Training Tips for Your Finnish Lapphund – Commands & Behaviour

Have you ever dreamed of having a loyal, adventurous, and family-friendly companion by your side? Meet the Finnish Lapphund—a dog with a heart as vast as the wilderness of its homeland. Known for their intelligence, gentle nature, and adaptability, Finnish Lapphunds are truly special. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about welcoming a Lapphund into your life, from their unique traits to care requirements, helping you make an informed and confident decision.

1. In-depth Training Techniques

Training your Finnish Lapphund effectively involves understanding and utilizing various training methods that cater to their unique temperament and instincts. Here, we delve into the most effective approaches:

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement forms the foundation of effective training for your Finnish Lapphund. These dogs are eager to please and respond exceptionally well to rewards such as treats, praise, and engaging toys. Utilizing positive reinforcement not only ensures successful training results but also fosters trust and strengthens the special bond you share with your dog.

• Treat Rewards: Use small, healthy treats as immediate rewards for desired behaviors. For example, rewarding your Lapphund with a treat every time they sit on command reinforces that behavior.
• Praise: Verbal affirmations like "Good girl!" or "Well done!" can be highly motivating for your Lapphund. Combine praise with a gentle petting to enhance the positive experience.
• Toys: Incorporate favorite toys as rewards during training sessions. This not only motivates your dog but also makes the training process enjoyable and engaging.

Clicker Training

Clicker training is a powerful method for communicating with your Finnish Lapphund. It provides clear, immediate feedback, helping your dog understand exactly which behaviors are being rewarded.

• Step 1: Introduce the clicker by associating the click sound with a positive reward, such as a treat. Click and treat repeatedly to create a strong positive association.
• Step 2: Use the clicker to mark desired behaviors, like sitting or staying, immediately followed by a reward. This helps your dog link the action with the reward.
• Step 3: Incorporate the clicker consistently in training sessions to reinforce both new and established behaviors, ensuring clear communication.

Creating a Safe Space

Instead of traditional crate training, Finnish Lapphunds benefit from having a designated safe space where they can retreat and feel secure. This approach helps manage separation anxiety and provides a comforting environment.

• Designate a Safe Area: Choose a quiet corner or a specific room where your Lapphund can relax. Equip this space with a comfortable bed, favorite toys, and access to water.
• Gradual Introduction: Introduce your dog to their safe space gradually. Encourage them to explore it by placing treats and toys inside, making it a positive and inviting area.
• Consistent Use: Use the safe space regularly for naps and downtime. Encourage your Lapphund to use it consistently, reinforcing it as their personal sanctuary.

2. Common Behavioral Issues

Finnish Lapphunds may exhibit certain behaviors that require careful management and training. Understanding these common issues and knowing how to address them is crucial for a harmonious relationship with your dog.

Managing Barking

Finnish Lapphunds can be prone to barking, especially in apartment settings or when bored. Excessive barking can be managed through consistent training and providing ample mental and physical stimulation.

• Training Tips: Teach the "quiet" command by waiting for your dog to stop barking, then rewarding the silence with a treat and praise.
• Distractions: Provide interactive toys or engage in play sessions to keep your Lapphund occupied and reduce boredom-induced barking.
• Environmental Management: Use white noise machines or calming music to mask external noises that might trigger barking.

Dealing with Herding Instincts

Lapphunds may try to herd other pets or small children due to their breed’s instincts. Redirecting this behavior is essential to prevent it from becoming problematic.

• Commands: Teach commands like "leave it" or "come" to control your dog’s herding behavior effectively.
• Distractions: Provide interactive toys or engage in obedience training to channel your Lapphund’s energy into positive activities.
• Consistent Training: Reinforce desired behaviors consistently across all family members to ensure uniform response and training effectiveness.

Handling Stubbornness

Finnish Lapphunds are known for their independent thinking, which can sometimes manifest as stubbornness. Overcoming this trait requires patience and strategic training approaches.

• Consistency: Maintain consistent commands and expectations to help your Lapphund understand what is required.
• Engaging Activities: Incorporate engaging and mentally stimulating activities to keep your dog interested and motivated during training sessions.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to reward compliance and encourage your dog to follow commands willingly.

3. Essential Commands for Lapphunds

Teaching your Finnish Lapphund essential commands ensures safety and good behavior in various situations. Here are the must-know commands for every Lapphund owner:

Recall ('Come')

As a herding breed, Lapphunds may have a strong prey drive. Mastering recall is crucial for off-leash reliability and ensuring your dog's safety.

