Is owning a husky difficult

Are Huskies Hard To Own: (What Owners Must Know)

How hard are huskies to take care of? If youre considering getting a husky, this is a great question to ask before making a final decision. This article explains exactly what it takes to raise an obedient and happy husky.

Although Huskies have many positive traits that make them great to take care of, like being naturally friendly, social, and kind, they can also be rather difficult.

Huskies are known for being stubborn, require a lot of training, and in general, are not ideal for inexperienced dog owners.

Ill continue to break this down in much clearer detail below. Lets get into it!

What Makes Huskies Easy to Take Care Of

Lets first cover some positives about this amazing breed, and why you should be interested in getting one in the first place.

1) Friendly and Sociable

Having a friendly dog who you arent worried about being aggressive or biting a stranger is a big weight off your shoulders.

Even if Huskies arent trained, they are naturally friendly and sociable with dogs and strangers they have never seen before. In fact, theyre so accepting of new people, they make bad guard dogs, which is something to keep in mind.

2) Loving and Affectionate

Huskies are a loving breed and thanks to the way the Chukchi tribe bred them for thousands of years, like to be a part of the family.

Huskies often make strong bonds with their owners and love to show their family members their care and affection.

3) Great with kids

As theyre such a naturally friendly breed, they are great with young children. The energy of a young child matches perfectly with that of a Husky and theyll likely be the best of friends, playing all day long.

Although you can never leave any dog unsupervised with a young child or baby, at least you know that the natural temperament of a Husky is friendly and loving.

4) Intelligent

Once trained, you can expect a Siberian Husky to be very understanding of situations, your commands as well as knowing whats right and wrong. It may be a long road to reach this point, but its reassuring to know that Huskies do have the ability to be trained to a high level.

5) Naturally Hygienic

Siberian Huskies are a naturally hygienic breed of dog, and its very uncommon to find a smelly Husky. That typical dog smell is something Huskies do not usually have.

They often act much like a cat does and will lick their coats to clean them. This is a great bonus, but it doesnt mean you dont have to groom them!

7 Questions To Consider Before Getting a Husky

This section should highlight to you whether a husky will be hard to take care of, depending on your normal routine and lifestyle.

If you see it like this, it will be easier for you to understand just how hard (or easy) it is to take care of a Husky as it ultimately depends on you.Lets go through in detail what you should know about Huskies:

1) Are You Fairly Active?

Siberian Huskies are born to run. Theyre literally considered the ultra-marathon runners of the dog world, capable of running 100 miles in a single day.

Im not saying this is what you have to do too!

But a Husky only suits someone or a family that is very active, every day. Is exercise a big part of your life? because it sure is for a Husky and without it, theyll likely become destructive, disobedient and very hard to manage.

Huskies ideally need 2 hours of exercise per day, one hour in the morning and another in the evening. Their activity shouldnt be a light stroll in the park as this wont satisfy their strong desire to run. A Huskies preferred exercise is anything thats fast pace and with high intensity.

If you can fit this is to an activity you enjoy every day, this is perfect! Huskies would love nothing more than to pull you along for miles on a skateboard (dont worry, I cant skateboard either!) But hopefully, you get my point!

2) Are You At Work All Day?

Huskies require a lot of attention, so if you work all day, every day, its not only unfair for your Husky, but it will also lead to destructiveness and other behavioral issues, as well as separation anxiety.

This is a really important one to think about, and unfortunately, it can be the hardest to adjust, even if we want to.

If youre in a household with a partner and/or with kids, this can work out perfectly fine, just as long as there arent entire days where your Husky will be alone.

One thing to note: Of course, there are many people out there who have a Husky and work a fulltime job. However, special arrangements are likely made, you can either obtain an hour break to go home and spend time with your Husky, or you have people come over to your house and give your Husky company.

3) Do You Have Experience Training a Dog?

Firstly, having previous experience in dog training is NOT mandatory, but it is recommended.

I believe that first-timers can manage and train a Husky just fine if the commitment, focus, and attention are always on point. But you should ask yourself and be honest, are you ready for a battle? (literally).

The advantage of having experience in dog training is that you likely understand better how a dog learns. Once you actually try training a dog to do something and they dont do it, staring blankly back at you, you realize, this could take a while.

Remember that Huskies are notoriously stubborn, which makes training a significant task. Most people with experience owning dogs already know the challenges ahead.

So, not that its absolutely necessary, but you have to ask yourself if you are ready to do the research on Husky training, carry out training exercises every day from day one, be consistent, firm, and expect it to be a rough ride.

4) How Much Quality Time Can Owners Give?

While similar to attention, this is slightly different. How much quality time will you engage in?

Will you bring them with you when you go to your friends house, or when you go to the store? Throughout the day will you sit with them, play games and make a fuss of them? This time is pretty significant for any Husky.

