If you’ve recently brought home a Finnish Spitz puppy, you may be wondering how to best train your new furry friend. Training a Finnish Spitz puppy requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. In this article, we will explore effective methods for training your Finnish Spitz puppy, from potty training to basic commands, to help you establish a strong foundation for a well-behaved and happy companion. So, let’s jump right in and discover how to train your Finnish Spitz puppy!
Basic Information about Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz, also known as the Suomenpystykorva, is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Finland. It is known for its distinctive fox-like appearance, with a pointed muzzle, erect ears, and a bushy tail that curls over its back. The breed has a dense double coat that is typically red or golden in color. Finnish Spitz have a friendly and lively temperament, making them excellent family pets.
Origin and History
The Finnish Spitz is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world, with origins dating back thousands of years. It was originally bred by the indigenous Sami people of the Finnish Lapland to hunt small game, particularly birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. The breed’s exceptional hunting skills and versatility made it highly valued among the Sami people. Today, Finnish Spitz are still used for hunting purposes in their native Finland, but they have also gained popularity as companion dogs worldwide.
Physical Characteristics
The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog, with males typically weighing between 31 to 36 pounds and females ranging from 23 to 29 pounds. They have a well-proportioned body and a square-shaped build. One of their most distinctive features is their fox-like face, with a narrow and pointed muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and erect ears. The breed’s dense double coat consists of a short, straight undercoat and a longer, harsher outer coat. Finnish Spitz are known for their vibrant red or golden coat colors, which are often accompanied by white markings on the chest, paws, and tail tip. Their plumed tail curls over their back, further enhancing their fox-like appearance.
Temperament and Personality
Finnish Spitz are known for their friendly and playful temperament. They are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. They are loyal and affectionate with their families, making them excellent companions. While they can be reserved and cautious around strangers, they are generally not aggressive. Finnish Spitz are known for their alertness and will bark to alert their owners of potential dangers or unfamiliar sounds. This makes them excellent watchdogs. They are also good with children and other animals when properly socialized. However, their hunting instincts may lead them to chase small animals, so caution should be taken when introducing them to smaller pets.
Preparing for Training
Before diving into training your Finnish Spitz, it’s important to create a safe and comfortable environment for them to learn and thrive. This includes puppy-proofing your home to minimize potential hazards and providing them with a designated space for rest and relaxation. Gathering necessary supplies such as a collar, leash, treats, and toys will ensure you have everything you need for training sessions. Additionally, setting a consistent schedule for training will help establish routine and structure, which is beneficial for both you and your furry friend.
Housebreaking and Potty Training
Housebreaking and potty training are essential aspects of training for any puppy, including Finnish Spitz. To establish a designated potty area, choose a spot in your yard or outside your home where you want your puppy to go to the bathroom consistently. Take your puppy to this area consistently after meals, naps, and play sessions, and praise them when they use the designated area. Using positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and verbal cues, can help reinforce good behavior. Consistency and patience are key during this process, as accidents are to be expected, especially in the early stages of training.
Socialization
Socialization plays a crucial role in shaping a well-rounded and confident Finnish Spitz. Exposing your puppy to different environments, such as parks, streets, and various indoor and outdoor settings, will help them become accustomed to different sights, sounds, and smells. Introducing them to various people, including children, adults, and strangers, will help them develop positive associations with different individuals. It’s also important to expose your Finnish Spitz to other animals, including dogs, cats, and small pets, to ensure they are comfortable and friendly in their presence. Remember to always supervise these interactions and provide positive experiences to help build your puppy’s confidence.
Basic Commands
Teaching your Finnish Spitz basic commands is an essential part of their training journey. Here are a few important commands to focus on:
Sit
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the foundational commands. Begin by holding a treat close to their nose and slowly raise it above their head. As their head goes up, their bottom will naturally lower into a sit position. Once in the sitting position, give the command “sit” and reward them with the treat and praise. Repeat this process consistently, gradually phasing out the use of treats and relying more on verbal cues and praise.
Stay
The “stay” command is important for keeping your dog in one place, whether you’re indoors or outdoors. Start by having your Finnish Spitz sit, then take a step back and say “stay” while holding your hand out as a stop signal. After a few seconds, return to them and reward them with treats and praise. Gradually increase the distance and duration of stay, rewarding them for their patience and compliance.
Come
The “come” command is vital for ensuring your Finnish Spitz returns to you when called. Begin by getting down to their level and saying their name followed by “come” in an enthusiastic tone. You can gently pat your thighs or use a treat to encourage them to come towards you. When they reach you, offer treats, praise, and affection. Repeat this command in various environments and situations to reinforce their understanding.
Leave it
“Leave it” is a crucial command, especially when your Finnish Spitz encounters something they shouldn’t have, such as food scraps on the ground or household items. Start by holding a treat in your closed fist and presenting it to your dog. When they try to sniff or paw at it, say “leave it” in a firm but friendly tone. Only reward them with treats and praise when they back away from your closed hand. Gradually introduce more tempting items and reinforce the command consistently.
Down
The “down” command teaches your Finnish Spitz to lie down on command. Begin with your dog in a sitting position and hold a treat in your hand, close to their nose. Slowly lower the treat to the ground, leading their body into a down position. As they lie down, say “down” and reward them with treats and praise. Practice this command regularly, gradually phasing out the use of treats.
Positive Reinforcement Training
positive reinforcement training methods are highly effective when training Finnish Spitz. This approach focuses on rewarding desired behaviors and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviors. Use treats, praise, and toys as rewards to reinforce good behavior and motivate your dog. When your Finnish Spitz performs a command correctly, provide immediate positive feedback and reward them. It’s important to avoid punishment or harsh training techniques, as these can lead to fear or aggression. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement will yield the best results in training your Finnish Spitz.
Leash Training
Leash training is an essential aspect of owning a Finnish Spitz, as it ensures they can be safely and comfortably walked in public spaces. Introduce the leash gradually, allowing your puppy to sniff and investigate it in a positive and relaxed environment. Once they are comfortable with the leash, attach it to their collar and allow them to drag it around under supervision. Teach proper walking behavior by using treats and praise to incentivize them to walk beside you. Gradually introduce distractions, such as other dogs or unfamiliar noises, to help prepare your Finnish Spitz for walking in various environments.
Crate Training
Crate training provides a safe and secure space for your Finnish Spitz and helps with housebreaking and overall obedience training. Choose an appropriate crate size that allows your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Create a positive association with the crate by placing treats, toys, and blankets inside. Encourage your Finnish Spitz to enter the crate willingly by using treats and praise. Gradually increase the duration of time spent in the crate, starting with short intervals and gradually working up to longer periods. Ensure the crate is always a positive and comfortable space for your dog.
Obedience Training
Obedience training is an ongoing process that strengthens the bond between you and your Finnish Spitz while ensuring they respond to commands reliably. Building a bond and trust through positive reinforcement and consistency are crucial components of obedience training. Teach advanced commands such as “heel,” “stand,” or tricks like “roll over” to challenge your dog’s mental and physical abilities. Proofing their obedience in various settings, including indoors, outdoors, and with distractions, will ensure their responsiveness in any situation.
Continued Learning and Fun Activities
Training your Finnish Spitz doesn’t have to be limited to basic obedience commands. Engage in continued learning and provide fun activities to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. Participating in dog sports such as agility, obedience trials, or tracking can provide a challenging and rewarding experience for both you and your Finnish Spitz. Enrichment toys and puzzles help satisfy their natural curiosity and intelligence. Mental stimulation exercises, such as scent games or food puzzles, can help keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom.
Training your Finnish Spitz requires patience, consistency, and a positive attitude. Whether you’re teaching basic commands, leash training, or advanced skills, remember to use positive reinforcement methods and make training sessions enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. The time and effort invested in training will result in a well-behaved and happy Finnish Spitz that is a cherished member of your family.