With their iconic blue eyes and snow-like fur, huskies are stunning dogs. But they can be high maintenance and challenge their owners at times.
They are pack oriented and need some way of channelling their energy, preferably with another dog. Without this they will destroy things and find their own entertainment which can lead to separation anxiety.
Huskies are highly intelligent and love to learn. They do well with structured training that includes obedience commands as well as tricks and play. They need to be taught the meaning of a command before they will perform it, and they respond well to positive reinforcement (treats). A clicker is a good tool for training and can be found at most pet stores.
They are highly active dogs and need lots of exercise. If not exercised, a husky may find other ways to get its energy out, such as chewing or digging. This can lead to behavioral problems down the road. Husky puppies must be crate trained and housebroken. They also need to be taught basic commands such as “sit”, “down”, and “come”.
Training recall is especially important for huskies. They can be prone to running off in the excitement of new situations and must be persuaded to return when called. It’s best to start recall training in enclosed areas that are safe for a dog of this size, and to teach the command using food, toys, or praise. It helps to use a long line when doing recall training so that you have the power to enforce the recall command.
Husky puppies can be mischievous and will grab things in their mouths if they can, including sleeves and pant legs. This can be frustrating for first-time husky owners, but it is part of the puppy’s playful nature. It is important to supervise a young husky puppy so that it does not bite children or other household pets.
Like other dogs, huskies are not predisposed to possessiveness or resource guarding, but they will be cheeky and steal items that are within their reach, such as shoes or other objects in the home. It’s important to teach your husky to drop these items, rather than chasing them around the house and risking injury to either the husky or other household pets. It’s also helpful to teach your husky to greet visitors properly. This means teaching a sit-to-greet and reading our full guide on how to train a puppy not to jump up.
Health
Husky puppies are highly active dogs and require plenty of physical exercise. They will quickly become bored in a home environment that doesn’t provide them with adequate opportunities to run, play, and explore. They may also engage in destructive behaviors that can cause damage to furniture, shoes, and other belongings if left unsupervised for extended periods of time. Adding daily walks, jogs, and doggie playgroups to your puppy’s schedule will help keep him happy and healthy.
Huskies’ strong prey drive and boundless energy fuel their desire to roam outside of the boundaries of their homes. Their cleverness and ingenuity make them consummate escape artists who can shimmy through small gaps, dig under enclosures, or jump over barriers to roam where they want. Investing in proper fencing and training will help to keep your pet safe.
During their lifetime, Siberian Huskies can develop a variety of health issues like corneal dystrophy, cataracts, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA is an inherited eye disease that causes the retina to degenerate and eventually lead to blindness. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment with a specialized diet can slow the progression of this disease in most pets.
Corneal dystrophy is an inherited eye condition that causes a white, opaque area to develop in the center of your pet’s cornea (the clear front part of his eyes). This condition usually doesn’t cause pain or affect vision, but it can ulcerate the cornea if it becomes advanced. If you notice any changes to your pet’s eyes, contact us immediately for an exam.
Another common problem seen in Siberian Huskies is zinc-responsive dermatosis, a skin disorder that occurs when your pet doesn’t get enough zinc in his diet or can’t absorb it well. We will check for this condition by examining your pet’s mouth, chin, and ears and may prescribe a specific dose of zinc supplements if necessary.
Grooming
Huskies have thick double coats that require significant grooming. The breed sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal changes, which can cause the dreaded “fluffocalypse.” Regular brushing with a slicker brush and deshedding tools like an undercoat rake helps manage this shedding, prevent matting, and distribute natural oils throughout your pup’s fur.
When grooming, make sure to be gentle with your pet. Use a quiet and calm environment and reward them with treats for their cooperation. This will help them become accustomed to grooming and make the process easier for you both.
Establish a Grooming Routine: Grooming sessions should be consistent to make the experience more enjoyable for your husky. Try to start grooming them at a young age to get them used to the process.
Choose the Right Tools: High-quality brushes and grooming tools are essential for ensuring your Husky stays happy and healthy. Choose dog-safe brushes that are designed for their coat type and size, and be careful when using any clippers or other sharp tools around sensitive areas like the belly or paws.
Make Grooming Fun: Use positive reinforcement and treats during grooming to make the experience a fun one for your husky. This will make future grooming sessions easier and help develop a trusting relationship between you.
Set Up a Grooming Station: Place a sturdy table in an open area, such as your kitchen or garage, and attach a neck loop to the end of a pole. This will allow you to hold your husky still and will keep her from jumping off the table. You can also use a long piece of rope or white ribbon to create a hip loop.
Brush and Comb: Invest in a good slicker brush, and a metal comb with teeth that are specifically made for dog hair. These brushes will reach deep into your husky’s coat and help reduce tangles, as well as spread natural oils across the skin. Be sure to brush around the ears, as huskies tend to get their ears wet quite easily and can be prone to ear infections.
Ear Cleaning: Clean your husky’s ears regularly with a vet-recommended ear cleaner and cotton ball. Be careful not to insert the cotton ball into the ear canal, as this can damage the ear.
Exercise
The husky breed has an intense need for exercise, which can be used to channel their energy in positive ways. They need daily walks and jogs to meet their physical needs and maintain a healthy weight, and also benefit from activities that engage their natural instincts. For example, a scavenger hunt that has you hiding treats or toys around the house and then having them “hunt” for those items will tap into their natural instincts as well as provide them with mental stimulation.
In addition, off-leash play and interaction with other dogs can be a great way for a Husky to get their energy out and socialize. This activity must be carefully monitored to ensure safety and recall skills are in place, however. If destructive behavior or excessive restlessness are a problem, it is a sign that your dog may not be getting enough exercise. In this case, increasing the duration and intensity of their exercise regimen can help address these issues.
When determining the length and frequency of your puppy’s exercise routine, it is important to take into account their age. Young puppies have different energy levels and capabilities than adults, and need shorter and more frequent exercise sessions. It is also important to monitor your puppy’s energy levels throughout the day, and make adjustments to their exercise schedule as needed.
As the husky grows, it is important to regularly reassess its exercise requirements to ensure that it is receiving enough physical and mental stimulation. This can be done by examining its appetite and weight, as well as monitoring any signs of stress or anxiety.
It is important to provide a fenced-in area for your husky so that it has a safe place to run and expend energy, as well as to prevent accidents and injuries. Huskies are not suited to apartment life and must have access to ample outdoor space where they can play, run, fight, and chomp on grass (it is their favorite food). Additionally, many huskies love swimming and enjoy running through snow, both of which can be great forms of exercise for them.