of the door first. You want your Samoyed to know that you lead them in this walk and not the other way around. If possible, tell your dog to sit before going out the door and again once outside to get their focus on you.
- Walk briskly in any direction but be sure to change directions often to train them to follow you. It doesn’t matter which position your Samoyed walks with you, whether beside you or in front, but most Samoyeds seem to prefer being in front. The short leash should keep them under control regardless.
- Keep their attention on you so you can direct the walk. Having treats on hand helps gently pull them back to you if they start to pull on their leash. Do not yank on the leash. You want to remind them that they are walking with you and need to stay by your side.
- Don’t be afraid to stand still. After all, walking, for now, is to train your Samoyed, not give them exercise, so if you have to spend to whole time standing in place waiting for them to calm down, then that’s fine. After a few sessions of not getting anywhere, they will start to learn that following you will be more fun than trying to rush off.
Remember that not all days will be good days for you or your Samoyed. Just try your best to be consistent and ensure that you are reinforcing the behavior you want. If you’re having a tough time training your dog not to pull on the leash, it might be time to find a professional trainer to help you.
Are Samoyeds good first-time dogs?
Samoyeds are very gentle and friendly dogs, but they have a few traits that make them difficult for first-time dog Samoyed owners.
- Stubborn: As I outlined above, their stubbornness can make them challenging to train, and if you don’t have any experience training a dog, a Samoyed can be a bit overwhelming. It can be frustrating to try and learn how to care and communicate rules to your dog when they have such a strong will of their own.
- Energy: Samoyeds need a lot of exercises to keep them healthy and occupied. They need at least two hours of activity every day, not to mention playtime for bonding and mental stimulation. It can be intimidating for new dog owners to keep up with their dog’s energy unless they are already very active.
- Grooming: Samoyeds have thick fur that sheds often and needs grooming daily. Due to how much grooming they need, it can be a bit much for some new dog owners.
- digging: Samoyeds are somewhat famous for digging holes in the backyard. Most of the time, they do it because they are bored or occasionally dig (with their not webbed feet) to escape hot temperatures. Either way, it can be a problem if you’re a new dog owner and don’t know how to keep them from digging everything up.
Keep in mind that while Samoyeds might be more work than you are planning for, they are still amazing dogs that love spending time with their family and have a gentle nature. As long as you are patient about training them and can keep up with all their energy, they could be the perfect first dog for you.
Samoyed Training FAQs
Are Samoyeds hard to train?
Samoyeds are considered to be one of the most trainable dog breeds. They are eager to please their owners and are quick learners. However, like all dogs, they require patience and consistency when being trained. Samoyeds can also be stubborn sometimes, but with positive reinforcement techniques, most owners find them to be a joy to train.
Are All Samoyeds Stubborn?
All Samoyeds are not necessarily stubborn. Some may be more independent than others, but this does not mean that they are necessarily stubborn. If a Samoyed is well-trained and socialized, they can be very obedient and compliant. However, if a Samoyed is not trained or socialized properly, they may be more likely to exhibit stubborn behaviors. This is why it is so important to start training your Samoyed early and eliminate unwanted behaviors like barking, pulling, or any territorial aggression.
Are Samoyeds Obedient?
There is no simple answer to the question of whether Samoyeds are obedient. Some people who own Samoyeds report that they are obedient dogs, while others find them headstrong and independent. It is possible that obedience depends on the individual dog’s personality and its owner’s training methods. Some experts recommend using positive reinforcement techniques when dog training Samoyeds, as they may be more responsive to this approach than to punishment-based methods.