Activities For A Siberian Husky

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Introduction

The Siberian Husky, as their name implies, is a dog that was bred specifically for the purpose of surviving in extremely cold and snowy environments, such as the Russian province of Siberia from which the dog derives their name; the Siberian Huskies thick coat shields them from winter's grasp while their strong, muscular body helps them trudge through snow with relative ease. If you own a Siberian Husky, it's probably safe to assume that you either live a cold area or live an active lifestyle that can accommodate the needs of this dog. But if you don't live in such a frosty environment, or if you're just looking for some new activities to try out with your Husky, then read on to see how you can give your dog the work out they need.

Hiking

Most Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Free
Normal
45 min
Items needed
Dog Backpack
Dog First Aid Kit
Water
Activity description
Here's another activity you can do with your Husky through rain, sleet, or snow. Going out for a hike with your Siberian Husky is another great way to burn off the excess energy they've got while also giving your pooch a chance to demonstrate the Siberian Husky's natural agility and dexterity. This activity probably shouldn't be attempted by inexperienced dog owners, at least not right off the bat; hiking can be great fun but it can also present challenges in the form of uneven terrain, dangerous animals, and the long trip you'll have to embark on to be back to your starting point. We recommend that you get some mileage under your relationship with your Husky and grow more as a dog owner before attempting this activity. If you've already got plenty of experience under your belt and a strong bond with your Husky, consider going a hike with them to mix things up.
Step
1
Reconnaissance
Most hiking trails provide free parking lots or structures for the public to use and visitors generally aren't charged a dime for walking along the trail. This gives hikers a wide variety of trails to choose from and many of them are dog friendly. Nevertheless, you'll want to do some recon ahead of time and figure out which trails are suitable for dogs and which ones aren't. You'll also want to figure out how long it'll take you to complete a round trip on a trail and you'll want to try and learn which types of wildlife frequent the area.
Step
2
Preparation
Once you've figured out which trail you'd like to traverse with your dog, you'll want to plan accordingly and bring the appropriate supplies for the trip; it's imperative that you figure out the amount of time it takes to go up AND down a trail, as many amateur hikers have made the mistake of embarking on a trail that's just too long for them. You'll also want to bring plenty of water and nutrition for the trip, so consider outfitting your dog with a Dog Backpack that you can use to carry more supplies.

Biking

Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Bicycle (Cruiser or Mountain Bike)
Dog Bicycle Leash
Activity description
Biking with a Siberian Husky is a great activity for both new and experienced dog owners alike! Siberian Huskies naturally have tons of energy and very athletic builds that help them travel long distances for long amounts of time. Going out for bicycle rides with your dog is an excellent way to work on their endurance and stamina while also exposing your pet to different parts of the outside world that they might not be familiar with. Another great thing about this activity is that it's a relatively cheap one that you and your dog can try out in various climates and environments! Just be careful not to go out for a long biking trip from the get go; try riding with your dog for no longer than a mile at the onset and as your Husky's pads begin to get strong, gradually go for longer trips over time.
Step
1
Load up
In order to go out a biking trip with your dog, the first thing you'll need is a bike. So if you don't already own one, be sure to get your hands on a reliable bike with multiple speeds such as a cruiser or a mountain bike. You'll also need a sturdy biking leash for your dog that won't be uncomfortable for pet in the long run. These types of leashes typically run for about $60, by the way. Lastly, you'll want to find a nice, safe biking trail, neighborhood block, or park that you and your dog can visit. Be sure you scout ahead using your phone or a computer and plan your routes accordingly.
Step
2
Buckle up
Now that you've got the equipment, you'll need to know how to safely use it. Bikes with multiple speeds can reach speeds that exceed 20 miles per hour, so it's highly advised that you bike at a slower speed and wear a helmet when you're on the road. Secondly, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the dog bike leash you've purchased; check to see if the leash is too tight or too loose around your Husky and make sure that its securely fastened to your bike by twisting the appropriate levers and knobs until they can't be twisted any further.
Step
3
Head out
You're almost ready to head out and embark and a nice, fun bike ride with your dog. As mentioned earlier, biking with your dog is a highly enjoyable activity that can be done in a wide range of weather temperatures and environments. For this last step, be sure to bring the appropriate gear for the appropriate climate; if you and your dog will be going out for a in a humid or warm area, be sure to bring water for the both of you to re-hydrate with. If you're going out for a ride on in a mountainous area, check to see if any snakes or cougars are known to inhabit that location. As the saying goes, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Skijoring

Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Expensive
Hard
60 min
Items needed
Skijor Hip Belts
Trekking Belts
Bungee Lines
Skiing Equipment
Activity description
Skijoring is a Norwegian sport that involves heading out to a snow covered mountain, strapping a harness to yourself and your dog, equipping yourself with a pair of skis and ski poles before having your dog pull you down the slope. Sounds intense right? Indeed, this activity should only be attempted by the most experienced Husky owners out there; again, to prevent any harm from coming to yourself or your Siberian Husky, please don't try this activity unless you can undoubtedly consider yourself an experienced dog owner, skier, and musher. This is a very challenging exercise that requires as lot of time and dedication to master, but it's also the sort of thing Siberian Huskies were bred for. And given enough time, both you and your Husky can eventually tackle this activity.
Step
1
Practice makes perfect
This particular activity requires you to be fairly proficient at skiing as well as caring for a dog, that's really what makes Skijoring such a difficult activity. Before you can go Skijoring, you've got to be able to ski and your dog has to be able to follow your commands if the two of you hope to become a dynamic Skijoring duo. So if you're interested in giving this activity a try, first learn how to ski (and even if you already know how to ski, make sure to practice consistently). You might also want to go through a few obedience training courses with your Husky to be absolutely certain that they'll heed your every word.
Step
2
The lay of the land
Once you're feeling confident on the slopes, you'l want to scout out the steep you plan on Skijoring on. You'll also want to dress appropriately and bring an ample amount of supplies to ensure that you and your dog will be covered up there. Huskies have thick coats of fur, so you won't have to worry about keeping yours warm too much, but be sure to bring ample amounts of water, for the both of you, in order to stay hydrated.
Step
3
The climb
Lastly, you and your Husky will have to make your way to the top of a mountain, or any similarly elevated surfaces, in order to gain and maintain enough momentum for this activity to work properly. Depending on the location you've chosen, you and your dog may be able to catch a lift that'll take you to the top of the slope or you might have to hike up there the good old fashioned way. Whatever the case, just be sure not to bite off more than you or your dog can chew. Start with a manageable course and gradually work your way up to the tougher stuff, if you're so inclined.

More Fun Ideas...

Agility Training

Huskies are naturally very adept at handling Agility courses and other such activities. If you have access to an area with enough space, try encouraging your Husky to jump over a few obstacles and see how they like it.

Soccer

The world's most popular sport is also favored by Siberian Huskies. You're Husky may enjoy chasing after the Soccer ball or even trying to score points on you in an impromptu match, so give it a try!

Conclusion

Overall, Siberian Huskies are very active and energetic dogs who love to get their paws dirty tussling in the snow or roughing it out in the wilderness. Huskies were born and bred to be able to traverse the snow with little to no problems, so don't be afraid to take a Husky out in a frigid environment with exceptionally rugged terrain. Huskies are also very intelligent dogs who love to be mentally stimulated, so try to introduced your Siberian Husky to challenging activities that will allow them to train their brains as well as their muscles on a consistent basis.