Activities For Huskers

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Introduction

A Boxer combined with a Siberian Husky makes for quite an interesting dog. The Husker is a very big dog with massive amounts of energy - it takes a lot of effort to tire out this canine! As any Husker owner knows, these dogs love to be the center of attention and they tend to have a stubborn streak which makes them difficult to train. Huskers are best for very experienced dog owners but even the most skilled owner will need some new activities to keep their dog entertained!

Dog Sled

Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Moderate
Hard
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Food
Treats
Harness
Dog Sled
Activity description
Siberian Huskies have been pulling dog sleds for centuries. Their power, stamina and ability to withstand cold temperatures make them one of the best sled dogs around! Your Husker has many of these same traits thanks to their Husky background and, with the added strength of a Boxer, a Husker will be a natural at pulling a sled. Once your dog is trained to pull, this activity will give them a fantastic way to get out some energy in a safe and fun way. It is a little pricey to purchase all the equipment you will need but it is well worth the investment!
Step
1
Equipment
You will need to purchase a well fitting dog sled harness for your dog. Make sure it is not too tight that it restricts your Husker's movement but also not too loose that your dog can slip right out. A good dog sled is also necessary and there is a wide range of sleds you can choose from. Start with a one person, standing sled when you first start training your dog to pull - these are the lightest and also the cheapest.
Step
2
Start slow
Let your dog wear the harness around the house so they get used to the feel and weight of the equipment. Also, keep the dog sled inside where your Husker can see it. This will help them become used to the sight and smell of the sled and not be wary in the future. When there is a good amount of snow on the ground, take your Husker out and attach the harness to the sled. See if you can coax your dog forward, taking a few steps to pull the sled while you say the command "mush".
Step
3
Pull more
Once your dog will easily walk (or run) with the sled attached to their harness, add a little weight to the sled. Once your dog is comfortable with that, add more and more weight, a little at a time, until they are ready to pull you. Stand on the sled and have a friend stand in front of your Husker with some treats, coaxing them forward while you command "mush" from the back of the sled. After a lot of slow practice, your dog will start to really enjoy their time pulling the sled and will be able to take you for some fun rides!
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Places To Run

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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Dog Treats
Collar
Leash
waste bags
Activity description
A Husker is one of the most excitable and energetic breeds of dog out there, rarely getting tired unless they have had hours of physical activity. While taking your pup on walks and playing inside is a great place to start, your Husker will benefit greatly from running freely. Finding places to bring your dog to run can be tricky but these steps will help you find the best spot to let your dog run free. Running is free but you may want to buy a few dog treats to ensure your Husker comes when called! Sunny, cool days are best for outdoor runs as this breed is not a fan of the heat.
Step
1
Fenced in places
It is always ideal to bring your Husker to run in a fenced in area. Such a stubborn breed may wander off when not enclosed and also refuse to listen when called. A fence will provide you with peace of mind that this won't happen! Look for a fenced in tennis court, basketball court or track that you can use to allow your Husker to get in some running time. Remember to pick up after your dog when taking advantage of these public spaces.
Step
2
Dog Park
If you are lucky enough to live near a dog park, this is an ideal place to bring your Husker. Fenced in with plenty of pup-friendly obstacles and entertaining features, your dog will be able to run and play freely. Make sure to keep an eye on your big dog and ensure they are being friendly to the other dogs in the park.
Step
3
Your yard
A big backyard is exactly what a Husker needs to stay happy. Make sure that your yard is well fenced ( a high, 6 foot fence is necessary!) and check the fence frequently, especially if you let your Husker out alone - you don't want them digging under or jumping over weak spots in the fence. Give your dog lots and lots of time in your yard to run, they will be better dogs for it!
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Pack Leader

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Collar
Leash
Treats
Dog bed
Activity description
Both Boxers and Siberian Huskies are powerful dogs. This means that your Husker is also prone to act dominant. No matter much you love your Husker and want to give them everything they desire, you still need to establish your place as the pack leader. In fact, your dog will be much happier and more well behaved when they know that you are in charge. They can just relax and be a dog rather than try to control you (which would never quite work!). Do these few, easy tricks every day in order to maintain your place as pack leader and always remember to give your Husker lots of treats and love!
Step
1
Eat first
In a dog pack, the pack leader is always the first one to eat. In fact, other dogs may not even eat until the leader is completely done. This is something you can easily do at home to show your Husker who is the leader. Eat your whole meal before giving your pup their food. You can still save them a few scraps of your food to share!
Step
2
Up higher
The leader of the pack gets to sleep up high, holding court over the rest of the dogs from their towering spot. As the leader of your own dog pack, you should also always be up high. Give your dog a nice dog bed to sit on but keep it on the floor while you enjoy the couch or bed. It seems simple but your Husker will get the message!
Step
3
Walk together
When you bring your Husker out for a walk, be sure to keep them on a tight leash, walking right next to your side. When you walk in line with each other, it shows your pup that you are a pack that works together. If you let your Husker pull ahead, they become the dog in charge. Walk as a unit and give your dog a few treats as you walk to show them that they are doing a great job!
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More Fun Ideas...

Obedience Classes

Huskers are a tricky breed to train and constant obedience training is the best way to ensure your dog listens to your commands. Sign up for obedience classes at a dog training center and partake with your dog so you are both properly trained!

Biking

Invest in a bike harness for your dog that will allow your dog to run by your side as you bike. This is a fantastic way to exercise your Husker while you also get in a good bike ride

Conclusion

It isn't always easy being the owner of a Husker. This breed wants to be in charge, wants to constantly be on the move and can be quite stubborn when you try to teach them something new. However, this big dog will bring plenty of joy and laughs to you and your family. Don't let the challenges of a Husker deter you from owning one of these dogs! Just set them up for success using these great activities.