How to care for a husky

Author: Bobbie Johnson
Date Of Creation: 4 April 2021
Update Date: 26 June 2024
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Siberian Husky 101 - Feeding, Socializing, Training and Grooming a Husky
Video: Siberian Husky 101 - Feeding, Socializing, Training and Grooming a Husky

Content

Huskies are very energetic working dogs that require an impressive amount of physical activity and activity for their general well-being. These dogs are distinguished by their loyalty, good disposition and sincere love of life, so many people want to see them as their pets. However, huskies can be stubborn and difficult to train, so you need to be prepared for a challenge. If you are really considering getting a husky, the first step is to make sure you have enough time, patience, strength, and dedication to ensure this dog has a long, happy and fulfilling life.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Training your husky

  1. 1 Socialize your husky puppy. In the process of socialization, the puppy will learn how to communicate correctly with various objects in his environment (for example, people and other dogs), which will allow him to grow into a confident and well-bred adult dog. Allow your puppy to spend time with different people, get into different situations, hear different sounds.
    • Group puppy training courses are great for helping your puppy learn to communicate with other dogs. Sign up for such courses when the puppy is 4-5 months old.
    • In addition to training courses for puppies, you can socialize your pet by familiarizing yourself with various situations, for example, with the sound of cars passing along the road, with the horns. You can also invite friends home so that the puppy begins to feel more comfortable in the presence of other people.
    • Walking your puppy in the park is another good way to meet new people, sights and sounds.
    • Watch your puppy as he explores a new world for him. If something is scared or wary of certain situations, try to avoid repeating such situations in the future.
  2. 2 Sign up for a general dog training course. Huskies are naturally very independent and intelligent. However, they can also be stubborn, which sometimes creates difficulties in training. Completing a general training course is very important to train your husky.
    • Sign up for a general training course for the "junior group" when the puppy is 4 months old, and from 12 months on, go to the "adult group". To raise a well-bred dog from a husky, it is necessary to start training it from an early age.
    • Be aware that huskies are smart enough to recognize the difference between a training lesson and at home - the dog can obey perfectly in class, but at home he can become stubborn. As much as it upsets you, keep learning and try to reinforce obedience within the walls of your home.
  3. 3 Train your husky to cage. This is especially important for the puppy.Crate training will greatly simplify the training of a puppy to maintain cleanliness in the walls of the house, since he will not want to go to the toilet in the same place where he sleeps. In addition, the cage will become a safe space for him to which he can always go if he is afraid of something or just wants to rest.
    • Husky cage should not be a place for punishment. Sending a husky to a cage for misconduct can cause a pet to associate negatively with a cage.
  4. 4 Train your husky to walk on leash. If you let the husky off the leash, most likely, the pet will start a high-spirited race or even happily chase something and rush away quite far. He may adore you as a host, but when given the right chance, the love of running and chasing objects (and even the innate instincts of a predator) can take its toll. That is why it is very important to teach your husky to leash.
    • Leash training will also help you stop the husky from pulling you on the leash. If your pet starts to pull on the leash, you can either stop and call it to you, or immediately start moving in the opposite direction.
    • Do not jerk or pull on the leash as this may cause the Husky to pull even harder.
    • Avoid using a tape measure as it can exacerbate bad leash behavior by allowing the dog to retreat further in the direction it has chosen.
    • If you have a Husky puppy, let him "examine" the leash and collar while still at home before trying to ride it outside.
    • A general training instructor can help you leash your husky.
  5. 5 Become a leader for your husky. Huskies are naturally pack animals, so they need a pack leader. Your dog needs to see to you their leader. A good way to show leadership is to force your dog to pause before you allow him to eat.
    • If you control the husky's food, then the pet will see you as the only source of food and other resources, and therefore a leader.
    • Another way to establish leadership is to take a leading position while walking on a leash. By your primacy, you will demonstrate to the dog that it is following you, not you.
    • Don't be surprised if the husky periodically tries to establish itself as a leader. If this happens, be firm and consistent in your actions.
    • Do not claim intimidation and physical force leadership against the dog. The husky will stop trusting you and will no longer respect you as a leader if you try to establish yourself with physical threats.

