Training

Husky Dog Training

Huskies are very popular among dog owners due to their friendly and protective nature. Husky dog training is quite challenging, but with the right attitude, kindness towards your pet, and perseverance, I am sure you’ll do it successfully.

I am sure many of you wonder if there’s a well-kept secret or secret weapon that could help you train your dog more easily and quickly. Finding ways to motivate your pooch during the entire training session is key. After all, huskies are canines that love to be mentally stimulated.

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Dos and Don’ts of Husky Dog Training

Here are the main things to consider when training a husky dog:

  • When everything else doesn’t seem to work, rely on a tantalizing bribe like your dog’s favorite treat;
  • Buy a clicker trainer, and pay attention to the way you use it – special sounds that appear out of the blue might terrify your husky, so make sure he gets used to certain familiar and monotonous sounds that he will soon learn how to tune out;
  • At first, you should conduct the training sessions in a smaller and enclosed area so that your puppy can stay focused while learning your commands;
  • All huskies need freedom, which is why some of them escape their homes and run away. To prevent that, you should create plenty of daily moments during which your pet can run freely, play, and be adventurous;
  • The squeak-and-treat method is worth trying since it has proven effective in many ways. The squeaker is a tiny plastic pillow you push on to create a specific sound. Right after squeaking, you give your dog his treat. It works wonders when you want to train huskies that chase other pets.

Also, remember that a reward should follow all training methods.

!!! IMPORTANT! No matter the situation, you should NEVER punish or beat your dog, even when he’s naughty and doesn’t seem to learn quickly. All these measures will lead to the development of aggression and anxiety in your pet. I don’t recommend leash corrections either since I see no point in using them. Physical corrections are inhumane, and I would never do something that could hurt my pet or any other animal, for that matter!

Here are the common mistakes you’d want to avoid:

  • If your husky doesn’t respond to one of your cues or commands, you should avoid repeating it too often. Instead, try to recapture your pet’s attention and focus before continuing the training;
  • Avoid associating cues with certain activities or experiences that your dog doesn’t like – for example, don’t just use the command “come” only when you’re about to bathe your husky, especially if he hates bathing;
  • Don’t make your dog do the same trick over and over, and remember to exercise all the commands outside of the training sessions;
  • Don’t continue the training if you’re not feeling well or if your dog can’t focus at all;
  • Very long training sessions aren’t practical;
  • Inconsistency shouldn’t be a part of dog training.

How to Train a Husky - Effective Exercises and Activities for Huskies

Training your husky requires consistency, perseverance, determination, and patience. After all, huskies may be stubborn, but they’re also very intelligent and close to their owner. Therefore, if you treat them with kindness and affection, they will eventually listen to your commands.

Here’s a short list of some of the best activities and exercises that will keep your husky happy and healthy:

  • Long walks – for a canine friend, a walk should last at least two hours to be considered as long; if possible, hiking or trekking are also excellent ways to keep your dog active;
  • Running – you shouldn’t take puppies to long runs since their bodies are still developing; adult huskies can run between 3 and 5 miles per day if they have average training experience;
  • Playing fetch – ease your husky into this game by presenting the toy first and moving it around slowly; finish the first step by gently throwing it at your feet. Once your dog gets the hang of it, gradually increase the throwing distance while also adding verbal cues;
  • Swimming – this type of movement is enjoyable and beneficial for huskies since it exercises their entire body while being low-impact;

 

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Easy Puppy Tricks

First, a husky puppy will grow into a well-adjusted adult dog if he engages in early socialization and learns to respect the boundaries you’re setting. So, it would be ideal to start by exposing your husky puppy to several people and environments. Introduce him to different other animals, smells, sounds, and sights.

I recommend taking all those steps gradually, with a positive attitude, and in a controlled manner.

Here are some easy puppy tricks you could teach your little husky:

  • Kiss – hold your dog’s favorite treat close to your cheek while saying the command “kiss” and move your face towards your husky’s mouth;
  • Paw – teaching your husky to give you his paw is a simple trick that starts with the “sit” cue;
  • Speak – it’s a bit difficult to teach your pet to bark on command, especially considering that huskies tend to be quite vocal, but it’s also cute when they finally learn how to do it properly;
  • Roll over – this is a classic dog trick that begins with the “down” command;
  • Take a bow—from a standing position, slowly move a dog treat down in front of your husky.

Husky Dog Training - Basic Dog Commands

Keep a realistic mindset: your husky might never learn to open the door or the fridge or to give a high five, but the following commands are pretty accessible to teach. They might keep your pooch safe and well-behaved.

Sit

This is a basic and essential dog command, an obedience cue. It’s crucial for safety reasons and should be part of your husky’s behavioral etiquette. The Sit command helps you manage your dog a lot better when you’re outside of your home.

In time, canine pets learn to control their impulses. Remember to reward your furry friend for every command he listens to. I like to say “Good Boy” as often as possible.

Come

Another essential part of your dog’s training journey is learning the Come command, which can be fun if you know how to make it so. Go in the open air, but make sure the space is limited and safe, away from roads and cars.

Use a long, loose leash if necessary, and keep a cheerful tone while teaching this cue to your husky. Say your pet’s name out loud before vocalizing the word Come. When he comes close to you, offer him treats, hugs, and affection.
In time, you’ll be able to explore different surroundings together with your dog without using a leash, and you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your pet will come as soon as you call him.

Stay

Another primary dog cue is “Stay,” which helps you whenever you want your husky to stay put and remain calm. Start this training by moving away from your dog while he is in a sitting position. The distance between you and your pup shouldn’t be greater than just a few steps.

