The Finnish Spitz, a breed esteemed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), is known for its will to hunt and strong prey drive. This instinctive trait can often be a challenge for owners, especially during training sessions, as the dog may be more focused on chasing after a squirrel or a bird than on the task at hand. But don’t fret. It is absolutely possible to work with this breed and help them focus on training, despite their strong prey drive. This article will provide you with practical, hands-on strategies to achieve just that.
Understanding The Breed
Before you can effectively train a Finnish Spitz, it’s essential to understand the breed. There’s more to these friendly canines than just their fiery red coat and fox-like appearance. The Finnish Spitz is a hunting dog at heart, with a strong prey drive that has been bred into them for generations.
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These dogs are originally from Finland where they were traditionally used for hunting game, particularly birds. This history means that they are naturally attracted to fast, small, moving objects. Their AKC-recognized keen senses and alertness make them excellent hunters.
Understanding this about your Finnish Spitz can make all the difference when it comes to training. It will help you see things from their perspective and use their instincts to your advantage.
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Harnessing The Prey Drive
A Finnish Spitz’s prey drive doesn’t have to be a roadblock for training. Instead, it can be harnessed to aid in teaching your dog new commands and tricks. The key is to use their drive as motivation.
One way to do this is by incorporating toys into your training sessions. A quick-moving toy can grab your Finnish Spitz’s attention and keep them engaged. You can use the toy to guide them through the motions of the command you’re trying to teach.
Remember, consistency is key. Don’t forget to reward your dog when they correctly follow your instructions. Positive reinforcement will motivate them to keep doing well in training.
Socializing Your Finnish Spitz
Socialization is another crucial aspect of training a Finnish Spitz, or any breed for that matter. By exposing your puppy to different environments, people, and other dogs, they will become more well-rounded and confident. This in turn can help make training easier in the long run.
Start socializing your Finnish Spitz from a young age. Take them to dog parks, invite friends over who have dogs, or enroll them in puppy classes. Always remember to make these experiences positive for your dog. Gradually exposing your dog to different scenarios can help reduce their urge to chase after every moving object they see.
Creating A Distraction-Free Environment
Creating a distraction-free environment is another element that will aid in training your Finnish Spitz. Remember, these dogs are hunters by nature. Their heightened senses can pick up on the slightest movement or the faintest scent, which may interrupt their training.
Choose a quiet, enclosed space for training sessions – perhaps your backyard or living room (with the curtains drawn). Remove any toys or other pets that might distract your Finnish Spitz. With fewer diversions, your dog is more likely to focus on the training.
Patience Is Key
While all these strategies can certainly help, remember that patience is key when it comes to training any dog, and the Finnish Spitz is no exception. Some dogs may take longer than others to grasp new commands or to channel their prey drive productively.
Be patient and consistent. Celebrate small victories and continue to encourage your dog every step of the way. This will not only help in training but will also strengthen your bond with your Finnish Spitz.
Training a Finnish Spitz with a strong prey drive might seem like a daunting task, but with the right understanding, strategies, and patience, it can indeed be a rewarding experience. Remember, the key is to work with their instinct, not against it.
Integrating Training into Play
One of the most effective ways to encourage a Finnish Spitz with a strong prey drive to focus on training is by integrating training into play. This approach appeals to the dog’s natural instincts and makes training more enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.
To begin with, you can use interactive toys that stimulate their prey drive. Playing fetch, for instance, can teach them the ‘retrieve’ command. Similarly, a game of tug can be used to teach them commands like ‘pull’, ‘drop’ or ‘leave it’.
When you are playing with your Finnish Spitz, introduce commands in a fun, relaxed manner. This will not only keep your dog interested but also make them more receptive to learning. Reward them with treats, praises, or more play time whenever they correctly follow a command.
Also, keep in mind that training should not be confined to specific sessions only. Try to incorporate training into your everyday interactions with your dog. For instance, you can ask your dog to sit before getting their dinner, or to stay before going out for a walk. This way, your Finnish Spitz will associate good behavior with rewards, which will encourage them to follow commands more consistently.
Consistency in Training Commands
Consistency is a critical factor in training a Finnish Spitz with a strong prey drive. Since these dogs are intelligent and quick learners, they can easily get confused if different words or gestures are used for the same command. This can make training more challenging and potentially frustrating for both the owner and the dog.
To ensure consistency, decide on a specific command for each desired behavior and stick to it. For instance, if you use the word ‘down’ to command your dog to lie down, always use the same word. Do not switch between ‘down’, ‘lay’, and ‘lie’, as this can confuse your dog.
Moreover, consistency is not just about the commands, but also about the behavior you expect from your dog. If your Finnish Spitz knows that jumping on you is not acceptable, don’t allow it even when you’re in a good mood or when they’re excited. Inconsistent expectations can confuse your dog and slow down the training process.
Conclusion
Training a Finnish Spitz with a strong prey drive may seem like a challenging task, but it’s certainly not impossible. By understanding the breed’s natural instincts, harnessing their prey drive, socializing them from a young age, creating a distraction-free environment, and remaining patient and consistent, you can effectively train your Finnish Spitz.
Keep in mind that every dog is unique. What works for one Finnish Spitz may not work for another. The key is to stay patient, celebrate small victories, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Training is a way to bond with your dog and understand them better. With the right mindset and strategies, it can truly be a rewarding journey.