Part 2 of 3: Exercise and Play for the Husky

  1. 1 Provide your husky with physical activity daily. Huskies are working dogs native to Siberia, where they were used as sleds to transport heavy sleds over long distances. That is why it is not surprising that serious daily physical activity (at least 30-60 minutes) is important for the husky so that the pet can burn off excess energy.
    • Long walks are a great source of physical activity for the husky.
    • To reward your dog's "working instincts" (or for your own entertainment), you can tie the leash to a bike or wheelbarrow and let the dog ride you. Do not attempt this unless your dog has been trained to do so.
    • Playing fetch and cross-country walks are also excellent physical activity.
    • If you live near a body of water, you can allow your husky to swim.
    • Remember that huskies are very energetic and almost always ready to play and exercise. Make sure you have enough energy for such a dog!
  2. 2 Protect your personal yard from possible dog escapes. Huskies are extremely talented when it comes to shoots. If you allow your dog to run in the yard, then he must be fenced with a fence not lower than 1.8 m in height.Even that may not be enough, as huskies love to dig, and your pet may try to dig to get out.
    • To prevent undermining, the fence should be slightly buried in the ground. You can even place a concrete foundation or strong metal mesh in the base of the fence to prevent digging.
    • Contact fence companies to estimate the cost of building a new fence to keep your pet from escaping.
    • If the husky managed to dig some holes under the fence, then to stop further attempts to break them, cover them with cinder blocks.
    • Always keep an eye on your husky when walking in the yard. Despite the fact that this breed loves to walk, you should not leave your pet alone in the yard, it is likely that he will become lonely and bored, and this can cause destructive digging in the ground.
  3. 3 Find your husky friend from games. Huskies are extremely sociable. Your pet will love playing with another dog of about the same size and energy.
    • Allow your husky to interact with other dogs so that your pet can choose his play partner.
  4. 4 Do not overload your husky with physical activity in hot weather. The husky has a double undercoat, which is better suited for cooler climates. This does not mean that you should not have a husky if you live in a warm climate, but you will need to be very careful when playing and providing your dog with physical activity during the hot months of the calendar year.
    • If you live in a warm climate, allow your dog to get the necessary physical activity in the early morning, when it is not too hot outside.
    • Husky can get heatstroke if it is outside for a long time in hot weather. Try to keep your dog at home during the hottest part of the day.
  5. 5 Don't forget about husky fun. Huskies are very smart and need mental stimulation to keep them busy and entertained. Treat toy jigsaw toys are a great option for the husky: they are sturdy enough to make your dog think seriously about how to get a treat out of them.
    • Fill the puzzle toy with your pet's favorite treats.
    • Remember that huskies are capable of destructive behavior. Therefore, choose the strongest toys that you can chew, they will keep the dog occupied for a long time, and they will not be so easy to destroy.
    • In addition to using toys, teaching your dog a variety of tricks (such as play and die command) will also provide mental stimulation to the dog.

Part 3 of 3: Feeding and grooming your husky

  1. 1 Feed your husky high quality food. Huskies were originally bred to be tough enough to survive on a small amount of food. Therefore, they do not need a lot of calories for general well-being and energy for games and exercise.
    • Feed your husky 1-2 times a day and avoid physical activity for an hour and a half after eating.
    • The exact amount to be fed may vary depending on the pet's size, age and health.
    • If you have a husky puppy, feed him three times a day: early morning, lunchtime and evening. When the puppy is 3-4 months old, most likely, he himself will switch to two meals a day.
    • Human and canned food can make your husky very picky about food and / or cause diarrhea in your pet.
    • If you have bought a husky from a breeder, they can recommend the right dog food for your pet. You can also ask your veterinarian and other husky owners for advice on feeding your dog.
  2. 2 Brush out your husky's fur. Huskies are naturally very clean. They have practically no dog smell and they regularly lick themselves, so they do not need serious grooming. However, huskies shed; this usually happens in spring and autumn (while their undercoat is completely renewed).
    • The molt period lasts at least three weeks.
    • Brush your husky at least once a week with a slicker brush to remove loose hair and keep it tidy and shiny. Dog slicker brushes are available at your local pet store.
    • Do not shave husky in summer. You may think that such a haircut can help the dog cool, but in reality, you only deprive the dog of protection from unsafe ultraviolet rays.
  3. 3 Bathe your husky. Since huskies are well aware of their own cleanliness, they rarely need bathing. You will most likely only need to bathe your husky once a year. If you are not able to bathe your husky yourself, then this procedure can be entrusted to a grooming specialist.
  4. 4 Trim claws husky. Your husky's nails should be trimmed every 1-2 weeks. If the energy and size of your dog makes this procedure difficult for you, then you can have this procedure done by your veterinarian. Remember that a dog's claws can be sharpened quite well naturally during exercise and play.
  5. 5 Brush your teeth husky. If you succeed, brush your husky's teeth at least 2-3 times a week. To do this, you can purchase a veterinarian-approved toothpaste at your veterinary pharmacy.
    • Brushing your dog's teeth will not only keep his breath fresh, but also prevent plaque and tartar from forming on his teeth, which can lead to serious dental problems and general diseases.
    • Consider getting a veterinarian's advice on how to properly brush your Husky's teeth.
    • If you are unable to brush your dog's teeth on your own, this procedure can be done by a veterinarian, but it will require general anesthesia and will be quite expensive.

Tips

  • On average, huskies live 12-15 years.
  • Given the stubborn nature of the Husky, this breed is better suited for experienced dog owners who can confidently and consistently demonstrate their leadership to their pet.
  • To train your husky, you need a huge amount of patience and perseverance.
  • Visit your veterinarian regularly to monitor your husky's health and not miss vaccinations.
  • Deworm your husky monthly with heartworm medications, and protect your dog from fleas and ticks.
  • Provide your husky with unlimited fresh water.

Warnings

  • Huskies are predatory dogs. They can count your cat as their prey. If you have cats, then you are probably better off choosing a different breed of dog, in which the predatory instincts will not be so strong.
  • Huskies can exhibit destructive behavior if left alone without any entertainment and / or mental stimulation. Provide your Husky with plenty of toys when you leave the house and keep a close eye on the dog when you are at home.
  • Huskies are prone to health problems such as joint dysplasia and eye conditions (eg, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts), which may not show up in puppyhood. Get your puppy from a reliable breeder who makes sure that his breeding animals do not suffer from similar problems. If you notice that your dog is having gait or vision problems, see your veterinarian.
  • Huskies are not guard dogs. In fact, they can enthusiastically greet an intruder or suspicious person, which can put you and your family in danger. Consider purchasing a different breed if you need a guard dog, such as a German Shepherd or Doberman.