How to Train Your Samoyed: 6 Tips for Handling the Fluffy Ball of Energy
So, you’ve decided to train a Samoyed? Get ready for a workout. These dogs are as fluffy as they are energetic, and they’ve got personalities that match their big, white coats—full of joy, mischief, and a little bit of sass.
Training a Samoyed isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s about keeping up with their boundless energy and unbreakable spirit.
Here are six tips to help you train your Samoyed without getting lost in all that fur.
1. Start Early: Nip That Stubbornness in the Bud

Samoyeds are independent thinkers, which is a nice way of saying they can be stubborn. If you don’t start training early, you’ll quickly find out just how headstrong they can be. From the moment you bring your Samoyed puppy home, start working on basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
These dogs are incredibly smart, but that doesn’t mean they’ll do what you want just because you asked nicely. Be consistent, firm, and positive. If you let them get away with ignoring a command once, they’ll keep testing you to see if they can do it again. Start early, and you’ll set the stage for a well-behaved adult dog.
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Start Training Today! 🐾2. Socialization: Teach Them to Love Everyone

Samoyeds are known for their friendly nature, but proper socialization is still essential. Without it, even the friendliest dog can develop fear or anxiety. Expose your Samoyed to different people, places, and situations as early as possible. The goal is to make sure they’re comfortable and confident in any environment.
Take your Samoyed to dog parks, introduce them to new people, and let them experience different sights and sounds. These dogs love to meet new friends, so make sure they get plenty of opportunities to do so. And don’t forget to reward calm, friendly behavior—especially when they’re meeting someone new.
3. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise: A Tired Samoyed Is a Happy Samoyed

Let’s be real—Samoyeds have energy to spare. If you’re not giving them enough exercise, they’ll find their own ways to burn off that energy, and you’re probably not going to like their methods. Daily exercise is a must, and not just a quick walk around the block. We’re talking about long walks, runs, or playtime in a secure area.
Samoyeds were bred to pull sleds, so they’re happiest when they’re moving. If you can, consider activities like hiking, agility training, or even skijoring (pulling you on skis). The more you engage their bodies and minds, the happier and more well-behaved they’ll be.
And don’t forget about mental exercise! These dogs are smart, so mix in some puzzle toys or training games to keep their minds sharp.
4. Be Patient: They’re Called “Smiling Sammies” for a Reason

Samoyeds are known for their “Sammy smile”—and that’s not just because they’re happy-go-lucky dogs. They’re also incredibly charming, which means they might try to use that charm to get out of doing what you want. Training a Samoyed requires patience—lots of it.
These dogs are quick to learn but just as quick to decide that they’d rather be doing something else. Keep training sessions short, fun, and positive. If you’re getting frustrated, take a break and come back to it later. Samoyeds pick up on your emotions, so staying calm and patient will help them stay focused.
And remember, they’re called “Smiling Sammies” for a reason—they’ll try to charm their way out of trouble, but don’t let them!
5. Positive Reinforcement: Keep the Treats Coming

Samoyeds are people-pleasers at heart, but they’re also smart enough to know when there’s something in it for them. Positive reinforcement is the key to successful training with these fluffy balls of energy. Use treats, praise, and playtime to reward good behavior and keep them motivated.
Whenever your Samoyed follows a command or behaves well, reward them immediately. Consistency is key—make sure they understand exactly what behavior is being rewarded. And don’t be afraid to mix up the rewards—sometimes a favorite toy or extra playtime is just as motivating as a treat.
But be careful not to overdo it with the treats—Samoyeds can be prone to weight gain, so balance treats with plenty of exercise.
6. Grooming: Yes, It’s Part of Training

Grooming isn’t just about keeping your Samoyed looking good—it’s also a crucial part of their training. These dogs have a lot of fur, and if you’re not keeping up with grooming, things can get out of control fast. Start grooming your Samoyed from a young age so they get used to it.
Brushing should be a regular part of your routine—at least a few times a week. And trust me, you’ll want to keep up with it. Samoyeds shed—a lot. Regular brushing helps keep the shedding under control and prevents matting. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with your dog and keep them calm and relaxed.
Teach your Samoyed to stand still while you brush them, trim their nails, and clean their ears. Grooming sessions should be positive experiences, so reward them with treats and praise for good behavior.
Final Thoughts: Training a Fluffy Ball of Energy Takes Time and Patience
Training a Samoyed is a unique challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. These dogs are full of life, love, and personality, and with the right approach, you can turn that energy into a well-behaved, happy companion.
Start early, be patient, and use plenty of positive reinforcement. Make sure they get enough exercise, both physical and mental, and keep up with grooming as part of their training routine. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. Training a Samoyed isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about building a relationship with a dog that’s as loyal and loving as they come. 🐾

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