5star
Ürünstar 5.0
Estonian Hound
This breed is a total package - energetic, loyal, and affectionate. They thrive on activity and love being part of the family. With their high energy levels, they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. If you're an active person, the Estonian Hound is a great companion - they'll keep up with you and love every minute of it.
chevron_right
The Unfiltered Truth About Raising an Estonian Hound in an Apartment
summarizeEditor's Summary
Raising an Estonian Hound in an apartment is a wild ride, especially when you're not sure what breed you've got on your hands. Our puppy looked like a big Labrador at first, but as it grew, we realized it was actually an Estonian Hound. With its independent nature and love of chewing, our apartment became a war zone. We learned that patience and consistency are key to training, but it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. If you're considering an Estonian Hound, be prepared for the destruction – and the love. One thing's for sure: these dogs are intelligent, kind, and loving companions, even if they do drive you a little crazy sometimes. They're great with kids and other pets, as long as you socialize them properly, and their short coats are easy to maintain. But be warned: they're natural athletes and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, and their independence can make them seem aloof at times. Overall, raising an Estonian Hound in an apartment requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humor. But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with a loyal companion that'll stick by your side through thick and thin.
settingsSpecifications
KararKötü
Kalite6/10
Eğitim3/10
Pekinleme2/10
Etkileyenlik4/10
Yürüyüşler4/10
DiğerHayvanlarlaİlişkiler5/10
The Unfiltered Truth About Raising an Estonian Hound in an Apartment
We brought home a puppy thinking it was a big Labrador, but as it grew, we realized it was actually an Estonian Hound. The reason for this is that there's a form of breeding where breeds are swapped, and big Labs are more expensive, but the puppies look identical, so we took in a 2.5-month-old puppy without papers. The breeder had papers for the parents, though.
Every dog has a unique personality, and so do their owners. Our puppy's childhood was a wild ride, to say the least. It's essential to remember that a puppy is like a small child; it's learning about the world, so it'll destroy anything it can get its teeth on. You need to be prepared for that.
Training is key, but it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. You need to do it through patience, not fear. Our puppy shredded the wallpaper, chewed up the door frames on our balcony, turned our coffee table into an oval shape, and chewed up all the protruding edges on our furniture, including our anti-chew couch. Anything within nose-reach is fair game, including items on our drying rack.
This is what you need to be prepared for. Special sprays from pet stores won't help. The only thing that saved our balcony from further damage was applying hot pepper spray to the railings. A lot of toys won't help either; our puppy would rather chew on something else.
Commands are another story. It took us until 1.5 years to get our puppy to listen to anything. She couldn't focus for a second; anything would distract her. After 1.5 years, we managed to teach her some commands, but it took a lot of work, including using sound to get her attention, first clapping our hands, then using a gesture and a word. We even tried a professional trainer, but it didn't work.
Potty training was a nightmare. We never managed to get our puppy to do her business outside, even after 4 years. She'll only go on the balcony when she has a big bowel movement. Otherwise, she'll just go wherever she is. We have to clean up after her constantly.
Relationships with other pets are a challenge too. Our puppy chases our cat, but she's not really interested in playing with it. She's neutral, and we have to keep an eye on her when she's outside to make sure she doesn't chase any other cats.
Walks are a whole different story. Our puppy hates going for walks; she's a diva who'd rather stay on the couch. We have to drag her out sometimes, and she'll just plant her paws on the doorframe and refuse to move. The only time she's interested in going for a walk is when it's summer and there are nice smells and sights. Even then, she'll only go for about 30-40 minutes before she wants to head back home.
So, what's the verdict? If you're thinking of getting an Estonian Hound, be prepared for the following: you'll need to do some renovation work, you'll need a lot of patience and time to train her, and even then, it might not work, you'll need to clean up after her constantly, especially in the first 1.5 years, you'll need to keep a close eye on her when you're out walking to make sure she doesn't run off, and it's a long shot, but it's unlikely you'll be able to just take her for a walk around the city without any issues.