So, if you know that you arent going to give your Husky as much of your time as possible, maybe a different breed is best suited for you.

As most Husky owners say, you should really be into Huskies, if you want to get a Husky!

5) Are You Ok With Dog Hair? Everywhere?

Siberian Huskies are shedders! They have thick double-layered coats that will usually drop hair all year-round, with two big blowouts per year. Sometimes, depending on where you live and the climate your Husky may only blow out once.

A blowout, just in case you dont know is when the undercoat sheds in preparation for the next season, and new hair coming through. It can last around 1 month, sometimes less or more than this. Its quite a spectacle and you can be sure that there will be dog hair EVERYWHERE.

You have to be honest with yourself, are you someone who is ok with dog hair on your floors every day?

Grooming is very important and will play a big part in owning a Husky. So you should be ready to have a solid grooming routine with your Husky around 2 or 3 times per week. More so when they have a blowout.

6) Is Your Home Secure?

When you read the heading, you probably thought about intruders or guard dog type situations

Thats not what this is about! Siberian Huskies are known as the Harry Houdini of the dog world. They are true escape artists and love nothing more than to find a way out of your home.

Huskies are a curious breed with lots of energy, so if they can hear, see or smell anything interesting outside of your property, they will try to find a way out.

One thing to know about Huskies is that they can jump high, and dig deep! If your home isnt secure, you can husky-proof it, but you have to be sure that it will stop them.

Husky owners often have to raise their fences and gates higher than 6ft, and insert chicken wire deep under the perimeter of their yard.

7) Are You Living In a Hot Country or State?

Huskies were bred in arctic conditions for thousands of years. Its safe to say they not only thrive in cold weather, they much prefer it.

Having said that, I live in a sub tropical climate, where there is a surprisingly high number of Siberian huskies.

Many of the Huskies I have seen living in tropical countries are just fine and are all comfortable, but they ALL have air-conditioned houses for whenever its too hot outside.

Where you live isnt too much of a problem, but you should always consider it and be ready to have AC on throughout hot summers or all the time if need be.

This article contains excellent tips on taking care of huskies in hot weather.

So, Are Huskies Hard to Take Care Of?

As mentioned above, for some owners, huskies will prove to be too difficult, but for others, it may be a walk in the park!

It depends on how well a Husky matches your normal lifestyle. If you have to make a lot of adjustments for the Husky, you may end up getting tired, fed up, or even giving up on your new fluffy friend. Thats why its important to consider the questions above.

A very sad, but true reality is that huskies are one of the most abandoned breeds. Each case is different but a lot of people put this down to just how difficult it is owning a Husky.

Its easy to get blown away by their beautiful features and appearance that we forget all of the challenges that lay ahead.

Summary

Now you know what having a Siberian Huskies entails. Its time to make an important decision!

If you have any helpful advice you can give to someone thinking about getting this wonderful breed, please comment below! You may just give them the help theyre looking for!

Most Recommended For Huskies

Best Brushes For Husky Shedding

My two favorite brushes for a beautiful coat are a simple Undercoat Rake and a Slicker Brush. These brushes when used together will de-shed and maintain your huskys coat better than anything else.

Best Online Training Program For Huskies

Brain Training For Dogs has become increasingly popular with Siberian Huskies in the last few years. Its now recognized as perhaps the best way to train a husky, in the most stress-free, positive way.

Best Husky Puppy Book

If you would like to support My Happy Husky directly and have an easy to read and entertaining guide for training your husky puppy, check out my book The Husky Puppy Handbook on Amazon. All purchases are greatly appreciated.

Other Resources:https://pages.wustl.edu/dogbreeds/articles/26202 (Social Behavior in Huskies)https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/siberian-husky

The Complete Guide to Owning a Siberian Husky

So, youre thinking about owning a Siberian Husky? Well, youre in luck because this article is the complete guide to successfully welcoming a Husky into your life.If youve been obsessing over their signature ice-blue eyes or their unique streaked coat, we totally get it. Huskies are one of the dog worlds most iconic breeds, and theres a good reason for it! As majestic as they look, theres so much more to the Husky than meets the eye. But as much as we love them, its important to note that owning a Husky isnt necessarily a decision to take lightly.Luckily, this guide will cover everything you need to know about owning and caring for a Husky. From picking out the perfect pup to seeking out professional training, weve got the scoop on all things Husky.So, before you take the plunge and adopt a Husky, lets dive into the complete guide to owning a Siberian Husky.

Quick Explanation

Siberian Huskies are athletic and strong dogs, typically with thick double coats in shades of grey, white, black, and red. They are loyal and intelligent companions that require plenty of exercise, playtime, and training to keep them happy and healthy.

What Is a Siberian Husky?

