Samoyed Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Samoyed Puppy Prep: SHG Documentation First, Everything Else Second

Before your Samoyed puppy arrives, the most important action is verifying the breeder's SHG DNA test documentation for both parents. Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy is a fatal kidney disease in affected males. A puppy from two clear parents cannot be affected — but a puppy from untested parents is a puppy whose health you cannot adequately plan for. Get the documentation. Review it. Verify both parent names are on it.

SHG Documentation Checklist

• Obtain the official SHG DNA test results for the sire (father) — must show "clear"
• Obtain the official SHG DNA test results for the dam (mother) — must show "clear"
• Verify the dog names on the documents match the actual breeding pair
• Also ask for: PRA DNA test results, OFA hip clearance for both parents

Essential Gear Checklist

• Medium crate (30–36 inch, with divider for puppyhood)
• Orthopedic dog bed
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Flat collar + ID tag (engrave immediately)
• Harness for walks
• 4–6 ft leash
• Pin brush — start handling and brushing from day one
• Slicker brush
• Wide-tooth steel comb
• Dog-safe whitening shampoo (optional but useful for white coats)
• High-value training treats
• Enzymatic cleaner

First Week Setup

First Week: Vet Visit and Socialization Plan

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam and health verification
• Vaccine schedule continuation
• Parasite prevention established
• Enroll in pet insurance before this appointment or immediately after — before any conditions are documented
• Microchip if not already done by breeder
• Discuss spay/neuter timing — some evidence supports waiting until 18–24 months for medium breeds to allow full hormonal development
• Note SHG test results in your vet's records for future reference

Socialization: Start Immediately

The socialization window for Samoyed puppies is 8–16 weeks. This window shapes the adult dog's comfort with strangers, environments, and novel stimuli. Samoyeds are naturally social, but maximizing the window produces a more confident, less anxious adult in any environment.

• Introduce to diverse people types: different ages, appearances, uniforms, hats — in positive, controlled settings with treat rewards
• Expose to urban sounds, traffic, surfaces, indoor environments, outdoor spaces
• Introduce to friendly, vaccinated dogs in safe contexts — puppy class is excellent
• If not yet fully vaccinated, carry the puppy in risk areas rather than missing socialization

Grooming Desensitization From Day One

Samoyed coat management requires the dog to tolerate extended handling. A puppy that learns to accept brushing, ear checks, paw handling, and bathing from the first week develops into a dog that can be groomed without a fight. A 50-lb Samoyed that has never been groomed is very difficult to manage safely.

• Touch the puppy all over — ears, paws, tail, belly, mouth — daily
• Introduce the pin brush gently with treat rewards, associating the tool with positive outcomes
• Practice short brushing sessions (2–3 minutes) multiple times per week from day one

Training and Cold Weather Management

Building Good Habits and Protecting in Heat

Training From Day One

• Sit, down, stay, come, leave it — establish core commands immediately
• Loose-leash walking practice from the first walk — Samoyeds are strong and pulling habits form quickly
• Recall training: this is critical — a Samoyed off-leash will run, and reliable recall is your safety net
• No jumping — easy to allow with a fluffy white puppy, very difficult to stop in a 50-lb adult
• Enroll in puppy class at 8–10 weeks for structured socialization and early training

Heat Management Planning

Samoyeds are cold-weather dogs by breeding. Summer heat is a genuine risk, and this planning should happen before the puppy arrives:

• Identify the coolest outdoor times (before 8 AM, after 7 PM in summer) for exercise
• Ensure indoor air conditioning or cool environment access
• Never shave the coat — even in summer, the double coat protects against heat
• Keep cool water available at all times outdoors
• Know the signs of heat stroke: heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting — this is a veterinary emergency

Exercise Rules for Puppies

Follow the 5-minute rule: 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Growth plates in a medium breed close at approximately 14–18 months. Avoid forced running, excessive jumping, or stair climbing until growth plates are confirmed closed. Free play is appropriate; jogging is not until 14–18 months.