Features of training dogs of aboriginal breeds

Aboriginal breeds include huskies, malamutes, akita inu, shiba inu, husky, basenji, etc. If we are talking about the peculiarities of training dogs of aboriginal breeds, it is necessary to take into account some things.

Due to the fact that these dogs have gone through a minimal evolutionary path of development, they are not as human-oriented as breeds that have gone through a longer path of domestication. And often they are not strongly motivated not only for contact with a person, but also food and game motivation are not so strongly developed. That is, our awards are not so valuable for them.

And if you start working with native breeds using methods based on coercion and violence, mechanics, such a dog generally loses even the minimal desire to learn. The dog resists, becomes stubborn, tries to “fake”. And it may seem that such dogs are not trained.

If we work on positive reinforcement, then at first we develop game and food motivation, as well as a desire to contact a person. There are many games and exercises for this. And already when the motivation is developed, the process of training itself begins.

If we are talking about a small puppy, for such preparatory work, 1 – 2 lessons are usually enough. If we are talking about an adult dog, it may take 2 – 3 sessions to develop a base.

Another feature: Aboriginal dogs do not like multiple repetitions of the same exercise. After 2 – 3 repetitions, they begin to get bored, distracted and lose interest. It is necessary to change exercises in time. Endurance, the ability to keep concentration and motivation develops over time.

As for the beginning of training, there are no peculiarities in dogs of aboriginal breeds. As with all the others, the first skills are the reaction to the nickname, the call, the “Sit / Stand / Lie down” complex and the “Place” command. As well as switching attention from toy to toy, from toy to food, exercises for concentration and self-control.

If you are unable to train a native breed dog on your own, you can use our video courses on raising and training dogs in a humane way.