Pastimes
Walk
Run
Eating Everything They Find
Catching Bugs
Swim
Fetch
Tracking
chasing leaves
Sprinklers
I have worked in canine behavioral evaluations and as an adoptions councilor matching prospective family with shelter dogs to create forever homes.
Each breed has their own innate natural instincts, which are brought out through environment, interactions and experience.
Professionally, I have walked 3 Siberian Huskies, and have evaluated the temperaments of numerous cockers as an adoptions councilor.
Siberian Huskies are energetic, insanely smart and stubborn in the most silly ways!
Siberian Huskies were bred to sustain a high energy level for extended amounts of time, and to make decisions independent of their owners. This means you have a dog that is smart and independent, and if they feel you don't know what you are doing, the are more than capable of taking control!
Siberian Huskies need consistent commands, and clear expectations. They know what you want, so no need to dumb things down, they are probably already ten steps ahead of you.
Care needs to be taken to avoid becoming impatient or frustrated, he can sense it, and will doubt your ability to be leader.
Help the Siberian Huskies to bond with you by approaching in a respectful and friendly manner; he loves affection, and wants to be friends with everyone!
Do not allow him to jump on you, his energy can take down the biggest of us, and poses a hazard to children and the elderly.
Discourage jumping by raising your knee to block his path while saying "No jump.", and immediately disengage any attention. Turn to your side and stop talking. Be patient, this is gonna take a bit. When he is sitting, or just down on the ground, engage him again with tons of praise.
Do not harness the leash until he is calm-ish. He is trying to contain massive amounts of energy, so give him the benefit of the doubt!
It is likely the Siberian Husky will be a puller, he was designed to pull sleds of course! Inspect his harness and leash with care, and make sure everything fits well. When exiting the house, start with the leash brought up short, so he is walking right next to you. This will prevent you (hopefully) from being launched into the air if he decides to pull!
You may find the Siberian Husky over exaggerating your commands or doing the opposite, you tug left, he goes right. You say stop, he melts to the ground and refuses to move. I told you he's smart! It is a test. He wants to be sure you really have what it takes to be in charge. Hold fast to your request, and don't bother pulling. He is an immovable rock. Sweet talk and an owner approved treat is your best bet.
To get the most out of his walk, he will likely need to go fast, and go far.
Siberian Huskies heat up fast, so pay attention to the weather and how much panting he is doing. Long walks require a water break halfway through. Don't be afraid to head home and play ball in the house if the temps are 100 degrees plus, his heath is the most important thing!
I teach all my dogs commands such as WAIT (when we need to stop for a moment) , LISTEN (for when I need their attention), SIDEWALK (for when I need them back on the sidewalk) and CROSS (for when crossing all intersections, they know to walk a straight line across).
Teaching these commands strengthens our bond, and helps the Husky to trust me, and understand my expectations.
In addition to commands, I talk to the dog when walking, engaging him in listening to human speech, and shower him with praise for everything he does "right".
Time spent with an Siberian Huskies should be filled with positive reinforcement and reassurance, as they are pack dogs, and need to form a strong bond for their emotional health.
It is also important when returning home to check the dogs paws for thorns trapped within their thick fur. Huskies need daily grooming to stay clean and healthy!
I love the challenge of working with an Siberian Huskies. They are so insanely smart, and love to keep you guessing, but when you have earned their trust and respect, they will shower with love like no other breed can!
5 years, 11 months ago