How to Train an Elkhound
The elkhound is an ancient dog breed with many of its original traits intact. A strong, independent and intelligent dog, it was bred to hunt big game including bear and moose. Known officially as the Norwegian elkhound, this breed requires a confident owner who is always in charge. A lapse in leadership allows the dog to assert its independence, making training a difficult chore. Since elkhounds have several traits you will want to control, taking charge while training and in your everyday routine is necessary.
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Instructions
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Feed your elkhound only after it sits on your command. Begin by holding a treat between your thumb and forefinger and placing it in front of your dog's nose. Bring your hand behind its head. The dog will most likely follow the path of your hand, resulting in its bottom hitting the ground. As soon as the dog's rear is on the ground, pop the treat in its mouth and praise. As your dog begins to understand what you want, add the word "Sit" and begin to eliminate the treat.
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Enter and leave the room or house in front of your elkhound as a sign of your place at the "head of the pack." If your elkhound is prone to cutting in front of you, ask it to wait. Teach the dog this command by blocking it with your body and saying the word "Wait." As long as the dog stays on the correct side of you, praise it and reward with a scratch or a treat, then walk out and allow the dog to follow.
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Walk with your dog at your side or behind you. This breed takes advantage of opportunities to dominate and walking in front of you suggests authority to an elkhound. Walk your dog on a 6-foot leash on your left side. Keep its body beside you by holding a treat in your right hand and saying "Heel." Let the dog know the treat is there and as it walks without pulling or trying to get away from you, treat it from time to time. If you are consistent with this method of walking, your elkhound will learn to remain beside you whenever given the verbal command.
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Remove all attention from your elkhound when it jumps on you. This breed is rambunctious and known for its tendency to jump to gain attention. Turn your back or leave the room without saying anything. Even the word "no" is taken as attention.
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Introduce your elkhound to dogs and people as early as possible. A naturally friendly animal, elkhounds may develop aversions to other dogs if not socialized properly.
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Interrupt your elkhound after it barks once or twice at a distraction. Begin by calmly saying its name, then offer a treat or toy when the dog's attention is on you. Add the word "quiet" after its name but before the treat as your dog begins to focus on you. Eventually eliminate the dog's name and treat, using only the verbal cue, "Quiet."
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Tips & Warnings
Teach your elkhound all the basic obedience cues including "Sit," "Down," "Stay" and "Come." These all reinforce your role as the leader.
Exercise your elkhound vigorously and regularly. Playing fetch or running around a large, enclosed area burns the excess energy common in this breed.
Do not allow your elkhound off-leash in a non-secure area, as the generations of tracking and hunting bred into it may tempt it to run off on its own.
Although elkhounds are notorious barkers, do not try to completely eliminate your dog's bark. It is a natural trait of the species and should not be suppressed.
Elkhounds enjoy being with their people. Extended separation from you is likely to lead to destructive behavior in your dog, including chewing.
Elkhound puppies are particularly boisterous and may knock things and people around before they have been properly trained. Be cautious with young children.
