Samoyeds are great dogs for active, outgoing individuals and families but there are things to consider if you don’t have much experience with dogs and would like to welcome a Samoyed.
Samoyeds can be challenging for beginner dog owners due to some maintenance and training needs that could be relatively high. Training a Samoyed might not be easy because these dogs have very strong instincts and habits that are hard to break. Maintenance needs can be pretty high. On the other hand, a typical Samoyed is friendly and accepting of other pets and people they meet outside of their home.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES WITH SAMOYEDS AS PETS
Samoyeds Can Be Hard To Train
Per Stanley Coren, who is well-known for his research in the realm of canine psychology, Samoyeds do have above-average working intelligence. Their problem-solving skills are excellent but these pups also have some challenges to overcome.
- Dogs with above-average working intelligence need consistency in the beginning when learning a new skill
- Samoyeds retain new skills and commands well but benefit from the repetition of skills
- Poor skills of the trainer can affect the dog’s learning – you don’t need a professional trainer but you need to be patient, methodical, and never punish your pet
- Sammies, like most dogs, respond to positive reinforcement, such as verbal praise or treats, and do not respond well to impatience or punishment
- They could get distracted outdoors or in an unfamiliar environment and not follow your commands as well as they do at home
- Keep the training sessions short and train when the dog is receptive and able to focus
- Avoid training when a lot is happening around you, train in a quiet area to improve the dog’s focus
- Practice commands in different settings
A major challenge for Samoyeds is their strong instincts. They are wired for some behaviors, including barking and chasing, and those habits could be hard to break.
To make matters more complicated, spitz dogs in general, and Samoyeds, in particular, are very independent and stubborn. They do like to please the owner but tend to have strong personalities.
Samoyeds Bark And Their Voices Are Loud
Samoyed dogs are known for their shrill voices and they are known to be vocal in general. It is just their preferred way of communicating.
Given the fact that this behavior is instinctive, teaching your pup to suppress the urge to bark could be a challenge.
Samoyeds Like To Chase
Another issue that is especially problematic if you have young children or small pets at home is that Samoyeds love to chase, track, and, possibly, even highly nip at the ankles. These dogs are patient and sweet with kids, but you would need to do some preparation for a Samoyed and a child to live comfortably in the same household.
There are ways to train and discourage dogs from doing this but, again, this behavior is instinctive and the instinct is strong.
You might also need to be vigilant outdoors and watch how your Samoyed reacts to runners, bikers and just moving people in general. Chasing cats, squirrels and other small animals could also be an issue. Until you know that you can trust your pet, keep your dog on a leash.
Samoyeds Are Relatively High-Maintenance
Samoyeds can be very high-maintenance, time-consuming pets.
A bright and active Sammy needs walks and games to keep his or her mind engaged and release energy.
In addition, these pups need regular brushing and occasional baths to maintain their beautiful fur.
Your home needs a good vacuum cleaner and lint rollers because these pups shed a lot, especially in spring and autumn. On the positive side, brushing could become a fun chore for school-age children, and a bonding activity, too. Many dog owners find brushing their dogs very therapeutic and most dogs also enjoy being brushed.
POSITIVES OF HAVING A SAMOYED AS A PET
Samoyeds Are Amazing Activity Buddies
If you are an outdoorsy, active person, a Samoyed could become a fabulous companion for hiking, running, camping, and doing things outside in general. They are friendly and energetic, so a Samoyed will probably have plenty of enthusiasm for most activities and this solves the problem of their excessive energy to spare!
Keep in mind that Samoyeds are a heat-sensitive breed, so you need to take precautions to protect your dog from heatstroke in the summer months.
If you are a swimmer, your pet may or may not like to accompany you in swimming in a lake. Many Samoyeds are cautious around water and need time to get used to the idea of being in the water.
Samoyeds Are Very Friendly, Sociable Dogs
Despite some of the challenges with training these dogs, Samoyeds are not usually aggressive or prone to react in ways that could be perceived as threatening.
Like dogs of any breed, a Samoyed needs to be properly socialized and, of course, exposed to training as possible. Most Samoyeds do exceptionally well with neighbors, visitors to their owner’s home, or even strangers they encounter in the streets.
Samoyeds Can Live Peacefully With Most Friendly Pets
With proper training and socialization, Samoyeds adapt well to any household, including families with other pets in the home.
Their urge to chase could be an issue for families with small animals, including cats and rodents, so be sure to provide a safe space for the smaller pet if needed until your Samoyed is appropriately trained.
To Conclude
A Samoyed could be a great dog for a novice dog owner who is prepared for potential challenges and is ready to provide the dog with ample time and attention. Ideally, however, these dogs are a better match for people who are more experienced with dogs.
Related Questions:
Are Samoyeds Good With Young Children?
Samoyeds are amazing dogs for active kids of school age but some behaviors could be problematic around younger kids. In particular, some Samoyeds could have the urge to chase and bark. These pups are friendly and patient but they need plenty of supervision around toddlers and preschool-age kids. Training a Samoyed might require some skill and consistency.
