Keeshond Training
The Keeshond was originated in Holland and is related to Samoyed, Chow Chow, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz, and Pomeranian. It is a medium-sized dog bred to be a watchdog and guard dog. They were not bred to kill, catch and hunt either animals or people.
Keeshonds are a spitz-type dog covered with a beautiful fluffy coat that is long, straight and harsh. Their neck is covered with a heavy mane that covers the front part of the chest and shoulders.
Keeshond’s temperament is friendly, lively, and outgoing if trained well at a younger age. Well-trained Keeshond is not known for aggression and they make a great companion for the family. They are a smart, intelligent, affectionate and alert dog that makes a great watchdog and guard dog.
They are playful and loves to go out for a long walk or for a dog’s game. Keeshond needs regular exercise to keep their mind and body fit.
When to Start the Training?
Keeshond’s training should be started from an early age which is usually between 6-8 weeks. They are very energetic, lively and eager to please at this age. It will follow you everywhere you go and seek your attention. So, start training them with some basic tasks like calling their names, potty training, coming when being called and so on.
After basic training is completed start advance training like agility and obedience. Advanced training should be started at the age of 18-20 months.
Where to Start Training?
Keeshond is a lively dog, so to keep them interested in training, take them to open space. They do not learn well in an isolated place. A place like a park, yard, and a garden is great to train your Keeshond Puppy.
Keep the training interesting so that it won’t find its own way to keep itself interested and not listen to you. If you cannot train your dog, enrolling them in a dog training class is also a good idea where experienced trainer who knows their ways with dogs can train them.
How to Define Task for Keeshond?
Defining task for your Keeshond is easy and simple. Use certain words for a certain task. If you want to make him come to you then use the word “come” only. Using a specific word for a specific task helps your dog to understand what you are trying to make him do.
Use words like sit, eat, stand, come, stop and so on for tasks you want it to do. Do not confuse your Keeshond with a variety of words for one duty.
To make it easy for it, you can hand gesture them while training. For example, for sit wave your finger down pointing at the ground and wave your finger up to make it stand. It is important to learn your Keeshond body language too for you to understand what it wants.
The Training Process
Keeshond is a smart and intelligent dog who learns things quickly. They are an independent dog who like to do things on their own. So, their independent nature can make training somewhat challenging. To make them listen to you, the following process and methods should be applied to training:
Firm leadership: Keeshond needs a firm leader who can train them gently and confidently. Do not be harsh on them just because you are his leader as they will be scared and sometimes defensive due to which they will not be able to learn quickly. Be gentle and patient with them and gain respect from them.
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Positive reinforcement: Positive methods of training is the best methods to keep your dog interested and motivated. After they complete a certain task, reward them with delicious treats. Use vocal praises like “good dog” and gently pat them on the back. This gesture of yours will encourage them to learn quickly.
Socialization: Keeshond’s early socialization with different people is necessary. They need to be exposed to a variety of people at an early age so that when they grow up, they do not remain aloof and reserved around strangers.
Keeshonds is a quick learner and training them can be easy if you are a consistent leader. Respect your dog and it will respect you too. While training, demonstrate it physically on how to do that certain task. He will follow you and this way he will learn quickly. Just owning and training your dog is not enough.
You need to know Keeshond’s behavior, its physical gesture and there should be an understanding between you and your Keeshond. It will respect you and trust you this way.
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