Norwegian Elkhound: Training and behaviour
Training a Norwegian Elkhound works best when the goal is made easy to understand, rewarding to repeat, and safe to get wrong. Keep Norwegian Elkhound close to a calm handler and use reward-based cues during the first repetitions. Change one variable at a time and record what helps this individual dog succeed. Practise the same cue in one slightly harder setting only after the easy version is reliable.
What this breed clue changes in training
Norwegian Elkhound's training is recorded as This breed does not tend to be a star performer in the obedience ring. Here, that matters because it changes how much reinforcement, repetition, and choice the dog may need to stay engaged.
A better way to practise
- Change one variable at a time and record what helps this individual dog succeed.
- Let the training note (This breed does not tend to be a star performer in the obedience ring) set the reinforcement, session length, and distance from distractions.
- Practise the same cue in one slightly harder setting only after the easy version is reliable.
Escalate when
Escalate when behaviour changes suddenly or safety cannot be maintained.
References
Height: 20.5 inches (male), 19.5 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 55 pounds (male), 48 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The Norwegian Elkhound has a 'two-ply' coat, with a top coat and an undercoat. Elkhound breeders warn potential puppy buyers of the inevitable'that during shedding season they will have 'tumbleweeds' of silver undercoat rolling around their house. The outer coat will shed as well, but not to the degree that the undercoat will. A slicker brush will…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: These are hunting dogs in their native Norway. They track and follow moose, ranging far ahead of the hunter, and they must be able to trot many miles for several days if necessary. Because they must make their own decisions when hunting, and by virtue of the way they hunt, they are independent and lovers of the woods and their freedom. For that reason, when…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: This breed does not tend to be a star performer in the obedience ring. The Elkhound learns very quickly, being highly intelligent, but after this learning process it becomes, 'Didn't we already do this 12 times?' The other difficulty in training this breed for activities is their independent nature, inspired by their hunting traits. As far as simple house…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust spitz type known for his lush silver-gray coat and dignified but friendly demeanor. The durable Elkhound is among Europe's oldest dogs. They sailed with the Vikings and figure in Norse art and legend.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/NorwegianElkhound.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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