Start Training Early and Focus on Socialization
The Norwegian Lundehund is a unique breed with a mind of its own. To train effectively, begin socialization and basic obedience the day you bring your puppy home. Expose your Lundehund to different people, sounds, surfaces, and other calm dogs. This breed can be wary of strangers, so positive exposure helps prevent fear-based behaviors. Use treats and praise generously. Attend a puppy kindergarten class to build confidence in a controlled setting. Remember, the Lundehund’s history as a puffin hunter means they are independent thinkers. You must show them that listening to you is more rewarding than following their instincts. Keep early sessions short (5-10 minutes) and always end on a positive note.
Manage Stubbornness with Positive Reinforcement
The Norwegian Lundehund can be stubborn. They might choose to ignore commands if they find something more interesting. Never use punishment or harsh corrections; this will damage trust and increase resistance. Instead, use high-value rewards like small pieces of cheese or freeze-dried liver. Teach a strong “leave it” and “drop it” command using a trade game: offer a treat for the item they have. For recall, practice in a fenced area with a long line. Call them in a happy tone and reward with a jackpot of treats when they come. If they refuse, do not chase; run the other way to trigger their chase instinct. Patience is key. If you get frustrated, end the session and try later.
Address Breed-Specific Traits: Polydactyl Paws and More
Norwegian Lundehunds have six toes on each foot, making them agile climbers. This trait also means their paw care is crucial for training. Keep nails short to prevent snagging on training equipment. Use a file or grinder if your dog is sensitive to clippers. Their unique shoulder joints allow them to turn their front legs out to the side. This flexibility can be used in tricks, but be careful not to overtrain joints. Avoid repetitive high-impact activities until they are fully grown (around 18 months). Supervise closely during training sessions to prevent injury from twisting or jumping.
House Training and Crate Training Tips
Lundehunds are generally clean dogs but can be stubborn about going outside in bad weather. House train using a consistent schedule: take them out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed. Choose a designated potty spot and always use the same door. Reward with a treat immediately after they eliminate outside. If they have an accident, clean it thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner. Crate training works well for this breed if done correctly. Make the crate comfortable with a soft bed and a safe chew toy. Feed meals inside the crate to create positive associations. Never use the crate for punishment, and keep sessions short at first.
Prevent and Manage Barking and Digging
Norwegian Lundehunds can be vocal. They may bark at new sights or sounds. Teach a “quiet” command by waiting for a pause in barking, then saying “quiet” and giving a treat. Practice with doorbell sounds or passing dogs. If they dig, provide a designated digging pit filled with sand or soft soil. Bury toys and treats to encourage digging there. Redirect any unwanted digging by calling them to a more rewarding activity, such as a game of fetch. Ensure they get enough mental and physical exercise to reduce boredom. A tired Lundehund is less likely to bark or dig excessively. Aim for 30-60 minutes of activity daily, split into two sessions.
Key Takeaway
Consistency, patience, and high-value rewards are essential for training a Norwegian Lundehund. Focus on early socialization and respect their independent nature to build a strong bond.
Key Takeaway
Use high-value rewards and avoid punishment to train a Norwegian Lundehund, respecting their independent nature while staying consistent with short, positive sessions.