• Start Indoors: Begin training in a distraction-free environment. Use a treat to lure your dog towards you while saying "come."
• Gradual Increase in Distance: Slowly increase the distance between you and your dog during training sessions to build reliable recall.
• Positive Reinforcement: Always reward your dog with treats and praise when they successfully come to you, reinforcing the desired behavior.

Leave It/Drop It

Given their curious nature, the "leave it" or "drop it" command is essential for keeping your Lapphund safe during walks or in social situations.

• Teach "Leave It": Hold a treat in your closed fist and let your dog sniff it. When they stop trying to get the treat and look at you, say "leave it" and reward them with a different treat.
• Teach "Drop It": Offer your dog a toy and then present a treat. When they drop the toy to take the treat, say "drop it" and reward them.
• Consistency: Use these commands consistently in various situations to ensure your dog understands and responds reliably.

Heel

The "heel" command helps with leash walking, ensuring your Lapphund remains well-behaved and focused during walks.

• Start Indoors: Practice the "heel" command indoors with minimal distractions. Use treats to guide your dog to walk beside you.
• Increase Distractions: Gradually introduce distractions like other people or dogs while maintaining the "heel" position.
• Consistency: Reinforce the "heel" command during all walks to establish it as a standard behavior.

4. Socialization Tips

Proper socialization is vital for your Finnish Lapphund’s development, preventing shyness and fearfulness. Early and ongoing socialization ensures your dog is comfortable in various environments and interactions.

Early Socialization

Introducing your Lapphund to new environments, other dogs, and humans during critical puppyhood stages lays the groundwork for a well-adjusted adult dog.

• Exposure to Environments: Take your puppy to different places like parks, pet stores, and busy streets to familiarize them with diverse settings.
• Interactions with Dogs: Arrange playdates with well-behaved dogs to teach your Lapphund proper social behavior.
• Human Interaction: Expose your puppy to various people, including children, to build confidence and reduce fearfulness.

Ongoing Socialization

Socialization is not a one-time event but a continuous process throughout your Lapphund’s life. Regular interactions prevent the development of anxiety and fear-based behaviors.

• Regular Outings: Continue taking your Lapphund to new places and events to maintain their adaptability and comfort in different situations.
• Meeting New Dogs and People: Encourage positive interactions with new dogs and people to keep social skills sharp.
• Varied Experiences: Introduce your dog to different sounds, sights, and smells to keep their environment stimulating and prevent desensitization.

5. Mental Stimulation Games and Activities

Mental stimulation is crucial for preventing boredom and associated behavioral problems in Finnish Lapphunds. Engaging your dog’s brain keeps them happy and well-behaved.

Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys challenge your Lapphund’s problem-solving skills, providing mental stimulation and reducing boredom-induced behaviors.

• KONG Toys: Stuff these durable toys with treats or peanut butter to keep your dog engaged and entertained.
• Interactive Puzzle Feeders: These feeders require your dog to solve puzzles to access their food, promoting mental agility.
• Treat-Dispensing Toys: Toys that release treats as your dog plays with them encourage prolonged engagement and mental effort.

Scent Games

Scent-based games tap into your Lapphund’s natural instincts and sharp senses, providing both mental and physical stimulation.

• Hide and Seek: Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your dog to find them using their sense of smell.
• Snuffle Mats: These mats have multiple hiding spots for treats, allowing your dog to use their nose to uncover the rewards.
• Tracking Exercises: Create scent trails using a favorite toy or treat, guiding your dog to follow the path and find the reward at the end.

Agility Training

Agility courses provide both physical and mental exercise, helping your Lapphund stay active and mentally sharp.

• Basic Agility Commands: Teach your dog commands like "jump," "weave," and "tunnel" to navigate through an agility course.
• Obstacle Courses: Set up simple obstacle courses in your backyard or a local park to challenge your dog’s agility and problem-solving skills.
• Structured Training: Enroll in an agility training class to receive professional guidance and structured training sessions.

6. Exercise Needs by Life Stage

Meeting your Finnish Lapphund’s exercise needs varies based on their life stage. Providing appropriate physical and mental exercise ensures their well-being and prevents behavioral issues.

Puppies vs. Adults

Adjusting exercise routines based on your Lapphund’s age is essential for their growth and health.

