While husky dogs can be a handful, they are also one of the most rewarding breeds you could choose. They have an extremely high energy level and demand a lot of attention from their owners. However, if appropriately trained, they will become devoted companions with a solid bond to their family.
Huskies are more challenging to train than most breeds. This is because they have an extreme desire for adventure. They will not hesitate to take any opportunity they can get, whether it be exploring or running away from their trainer’s commands to find new things that excite them.
In addition, they show a natural curiosity, which is why their surroundings must be stimulating enough for them, so they don’t become bored or distracted from basic learning commands. Even though as adventurous and active as the husky breed is, they will soon come around with plenty of patience and reward-based training techniques. As a result, they will become better-trained dog than those that are easy to train.
Husky Dog Breed Personality
A huskies personality traits can explain why they can be hard to train.
- Active
- Adventurous
- Alert
- Curious
- Friendly
- Gentle
- Intelligent
- Outgoing
- Playful
- Stubborn
As you can see, the amount of high driven drive traits listed above can be responsible for why a husky is in the beginning hard to train. Husky puppies, you can also triple the amount of drive, desire and playfulness in them.
Recommended Read: Full Breed Profile
Advice – Take Control
IMPORTANT: Alpha Male is also known as an alpha dog, pack leader or lead dog. It would be best if you claimed your place from day one. Strong leadership skills are crucial for training a husky.
Can a husky owner be the dogs equal?
Suppose you are not the alpha male or pack leader but an equal. By being their equivalent, you will find it very difficult to train your husky to a manageable level, so getting in there quickly to establish your place will help with the continued training.
Why does being the alpha dog matter so much to a husky?
Many years ago, huskies were bred by the Serbian Chukchi people, and their primary responsibility was to assist them in pulling sledges. A big part of pulling a sledge was working together as a team whilst having a pack leader to guide and keep them in line to successfully pull sledges across the ice and snow.
A dog pack leader would be the front sledge dog. The qualities they would have is: dominant, bossy, strong and fearless.
Siberian Huskie’s still requires an alpha male leader; it’s been bred into them for many years! A husky will either grow up to be a pack leader or back down for guidance.
A husky dog left to his or her own devices will become destructive. As a husky dog owner, you need to take control and become the pack leader and show them the way!. It’s all down to respect and love! Your husky will be devoted to you and will follow your every command.
If you’re interested in learning more about their breed history and the Siberian huskies development from the beginning in 1908, I wrote an informational date timeline.
Can females be the alpha dog within the pack?
Female dogs can indeed be the highest-ranking individual of a dominant hierarchy. For example, if a female Siberian husky can display alpha dog qualities, females can be the alpha dogs the same as male huskies within a pack.
How can I become the alpha male?
Sometimes it is just the little things that make you an alpha male/pack leader. Here are some tips to help you on your way.
Feeding will often make you a pack leader to some dog breeds by default, without even realising. But in some cases, it’s not enough, especially when it comes to the Siberian husky.
When you enter a room or the front door after a walk, you step in first. Going back to the sledging times, the pack leader was always at the front.
Any behaviour, like the normal naughty dog/puppy behaviour, you need to address each time, dont let them do as they please. A firm NO in any situation you feel isn’t suitable for your household will be required. You need to be consistent when delivering the message. Never shout at your husky dog or become aggressive. They are gentle souls with only a keen vision of playing and having fun.
Normal Dog Behaviour to expect:
- Digging
- Barking
- Howling
- Play Biting
- Jumping up at people
The good things about huskies are that they are one of the least aggressive dogs breeds. Huskies are gentle by nature and only have one thing in mind, playing!
Advice – You
If anything be:
- Confident
- Firm
- Kind
- Loving
- Playful when the time is right
- Patient
Excercise
Exercise to a husky is a must, and I can’t emphasise enough that it is a crucial part of a husky day to day life. Huskies have so much energy that they need that exercise for release. In addition, huskies love to be out in the open running around. These dogs are very adventurous and will suit any outdoors-loving person or family.
These training commands will help you:
When should I reward my husky?
Rewarding your dog is an essential part of the training process and ongoing training throughout their life. It would be best if you gave a reward at the correct times, only when your husky has been well behaved. Never reward a husky after telling them off. This will only encourage confusion in your dog. You must give it at least 30 minutes before rewarding your husky.
Punishment Tips
Siberian Huskies are very social, and a suitable punishment is to refuse to give your dog any attention when the time is right. Picking the right time is vital for your dog to understand. The refusal shouldn’t last very long, like say all day, some just a few minutes is enough. You can also try to turn your back on them. This can help immensely and can trigger that: “oh, I must not do that” in a huskies head.
Be firm, but not cruel, violent or aggressive. Huskys are sensitive, and this will only damage them in the future.
Huskies Love To Howl
These dogs don’t often bark. They communicate by howling. Usually, when a Siberian husky is howling, there is something that they are wanting to tell you, perhaps how they are feeling or that they are bored. The trick is to try to figure out what it is they are trying to communicate to you! You master this; you will be an outstanding husky owner. See below article that can help you do this.
But all in all, huskies make the most beautiful devoted pets when trained. The love they have for the whole family is well above average compared to most dog breeds. They are great with kids and other dogs. However, if you have small animals, be careful as they love to chase! If you are thinking of getting a husky, this is amazing! You will have many happy years together, making memories.
