From: almanb@sr.hp.com (Bob Alman)
Subject: Re: samoyeds
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1993 17:19:59 GMT
Organization: HP Sonoma County (SRSD/MWTD/MID)
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Lorraine Scarcello (scarcell@cs-acad-lan.Lakeheadu.Ca) wrote:
: Well I am glad to hear that someone else out there is the proud owner of a 
: samoyed.  I was beginning to think I was the only one.  My boyfriend and I 

I have owned 4 sammoyeds since 1972 and probably will own more.  I think they
are wonderful, loyal dogs.  I have had 2 females and am on my second male. He's
8 months old and is doing very well as far as training etc.  We allow him to
roam freely in the yard and he is NOT destructive and does not bark unless
there is a reason.  We have 2 girls, a 3 1/2 and a 9 year old who love this
guy.  He is a little better puppy than the previous ones I have had as far as
chewing.  We have provided rope bones wherever he is and that seems to be good
enough for him.  It takes almost no effort to train him.  So far he is totally
house trained as of the 2nd day we got him (8 wks old) and will poop and pee on
command (even if he doesn't have to).  It took maybe 10 minutes to teach him
to stay, sit and lie down.  I think he is quite intelligent and seems to catch
on almost immediately.  He does play a little rough with the kids, but that is
going away.  We also have 2 rabbits which he recognizes as family and gives a
sniff to but that's about it.  

I rescued a male 5 years old and while he was a good dog, he seemed quite
independent and really wasn't a good family dog (for us).  He was very dominant
and really didn't obey unless he wanted to anyway.  

My first female was one which was abandoned and my family took her in.  We had
a dog already, but she was so cute we couldn't resist.  Until she was about 11
mo. old she was crummy as far as chewing stuff.  My parents gave her to me and
by some miracle, she suddenly stopped and became the most wonderful dog.  She
was the most trainable dog I have had.  We had 7 acres of unfenced property in
which she freely roamed and never left.  We could leave food out and she would
never touch it.  All of our dogs let us know when they have to go by frantic
nudging with their noses and exited behavior.  

Our first female became very protective but our second was not at all.  Our
apartment in Madison WI was robbed and nobody heard any barking; in fact,
nobody ever heard her bark!  She probably liked the guy and showed him where
the good stuff was! (he was later caught :-) ).  


: Again, I can't say enough about how wonderful she is and I am glad someone 
: else out there thinks that samoyeds are as wonderful as I do.  I too would 
: also like to hear more samoyed stories.  Lets keep in touch.
: Lorraine

I could go on and on about these dogs, but I will simply say that they seem to
require a little more attention when puppies to keep them from being
destructive.  They are smart and become bored easily which is sometimes
confused with being dumb.  DO NOT EVER GET VIOLENT WITH THEM!!  They are very
sensitive and will get squirrely with fear if you do this.  I think people with
unruly samoyeds may have been too forceful and created problems.  You can
assert your dominance without physical violence.  They love attention and need
exercise so prepare to spend time with your sammy.  They also are quite clean
despite their white coats and seem to be less of a problem than short-haired
dogs as far as shedding.  Not that they don't shed....THEY DO!.  The difference
is that they shed in clumps and all at once twice a year as opposed to many
other breeds like our labs and GSD's which leave a thin layer of hair
evertwhere all year long! 

I recommend trying out a samoyed if you get the chance esp if you have kids and
want a gentle, patient dog that can withstand the abuse kids can dish out.  I
remember when our first daughter was about 1 year old and insisted on hanging
on our female's fur.  She would lick as if saying "Please stop, it hurts" then
give us the look as if saying, "Please get your kid off my fur".  We always did
as soon as this happened.

If anyone has specific questions about this breed, feel free to e-mail me.

--
Bob Alman  1-707-577-4148 almanb@sr.hp.com
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs