Training a Samoyed well depends on a good method, and naturally requires the owner’s careful training. So how should a Samoyed be trained?

　　Quietness:

　　1. Concept

　　Quietness refers to the dog’s ability to remain silent upon the trainer’s command when it wants to bark or is barking. This subject should be started after the dog has formed a conditioned reflex to barking.

　　2. Main conditioned and unconditioned stimuli Command: "Quiet"

　　Main unconditioned stimuli: lightly tapping the dog’s mouth, pulling the collar.

　　3. Main training methods:

　　The trainer takes the dog to the training ground, and the assistant trainer slowly approaches the dog stealthily from near to far. When the dog wants to bark, the trainer immediately issues the "Quiet" command while lightly tapping the dog’s mouth to prevent it from barking, making it remain quiet. When the dog is quiet, reward immediately. The assistant trainer continues to appear and disappear, and the trainer repeats the command to stop barking according to the dog’s behavior. After repeated training like this, the dog forms a conditioned reflex to the command.

　　Barking:

　　1. Concept

　　This subject refers to the dog’s ability to bark once or multiple times according to the trainer’s instructions.

　　2. Command, gesture, and main unconditioned stimuli Command: "Speak"

　　Gesture: right index finger tapping in front of the chest.

　　Main unconditioned stimuli: appetite reflex, hunting reflex, spontaneous reflex, defensive reflex.

　　Training methods

　　Using the appetite reflex: before feeding the dog or when it is hungry, the trainer holds a food bowl or food outside the kennel to lure the dog. Because of the desire to get food, the dog becomes very excited. At this time, the command and gesture are given, while teasing the dog with food in front of it, so the dog can bark. At first, any sign of barking should be immediately rewarded by feeding. Feed a little, then make the dog bark again, and reward it after barking, repeating this five or six times. This is more effective for dogs primarily motivated by food. Later training can gradually reduce food luring until fully withdrawn, with frequent changes of training location, so the dog barks solely based on command and gesture.

　　Using the defensive reflex: When the dog barks because it notices strangers or other dogs near the kennel, the trainer can timely issue the command and gesture to instruct the dog to bark and reward it. The dog can also be brought close to the trainer, and the assistant trainer gradually approaches from afar to tease the dog. When the dog shows alertness or vigilance, the trainer points with the right hand towards the assistant trainer and gives the "Speak" command to stimulate excitement. When the dog barks or shows barking behavior, the trainer immediately rewards with a "Good" command and petting. The assistant trainer stops teasing or hides during the reward. Then teasing resumes to make the dog bark again. After several of these sessions, the dog forms a basic conditioned reflex, and gradually the assistant trainer’s teasing can be reduced and eliminated, barking being triggered only by the command and gesture. This method is more effective for dogs predominantly showing active defensive response. However, overuse should be avoided to prevent the dog from developing bad habits of barking at every person.

　　Using attachment: Take the dog to an unfamiliar but quiet place, tie it to a sturdy object. The trainer first tries to excite the dog, then immediately leaves to a certain distance, walking away while calling the dog’s name. Because the dog sees the trainer leaving and hears its name called, it will quickly bark. At this moment, the trainer should promptly use commands and gestures to instruct the dog to bark. After a few barks, the trainer runs back to the dog, petting and rewarding with food. Repeat this training two or three times, then let the dog roam freely. Later, the training can gradually shorten the distance until the dog can bark on command without the trainer leaving.

　　Using spontaneous reflex: When the dog has been confined for a long time without freedom to move, it shows a strong desire to get out of the kennel. Thus, before releasing the dog, use the barking command and gesture to instruct it to bark. If the dog barks, release it from the kennel as a reward.

　　Using hunting reflex: For dogs excited by retrieving, the easiest and fastest training method is to use the retrieving desire. After attracting the dog with an object, use the barking command or gesture. If the dog barks, reward with the object; if the dog only gets excited and attacks without barking, suddenly tie the dog to a fixed object while continuing to tease and ordering it to bark. If it barks, immediately return to reward it.

　　Notes

　　To maintain and enhance the dog’s barking enthusiasm, correct barking actions should be continuously reinforced and rewarded.

　　Prevent frequent continuous barking that may cause inhibition.

　　After the dog has formed a basic conditioned reflex to bark, if it only shows barking intent but does not bark on command, the trainer should stop rewarding until it barks aloud before strengthening the reward.