Give him a tasty treat if your husky stays put until you return to him. Believe me, teaching your pet this specific cue will be highly rewarding for you. I would perform this training step somewhere quiet during short yet practical sessions, keeping my voice gentle yet firm.

I suggest you practice the Stay command outside, at the park, by gradually increasing the distance between you and your puppy. Once your husky learns it, the bond between you two will deepen, and the time you spend together will become significantly more enjoyable.

Down

To teach a husky this command, get his attention first by using a treat. Hold the treat close to your dog’s nose, then move it towards the ground. Say “down” gently and calmly, and see if your pooch follows your cue.

Consistency is key, so exercise this command at home and in different environments. Like all the other commands, it will reinforce your bond with your furry companion.

Heel

I promise teaching your husky the Heel command will improve your walks together. Start by using a loose leash and a few of your dog’s treats. Find a quiet area to practice, and gently guide your pet to your side after taking a couple of steps. Praises and treats will undoubtedly boost the training’s effect.

Whenever you repeat the word “heel,” your pooch will associate it with more treats so that he will behave during your outings. This particular dog cue prevents your husky from getting distracted, especially when you’re walking in busy areas.

Leave It

I talk from experience when I say that all huskies are naturally curious. Hence, they will sniff and grab all the things they find interesting. This is when you must teach your pet the Leave It command. Say it gently but firmly, and reward your puppy with a tasty treat every time he performs well.

When walking with your furry companion, countless items on the ground could harm your doggo. This dog cue encourages self-control, which huskies should learn, considering they’re spirited.

How to Train a Husky Dog – Advanced Approaches

The following training types are more advanced. Despite their strong-willed nature, huskies can grow into well-behaved dogs if you rely on positive reinforcement, kindness, and patience.

House Training

As a husky dog aficionado, I believe that house training your pet can be difficult but not impossible if you apply the proper approach. Do what I did: create a walking routine; take your dog outside after meals or naps. Focus on a delimited area in your yard where your husky can go for his bathroom breaks.

Soon, your pooch will associate that spot with going potty. Reward his positive behavior with praise and treats each time the dog does his business outside the house. If I were you, I would supervise my dog inside the house to prevent potty-related accidents.

Even if accidents occur, keep calm and act gently around your pet. Take him outside to the spot I talked about before.

Leash Training

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of setting healthy boundaries for your puppy early on. At first, husky puppies will adore going for walks since they love to explore new areas. That could also translate into leash-pulling issues.

Use a flexible, comfy, yet durable dog leash to practice leash training. You’ll soon gain control through consistent yet calm commands. Be patient because your puppy will need some time before he can understand that pulling on the leash will not get him further away or faster.

One effective strategy I always use is to stop whenever my pet pulls on the leash. That way, he realizes that pulling will not lead to progress.

Crate Training

Dog crate training will be one of the best decisions you can make, and it will benefit both you and your husky. Before learning how to crate train a dog, many pet owners worry about their puppy’s reaction. Still, this is a solution to create a safe and comfy space for your pooch.

Introduce your husky dog to his crate gradually while leaving the door open and placing some treats inside. Never use the crate as a punishment. Crate training a puppy will involve time and effort, but things will soon become more manageable with the correct strategy.

The Importance of Positive Reinforcement on How to Train a Husky Dog

One of the best Husky puppy training tips is always to use positive reinforcement. That’s essential for huskies since they’re stubborn, intelligent, and independent thinkers. From my experience, harsh corrections will only backfire, making the dog more resistant to your cues.

Training a dog with positive reinforcement will teach him to follow your rules kindly. Punishment will make huskies challenge your authority even more. You can apply this technique with treats, dog toys, and praises.

Most Common Dog Problem Behaviors and How to Prevent Them

Here are some commonly met issues that huskies might display and practical tips on solving these problems.

Jumping on People

When they meet new people, huskies get excited and might jump on these fellows. Still, some might not like it, so you must fix this by teaching your dog the “down” or “sit” command.

Digging

To huskies, digging comes naturally, being an instinct. With the risk of repeating myself, you should encourage your puppy to engage in mentally and physically challenging activities to help him consume some of his energy. Create a proper space like a sand box for him to dig in.

Chewing

All huskies, especially puppies, love to chew out of anxiety or boredom. You can prevent this destructive behavior by offering your dog specially-made chew toys. When you see your pet chewing on something in the house, redirect him to one of his toys.

Leash Pulling

Most dog owners deal with this issue, but it can be solved through positive reinforcement training. Gently stop your husky every time he pulls on his leash. Finally, offer him a treat if he listens to your command.

Barking

Barking is normal, but excessive barking can become annoying. First, find out what’s causing your dog to bark that much. Train him to follow the “quiet” command, then reward him with treats. Physical and mental stimulation could also reduce unnecessary barking.
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FAQs

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What Should You Do If Your Husky Bites?

Remain calm and figure out what’s causing your dog to bite. The strength of the bite is also essential because puppies might gently bite when they want to play or if they’re teething. One thing you can do is redirect your husky’s attention to something else.

How Do You Train a Siberian Husky?

Start with basic commands, use positive reinforcement, and stay calm. If I had to prioritize, I’d choose crate, house, and leash training.

Do Training Clickers Work for Huskies?

Training clickers can be highly effective because they help you communicate with your pet so that he can quickly associate your desired course of action.

All the tips for raising a Husky puppy presented in today’s article will help you raise a disciplined dog and bond with him at a deeper level.