How to Train Eskimo Puppies

American Eskimo puppy

An American Eskimo puppy can make a wonderful addition to your home. They are known for being smart, which makes them easier to train. They are valued as good family dogs and are friendly to children. With adequate exercise, then can live in small homes or those with small yards. However, a well-trained dog doesn't start off that way. With patience, diligence and a commitment to properly raising your pup, you can ensure that you will have a joyful, obedient companion for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Puppy crate Food bowl Water bowl Leash Collar Chew toys

Instructions

How to Train Eskimo Puppies

1. 

   Commit to structure. A puppy is happier with a routine. When she knows what to expect and when to expect it, she can feel more secure in her home. This means adhering to a schedule for meals, walks, fun time and sleeping. You can deviate a little from your routine, but commit to a structured existence for your puppy. If she expects lunch at 11:30 a.m., but you don't get home until 2:00 p.m., you will have a very confused and anxious dog on your hands.

2. 

   Reward good behavior. The goal in training your Eskimo puppy is to get her to act in a manner that you as her owner deem appropriate. Good manners usually include not jumping, not pulling on a leash and sitting nicely when her food is delivered. A puppy will associate her behavior with the subsequent reaction. When she acts like a good girl (for example, sitting when asked, keeping all paws on the floor when a guest arrives) reward her with treats and praise. If you encourage good behavior, the puppy will be prompted to keep displaying good behavior.

3. 

   Be consistent. Whatever discipline you are enforcing, stick to it, and make sure other members of your family are on the same page. You can't simultaneously ignore your puppy when you are at the dinner table in the hopes of discouraging begging behavior if your partner is feeding her treats from his chair. The confused pup will think that if one person will give her scraps, surely anyone will give her scraps. This applies to all behaviors. If you don't want the puppy on the furniture, don't breakdown one night by pulling her onto your lap. She will expect that you will always do this, and act sullen when denied the favor.

4. 

   Make exercise a daily priority. Without a physical challenge, such as a pack walk, American Eskimo dogs become high-strung and unruly. It's important that you provide your dog with an appropriate outlet for her energy. A daily, long walk is the best way to do this. Gradually increase the length of your walks. Your puppy wants to get outside and it's up to you to make sure she does.

5. 

   Ensure that your puppy believes her crate is her special place. This means feeding her meals in the crate. (Remove the bowl when she's done.) Eskimo puppies are food-driven and they will make powerful associations with food, environment and behavior. This also means you can't punish your puppy by forcing her into her crate when you are displeased with her behavior. Her crate should be her sanctuary. It's where she will learn to sleep and rest and know she is safe.

6. 

   Practice patience. Puppies, like human babies and toddlers, don't always know exactly what is expected of them or how to vocalize their confusion or frustration. It is your goal as her trainer to guide her into the correct behavior. It's a learning process. Eskimo puppies have lots of energy and curiosity and at times they won't heed commands. They will have accidents indoors. They will bite and nip. They will become easily distracted by sounds and smells. This is when patience is your virtue. Losing your temper doesn't teach her anything except fear.

7. 

   Love them generously. A young dog is taking on the world and she will feel safer knowing that you can give her protection, food and security. This is when you are bonding with her. She'll be a puppy only once, and she'll grow so fast. Even when her behavior challenges your patience, love your Eskimo puppy. Pet her kindly. Remove the sleep from her eyes. Make every effort to know that she is special in your home.

References

• American Eskimo dog breed information