How to Train a Siberian Husky

There are many things a dog owner can do to train a Siberian Husky. The first thing to remember is that these dog are bred for running and are motivated by movement and fun. Siberian huskies can also be stoic and independent and often respond to force and coercion with resistance. The trick to training these dogs is convincing them that cooperation is the choice they have made to get what they want.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Treats
• Walking shoes
• Leash and other training tools
• Toys
• Open space
• Bicycle, scooter, or sled (if you are lucky enough to have snow)
• Crate
• Chew toys and interactive chew toys

1. If you get a puppy, start training as soon as you bring him home. Put him in a crate to sleep, feed him on a schedule, let him feel secure in knowing what is expected of him. He may protest at first, but he will also appreciate consistency. These same rules apply to bringing home an adult dog.

2. Minimize anxiety and pent up energy by offering plenty of safe chew toys when you are not present. Place his meal rations inside of food dispensing toys instead of his bowl. This will allow him to work for his food and address his natural need to chew.

3. A tired Siberian husky is a good dog. Before you try to work on obedience cues, exercise your husky for at least 30 minutes. This means he needs to RUN, play with another active dog, or some other rigorous exercise. A walk around the block will not be adequate for a Siberian husky over the age of four months old. He can focus on you better once he has gotten the "zoomies" out of his system.

4. When training basic manners, use a positive reinforcement program which allows your Siberian Husky to earn what he wants. These positive motivators may include food, running, play with other dogs, toys, and sometimes petting. Find what your dog likes best and what he is willing to work for.

5. Set your Siberian Husky up for success. Do not try to train a stay in the first week while you are in the front yard with the neighbor's cat sitting on the porch. Practice obedience in a low distraction environment on a daily basis for brief periods. Practice makes almost perfect.

6. Ignore attention seeking and protest behaviors. Siberian Huskies have a "death scream" and can be quite dramatic when they dislike a situation such as staying in the yard or going to bed. If you give in to this type of manipulation you will create a lifelong banshee.

7. Your Siberian Husky was bred to run. Try to involve her in bikejoring, scootering, or mushing. These sports are enjoyable to many breeds of dogs and offer exercise that cannot be achieved by simply walking or going to the park. Training your siberian will be easier if the two of you are part of a team.

8. The most important things to remember about training a Siberian Husky are that you must be consistent and calm. Siberians are sensitive and intelligent, motivate them to work with you and your Siberian Husky will be a great dog partner.

Tips & Warnings

• Lots of stimulating activity makes your husky's mind sharp and body calm
• Practice obedience training daily for short periods of time
• If your siberian will not work for food, try toys and motion
• Do not use harsh training methods with your Siberian Husky, he will become aloof or resistant to you
• "Alpha" training should be left to wolves, people are not good at it