Every dog can have their training issues and the American Eskimo is no different. The Eskie is bright and well aware of its environment, noting any and all changes no matter how subtle. Many owners swear that the Eskie's level of awareness is somewhat eerie, having an almost precognitive energy. However, this is just a sign of their intelligence. Wherever the action is in the house, the Eskie will be there. They like to stay on top of what's going on in their environment, not to mention they just regularly expect to be included in daily activities. When ignored, isolated, or not allowed to socialize with other dogs, they often develop behavioral problems that run from being hostile and destructive to overly noisy. An Eskie who wants to be left alone is likely to be under the weather and in need of a vet.
As with any dog as intelligent as the American Eskimo, stimulating activities is the number one requirement for keeping bad canine behaviors at bay. Stimulating activities can be anything from a simple game of fetch to playing with a favorite toy. Because each Eskie has their own personality and life experiences, these activities can vary from dog to dog. This makes it necessary for an owner to know and understand their dog's personality before choosing an activity. While some Eskies may enjoy spirited games that involve the whole family, others may prefer a simple one on one game with their owner. A number of Eskies take great pleasure in participating in obstacle and agility courses.
Obedience training is a must for the Eskie. Intelligent breeds are often very self aware and do not settle for bribes, especially when they do not think they are getting a good deal. A routine for behavior must be set up while the dog is young. An Eskie knows what it wants, when it wants it, and it takes a strong individual to not only set the rules but follow them consistently. Once an Eskie discovers a loophole or a place where he or she can get away with a behavior, they will use it repeatedly before moving on to other behaviors. Theirs is a personality that responds quite well to praise and rewards rather than reprimands and punishment.
As they are fairly attached to their owners and territory, socialization that includes being exposed to both people and animals can mean less stress for the Eskie. The less afraid they are of others, the less chance for episodes that can end up being traumatizing. It is a well known fact that unsocialized dogs are more likely to bite than those that are well socialized. The Eskie should also be exposed to different sights and sounds. Dogs unexposed to sudden or strange noises often revert to their natural canine instincts, leading them to bite or scratch.
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