The scariest thing is when people take in a cute puppy and don't realize it's a lot of work, and then they give up on it when things get tough.
Those first 1.5 years will be the most challenging; every day, your puppy will be testing your patience and limits, and you can't punish it or take away its food. That's when the real training begins.
If you're reading this to decide whether to get a dog, think twice about all the downsides. It's not just about training; it's about being prepared for the long haul.
This is a working dog that's lost its working instincts in our home environment and become a lazy, couch-loving dog. But it's not a guarantee that your Estonian Hound will be the same. Maybe it'll stay hyperactive and need to be taken out for exercise. If you're prepared for that, then it'll be the most loyal companion you'll ever have.
We've learned a lot from our experience with our Estonian Hound, and we want to share it with you. If you're considering getting a dog, make sure you're prepared for the challenges that come with it. It's not all fun and games, but it can be incredibly rewarding if you're willing to put in the work.
Our puppy may have been a handful, but she's also been an incredible companion. She's taught us patience, loyalty, and the importance of living in the moment. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, an Estonian Hound can be a wonderful addition to your family.
Just remember, it's not just about the dog; it's about the relationship you build with it. With patience, love, and consistency, you can overcome any obstacle and build a strong bond with your furry friend.
We hope our story has given you a realistic look at what it's like to raise an Estonian Hound in an apartment. If you're still interested in getting one, we encourage you to do your research and prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.
With the right mindset and preparation, you can have a happy and healthy Estonian Hound that brings joy and companionship to your life.
So, if you're ready for the adventure of a lifetime, consider bringing an Estonian Hound into your family. Just remember, it's a big responsibility, but it can also be an incredible reward.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
How do I train an Estonian Hound in an apartment?
Training an Estonian Hound requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Use high-value rewards and avoid punishment-based training methods, as they can be counterproductive.
Why is my Estonian Hound chewing everything in sight?
Estonian Hounds are natural chewers, and they need to exercise their jaws to stay happy and healthy. Provide them with suitable outlets, such as chew toys or bully sticks, to redirect their chewing behavior.
Can Estonian Hounds live with other pets?
Yes, Estonian Hounds can live with other pets, but it's essential to socialize them properly to ensure a smooth transition. Introduce them slowly and under controlled circumstances to prevent conflicts.
How much exercise does an Estonian Hound need?
Estonian Hounds require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, or playtime in the yard.
Why is my Estonian Hound so quiet?
Estonian Hounds are relatively quiet compared to other breeds, but they will bark and whine if they're bored, anxious, or need attention.
Can I leave my Estonian Hound alone for long periods?
Estonian Hounds are not the best fit for owners who are away from home for extended periods. They require regular attention and exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Why is my Estonian Hound shedding so much?
Estonian Hounds shed heavily, especially during shedding season. Regular brushing and grooming can help reduce shedding, but it's essential to be prepared for the mess.
Can I get an Estonian Hound if I have allergies?
Estonian Hounds are not the best fit for owners with allergies, as they shed heavily and produce dander. If you're allergic, consider a low-shedding breed or a hypoallergenic variety.
check_circlePros
- •Their intelligence and kindness make them wonderful companions, even if they are a handful.
- •They're great with kids and other pets, as long as you socialize them properly.
- •Their short coats are easy to maintain, and they're relatively low-maintenance pets.
- •They're natural athletes and love to run, which makes them great for active owners.
- •Their loyalty is unmatched, and they'll stick by your side through thick and thin.
- •They're relatively quiet compared to other breeds, which is a plus for apartment dwellers.
cancelCons
- •They can be strong-willed and stubborn at times, making training a challenge.
- •Their love of chewing can be destructive, especially if you don't provide them with suitable outlets.
- •They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, which can be a challenge for busy owners.
- •Their independence can make them seem aloof at times, but they're just confident.
- •They're not the best fit for first-time owners, as they require patience and experience.
- •Their shedding can be a problem for owners with allergies or who prefer a low-maintenance coat.
