While many people might think all small breed dogs are created equal, they’ve probably haven’t met a Schipperke yet. This feisty little Belgian breed, commonly and affectionately known as a “Little Black Devil”, is just as unique as its nickname suggests.
The Schipperke is everything you wouldn’t expect in a dog their size. They’re spunky, curious, very observant, and they come with an overflowing amount of energy. Interestingly, Schipperkes weren’t originally bred as lap dogs. They have a history deeply rooted in ratting and guarding, making them adventuresome and sometimes stubborn.
The big question on many potential owners’ minds is, “Is Schipperke easy to train?” In truth, the answer to this question has a lot of twists and turns. Let’s delve into this question and help paint a clearer picture of the Schipperke training experience.
Schipperkes’ intelligence, strong-willed nature, and colorful personality make them unique, and wonderful companions. However, these same attributes can sometimes be a double-edged sword when it comes to training. Their intelligence could mean they pick up tricks and commands faster than other breeds, but their stubbornness may also mean they’ll try to have their way every now and then.
Because of their adventurous and investigative nature, Schipperkes can get bored pretty easily. Therefore, the use of traditional, monotonous training methods might not work on them. A Schipperke requires engaging, and often entertaining training sessions. Introducing variety in your training routines such as using different commands, incorporating new tricks, or changing the training environment is usually recommended.
Food or treat-based reinforcement training methods work well with Schipperkes. Using this training method can incentivize them to pay attention and listen to your commands. But remember, despite their small size, Schipperkes are prone to obesity, so be careful with the amount of treats you give them. Instead, consider using healthy treats or their favorite toys as rewards.
Socialization from an early age is crucial when training a Schipperke. The reason why it’s so important is that Schipperkes might have a little tendency to be standoffish around strangers or other animals. Regular socialization, especially in their formative weeks and months, can help them get used to different social settings and reduce aggressive tendencies.
Puppy classes can be a great way to kick start the socialization process. The classes not only provide a structured setting for learning basic skills but will also enable interaction with other puppies in a controlled and supervised environment.
One of the biggest assets you can have while training a Schipperke is patience. Like many other intelligent breeds, Schipperkes will test boundaries just to see what they can get away with. However, maintaining a calm demeanor, consistency in reinforcement of good behavior, and steady patience can go a long way in training your Schipperke successfully.
Yes, the Schipperke’s spirit, vigor, and charm can sometimes tip into the realm of willfulness and stubbornness, which might make them seem a little challenging to train. But with a blend of smart methods, consistency, creativity, and patience, you’ll find the process worthwhile and even cherishable.
The final verdict happens to be, “Schipperkes might not be ‘easy’ to train, but they certainly are ‘FUN’ to train!” After all, nothing easy ever brings the joy that accomplishment brings. And when you train a Schipperke, you’re bound to get plentiful of that joy.
So if you’re considering bringing a Schipperke into your life, don’t let the training process intimidate you. With the right approach, you’ll have a lively, loyal, and entertaining fur-buddy who’s sure to keep life interesting. Remember, the journey of training your Schipperke will not just teach them manners, but will also strengthen your bond with them along the way.
In the end, what’s a little stubbornness in the face of unconditional love and endless adventures, right? With a Schipperke, as with life, the ride might get a bit bumpy, but oh boy, it’s worth every second!
