Grooming
Like most beautiful things, the American Eskimo Dog’s routine takes effort. Plan to carve out time every day to dedicate to your pup’s beauty routine.
Dental care: Brush your dog’s teeth daily to help to prevent issues like plaque and tooth decay and help keep your Eskimo’s teeth as white as their fur. It’s best to introduce this while your Eskie is a puppy so they’ll get used to it faster. Be sure to get their teeth professionally cleaned by your vet every year, too.
Brushing: Now, on to the Eskie’s main attraction: their coat! It requires brushing two to three times per week and is a great opportunity to bond with your friend. A slicker brush and steel comb are ideal for the task. First, brush in the direction of the fur growth, then against it (to make sure you get all the way to the skin). Then, gently comb through to get all the tangles out. These dogs shed year-round, so regular, thorough brushing helps minimize the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture and rugs. Keep a lint roller handy and the Roomba on a daily schedule!
Grooming: Their coats don’t need a typical haircut, only a “spot trim” around their faces, ears, paws and behind every month or so; it makes it easier for them to move around. Thankfully, Eskies won’t need a bath more than once every three months, as their skin tends to get irritated with too much bathtime.
Nail trimming: An American Eskimo Dog also needs their nails trimmed every three weeks. You’ll know it’s time when you hear them tippy-tapping on your tile floors. While you’re at it, inspect the bottom of the paw and use rounded shears to trim any hair that might be growing between their toes. This helps to maximize your dog’s traction and can prevent a slip or a fall.
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Training
The American Eskimo Dog breed is a training heavyweight—they were the first dog ever known to walk a tightrope, and they’re renowned for the wide variety of tricks they can learn. Many Eskie parents even swear their dogs can learn just by watching other dogs!
An American Eskimo puppy is eager for your attention, so training is a perfect way to bond with them as well as teach them proper manners. With their one-two combo of eager-to-please personality and trainability, you’ll be able to teach them as many tricks as you want. Plus, training is a fantastic way to exercise their intelligent minds (and helps wear them out).
When you’re working with an American Eskimo puppy, focus on basic behaviors like house-training and household manners (sit, stay and come are a great place to start). Be sure to use positive reinforcement (treats, toys and praise) to encourage your pup—it’ll keep you both from getting frustrated. A good puppy preschool that uses positive reinforcement can help you and your puppy start off on the right paw. Puppy preschool is a great way to introduce your puppy to different people, dogs, objects and sounds, which lays the groundwork for important life skills and experiences.
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Diet
The American Eskimo Dog breed typically does well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their activity level and life stage, whether they’re a puppy, adult or senior dog. Look for a statement on food’s packaging to make sure it meets nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
If you notice your pup starting to add a little extra fluff, talk to your vet. Even an extra pound on a small dog can create significant health issues down the road for your pup. Your vet can help you create a diet and exercise plan designed to help your pup shed the extra weight and still maintain their nutritional needs.
While it’s always helpful to have some tasty treats on hand for rewards, remember that treats also add calories to your dog’s diet. If you’re watching your dog’s weight, opt for low-calorie treats or mix in playtime with a special toy as part of the rewards you give. If you have any questions, check with your vet. They’re in the best position to help you find the right mix of food, portions and timing for your pup’s unique needs.
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Exercise
American Eskimo Dogs are high energy, so be prepared to exercise them accordingly! Plan on spending at least 30 minutes every day to successfully exhaust their reserves. Walks and hikes can be a good way to give your dog both the exercise and social time they need to thrive. A rigorous game of fetch in a fenced-in backyard is also a welcome activity for your Eskie.
You can also get your American Eskimo involved in a variety of dog sports. Options like agility, flyball and dock diving can be fun for both you and your dog, and the Eskie’s natural speed is well-suited for these fast-paced sports. Your dog will get to burn off energy, while you’ll enjoy the challenge of learning something new and training your dog for these sports.
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Environment
An American Eskimo Dog can make a good family pup for experienced pet parents. With training and socialization, this breed can be good with kids, and their highly social nature can make for engaging playtime for the whole family.
This breed tends to also be good with other dogs and cats. Keep in mind that if your Eskie doesn’t get enough exercise or is left alone for too long, they can get very active and might annoy the quieter pets, like cats, in your home. If you’ll be gone for long, it’s a good idea to check them into doggy daycare or arrange for a pet sitter or friend to come by and play with them.
These dogs can be very social, but some are a little hesitant when meeting new people. They form strong connections with their humans, so if an Eskie lets you into their heart, plan on spending plenty of time with your new pal.
These small dogs do well in homes with large yards where they can run around and play with you, but they also do well in apartments as long as you’re also able to provide them with the exercise they need every day.
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