• Puppies: Focus on short, frequent play sessions and gentle walks to build their stamina. Incorporate mental stimulation through puzzle toys and basic training exercises.
• Adults: Provide more rigorous physical activities like long walks, runs, and agility training. Ensure they receive ample mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp.

Senior Lapphunds

As your Finnish Lapphund ages, their exercise needs change. Tailoring their activity levels helps maintain their health and happiness.

• Mild Walks: Opt for shorter, slower walks to accommodate reduced stamina and joint issues.
• Gentle Play: Engage in low-impact games like fetch or tug-of-war to keep them active without overexertion.
• Mental Exercises: Continue providing puzzle toys and scent games to keep their minds engaged and prevent cognitive decline.

7. Training Tools for Success

Equipping yourself with the right tools can make training your Finnish Lapphund more effective and enjoyable. Here are some essential training devices:

Leash Training Gear

Leash training gear is crucial for managing your Lapphund’s enthusiasm during walks. The right harness and leash ensure safe and controlled walks.

• No-Pull Harnesses: Harnesses like Easy Walk or PetSafe distribute pressure evenly, reducing pulling without causing discomfort. They are perfect for reinforcing the "heel" command.
• Durable Leashes: Choose sturdy leashes that can withstand your Lapphund’s strength and energy. A standard 6-foot leash provides control while allowing freedom to explore.

Treat Pouches

Treat pouches are practical tools for carrying rewards during walks or training sessions, ensuring you can promptly reward your Lapphund for good behavior.

• Accessible Pouches: Opt for pouches with easy access pockets to quickly grab treats without interrupting the training flow.
• Secure Fit: Ensure the pouch fits securely around your waist or bag to prevent it from bouncing or spilling during walks.

Interactive Feeding Tools

Interactive feeding tools like slow-feeder bowls and puzzle feeders provide mental stimulation during meal times, preventing overeating and promoting healthy eating habits.

• Slow-Feeder Bowls: These bowls have built-in obstacles that make your Lapphund work for their food, slowing down their eating pace.
• Puzzle Feeders: Puzzle feeders require your dog to solve a puzzle to access their food, providing mental exercise and reducing boredom.

8. Consistency and Patience: The Key to Success

Training a Finnish Lapphund is a rewarding yet sometimes challenging process. Their independent nature and intelligence mean that training may take longer than with other breeds. However, consistency in commands, daily routines, and patience with setbacks will lead to lasting success.

• Consistent Commands: Use the same commands and cues consistently across all training sessions and family members to avoid confusing your dog.
• Daily Routines: Establish regular training and exercise routines to provide structure and predictability for your Lapphund.
• Patience with Setbacks: Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the training process. Stay patient and persistent, reinforcing positive behaviors and gently correcting unwanted ones.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your Lapphund’s progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement of successes encourages continued improvement.

By maintaining consistency and patience, you’ll build a stronger bond with your Lapphund and cultivate a well-mannered, confident companion.

9. Puppy Training vs. Adult Training

Training a Finnish Lapphund puppy differs significantly from training an adult Lapphund. Understanding these differences can help you tailor your training approach effectively.

Puppy Training

Puppies are more adaptable and can absorb training lessons quickly, especially with early socialization and basic obedience training. Here are key considerations for training a Lapphund puppy:

• Early Socialization: Expose your puppy to various environments, people, and other animals to build confidence and reduce fearfulness.
• Basic Obedience: Focus on fundamental commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "leave it" to establish a foundation for future training.
• Short Training Sessions: Keep training sessions brief and fun, around 5-10 minutes, to match your puppy’s attention span.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and play as rewards to encourage desired behaviors and make training enjoyable.

Adult Training

Adult Lapphunds, particularly those adopted from rescues, may require extra time to adjust to their new environment and overcome past experiences. Here are strategies for training adult Lapphunds:

• Understanding Temperament: Take the time to understand your adult dog’s temperament, previous training, and any behavioral issues they may have.
• Gradual Socialization: Introduce your adult Lapphund to new experiences gradually, ensuring they feel comfortable and secure.
• Consistent Routine: Establish a clear and consistent training and daily routine to provide structure and predictability for your dog.
• Patience and Persistence: Be patient with your adult Lapphund, offering consistent training and positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.

10. Training Resources

Expanding your knowledge about training can enhance your effectiveness and enjoyment in training your Lapphund. Here are some valuable resources to consider:

• Books: Seek out books on positive reinforcement training or herding breeds to learn specialized techniques for Lapphunds. Examples include "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller and "Don't Shoot the Dog!" by Karen Pryor.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy or Coursera offer comprehensive dog training courses covering obedience, socialization, and more. These courses provide structured learning and professional guidance.
• Videos: YouTube features many trainers who provide step-by-step guidance, making it easy to follow along with their methods. Channels like Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution offer practical tips and demonstrations.
• Local Training Classes: Enroll in local obedience or agility classes to receive hands-on training and socialize your Lapphund with other dogs.
• Forums and Communities: Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to Finnish Lapphunds to share experiences, ask questions, and gain insights from fellow owners.

11. Recommended Training Devices for Your Finnish Lapphund

Effective training often requires the right tools to make the process smoother and more rewarding for both you and your Lapphund. Here are some useful devices that can help with health tracking, behavior correction, and more:

Barking Deterrents

Since Finnish Lapphunds are known to bark, especially when left alone or under-stimulated, having a bark deterrent can help control excessive barking while training your dog.

• Vibration Collars: These collars gently vibrate when your dog barks, giving them a non-painful correction. They can be particularly effective if your Lapphund tends to bark when you leave them alone or in new environments.
• Ultrasonic Bark Deterrents: Devices that emit an ultrasonic sound (inaudible to humans) when your dog barks. It’s a safe and humane way to control unwanted barking behavior.

Health and Activity Trackers

To ensure your Lapphund is getting enough physical and mental exercise, a dog activity tracker can help monitor their movement and even track health metrics.

• GPS and Activity Collars: Devices like the FitBark or Whistle track your dog’s steps, calories burned, and overall activity levels. These are perfect for ensuring your Lapphund meets its daily exercise needs and maintains a healthy weight.
• Smart Dog Collars: Advanced smart collars can monitor your dog’s activity, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. These are particularly useful for Lapphund owners who want to keep tabs on their dog’s health and activity levels, especially as the dog ages.

Training Clickers

A clicker is a simple and effective tool used in positive reinforcement training. It emits a distinct sound that helps your dog associate a particular behavior with a reward.

• Clicker Training: Finnish Lapphunds respond well to clicker training because of their intelligence. The click marks the exact moment a desired behavior is performed, followed by a treat. This method is widely used for teaching basic commands, tricks, and good manners.

Treat Dispensing Toys

Interactive toys that dispense treats can serve as both mental stimulation and a reward for good behavior during training sessions.

• KONG Toys: These toys can be stuffed with treats and provide hours of entertainment, making them ideal for training sessions. They encourage problem-solving, keep your Lapphund engaged, and reduce boredom.

Anti-Pull Harnesses

For leash training, especially with a highly energetic dog like a Finnish Lapphund, an anti-pull harness can help correct leash-pulling behavior.

• No-Pull Harnesses: Brands like Easy Walk or PetSafe distribute pressure more evenly across the body, helping reduce pulling without causing harm to your Lapphund. These can be great for reinforcing the “heel” command and teaching leash manners.

Slow Feeder Bowls

Though not a training tool per se, slow feeders are useful for managing your Lapphund’s eating habits and preventing bloating or overeating. They can also serve as mental stimulation, especially if your dog is prone to boredom or anxiety during meal times.

• Interactive Feeders: Look for slow feeders with puzzle designs that make mealtime more challenging. This helps stimulate your Lapphund’s brain and reduces fast eating behaviors.

Interactive Training Apps

With advancements in pet technology, there are now apps designed to help you track your dog’s progress with training commands and behaviors.

• Dogo App: This app offers video tutorials, a built-in clicker, and customized training plans for your dog. You can track your Finnish Lapphund’s progress and set daily goals for both physical exercise and command reinforcement.

12. Conclusion: The Journey of Training Your Finnish Lapphund

Training a Finnish Lapphund is a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey that strengthens your bond with your furry friend. Through positive reinforcement, mental stimulation, and consistent routines, you’ll cultivate a well-behaved and loving companion ready for any adventure. Enjoy each step of the journey, celebrate every success, and remember that your Lapphund is not just a pet—they’re part of your family. The training you do together lays the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life together.

By following these training tips and approaches, you can help your Finnish Lapphund become a well-mannered, confident, and loyal companion for life.