The Finnish Spitz is an intelligent and eager to please breed, making them highly trainable dogs. However, their spirited nature can also pose some training challenges. This guide covers effective techniques for Finnish Spitz along with managing any stubbornness. With positive reinforcement methods, you can achieve a well-trained Finnish Spitz companion.

Investing in training your Finnish Spitz has many benefits:

Consistent training pays off in a well-adjusted, mannerly Finnish Spitz.

Here are some top training tips for successfully working with the Finnish Spitz:

Start young – Begin training as a puppy during the prime socialization window under 16 weeks old. Easier to mold behaviors then.

Keep sessions short – Limit to 5-15 minutes max initially. Their shorter attention spans require building duration slowly.

Stay positive – This is a sensitive breed that shuts down with harsh corrections. Use food, toys, and praise to motivate.

Train daily – Consistency is key. Frequent short sessions are more effective than long periods spaced far apart.

Reward promptly – Mark and reward desired behaviors within 1-3 seconds so they associate the action with the positive reinforcement.

Use a cue once – Avoid repeating commands excessively. Say once, wait several seconds, then use a food lure to get desired response.

Add distractions gradually - Proof commands in low distraction settings first, then slowly add difficult elements like other dogs, noises, etc.

End on a high note - Finish sessions with easy tasks mastered and lots of rewards. Prevents frustration.

Make it fun! - Training should be an enjoyable game and way to bond. Keep energy upbeat.

Proper technique allows you to progress through training efficiently with this intelligent breed.

While generally trainable, the Finnish Spitz can present some challenges including:

Stubbornness – May choose to ignore commands they don’t feel like following in the moment. Test boundaries.

Strong-willed – Can be determined to do what they want, not what you ask. Require confident leadership.

Easily distracted - Interested in everything going on around them. Hard to keep focus.

Boredom - Shut down and disengage if drill repetitive commands. Need variety and novelty.

Vocal - May bark, whine, and vocalize complaints during training. Reward quiet.

Prey drive - Hard to overcome instincts to chase squirrels, cats, rabbits, etc. Requires diligence.

Excitable - Prone to jumping up, nipping, and getting over threshold with too much energy and lack of impulse control.

Separation anxiety - Velcro nature makes departures extremely hard. Desensitization training helps.

Patience and proper technique allows you to overcome the Finnish Spitz temperament challenges for success.

Use these troubleshooting tips to address typical training problems with the breed:

Difficulty focusing/short attention span – Keep sessions under 10 minutes. Use high value rewards like real meat to motivate. Avoid drills; switch activities often. Gradually build duration and challenge.

Stubbornness/blown off commands – Be more exciting than the environment with a happy voice, movement, and great rewards. Never repeat commands over and over. Keep sessions upbeat and engaging.

Strong prey drive – Use a long line until recall is bombproof. Always have irresistible treats on walks to reward ignoring triggers and checking in. Avoid wildlife areas until trained.

Excited jumping/nipping – Ask for a “sit” before any attention or play. If over-aroused, ignore until they settle. Reward calmness. Teach impulse control like “leave it”.

Separation anxiety - Use desensitization training to acclimate to alone time. Provide enrichment like Kongs when departing. Ignore stressful behavior; reward calm. May require medication.

Stay patient yet firm in your training. With dedication and creativity, you can mold your independent minded Finnish Spitz into a focused, well-behaved companion!