A Siberian Husky is a breed of medium-sized working dogs that originated from Siberia in North-eastern Asia. This breed is known for its dense northern-living single-layered coat, thick fur, and sharp-pointed ears. The Siberian Husky is an intelligent, strong, and loyal dog breed with a good temperament. They typically have a friendly and loving character but can also be independent and hard to handle at times.People may debate on whether or not the Siberian Husky is a suitable family pet due to their incredible strength and independent nature. On the one hand, these dogs can become powerful working companions when correctly trained; they make excellent sledding partners and are perfect for outdoor activities. On the other hand, they have higher energy levels than some other breeds and require constant exercise and stimulation, which may be commensurate with many household structures.No matter what people think of this breeds suitability as a family pet, owning a Siberian Husky is not to be taken lightly. Prospective owners should research the breed extensively before taking on the responsibility of caring for such a dog. In the next section, we will discuss the specific characteristics and temperament of the Siberian Husky so that you can make an informed decision if this pupper is the right choice for you and your family.

Characteristics and Temperament of a Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are excitable, energetic, and strong-willed dogs. They may display traits such as boldness, mischievousness, independence, and intelligence. They have a great deal of stamina and love to work but can be difficult to train. Owners should keep in mind that these dogs tend to become bored quickly and require consistent stimulation.Many people view Siberian Huskies as highly intelligent, yet independant animals. They need regular exercise as well as mental stimulation, so it is important to give them plenty of attention and activities to keep them busy. It is also important that they receive leadership and direction from their owners at all times. Proper socialization is essential at an early age to ensure they remain confident and not fearful towards other animals or humans.In addition to its wonderful physical characteristics, a Siberian Husky also possesses many positive personality traits. They are often friendly and welcoming towards strangers, curious about the world around them, lively and animated, devoted to its family members and loyal companions. Despite their somewhat independent nature, these dogs typically enjoy human interaction on a daily basis.There are those that challenge the notion that Siberians Huskies are difficult to train; these people assert that Siberians can be highly obedient when trained correctly with patience and consistency. While this is possible with any breed of dog, most agree that this requires more effort when dealing with a robust and headstrong dog like a Siberian Husky. We strongly recommend further reading before leaping in and bringing a Siberian Husky into your home.It goes without saying that owning any pet requires commitment and dedication; this is especially true when considering a Siberian Husky. With the right training methods tailored to meet each individuals needs, these wonderful creatures can make excellent lifelong companions for the right family or owner. Now lets dive into learning more about the general personality of these versatile pets!

General Personality

The Siberian husky is a versatile and adaptable companion. This dog breed has many characteristics that make it ideal for individuals, families, and even adventurous souls. However, due to their independent nature and intelligence, the personality of a Siberian Husky can be a challenge to understand.As a general rule, Siberians are highly intelligent and active dogs. They will thrive when given the opportunity to exercise their mind as well as their body, with regular walks or games of fetch. As energetic dogs, they require a lot of stimulation each day in order to stay healthy mentally and physically. They are also very curious and independent-minded creatures, so it is important to give them plenty of freedom but also provide boundaries as not to run away or get into trouble.When considering ownership of a Siberian Husky, it is important to keep in mind that these beautiful dogs come in all shapes and sizes, with different personalities. Although some might think an outdoor life is best suited for this breeds high energy levels, they can actually be quite content living inside the home with an indulgent owner if trained properly and provided ample outside playtime. Despite popular belief, Siberian Huskies do make excellent family pets if given the right environment in which to thrive. However, due to their independent spirit and tendency towards being escape artists, they are not always the most suitable breed for novice owners or those who live on small blocks of land with unsecured fencing.On the other hand, those looking for an agile and athletic pup that loves running and exploring should definitely consider a Siberian Husky. These driven animals excel in activities like agility competitions and mushing making them great companions for lovers of outdoor sports!In conclusion, regardless of their unique personalities, Siberian Huskies can be loyal companions if provided proper training, socialization and exercise. Now that we have discussed the general personality traits associated with this canine powerhouse let us move on to exploring some specific traits these animals possess in our next section.

Top Takeaways

The Siberian Husky is a versatile, intelligent, and active breed of dog that can make a great companion for individuals, families, and adventurous lovers of the outdoors. However, due to their independent nature and intelligence, they require plenty of stimulation, training, socialization, and exercise for them to be loyal companions. Siberians do need plenty of space to run around outside but can also be content living indoors if given the right environment. They are not always suitable for novice owners or those with unsecured fencing. For those looking for an agile and athletic pup that loves running and exploring, considering a Siberian Husky would be beneficial.

Specific Traits

Owning a Siberian Husky is not for the faint of heart. These majestic animals are known to be strong-willed, independent and high-energy, making them a challenge to train and care for. Therefore, it is important to have a complete understanding of the breeds unique traits before taking on these responsibilities.Siberian Huskies are often described as escape artists who are very resourceful in finding ways to dig under fences or jump over gates. They also have a natural tendency to roam off and explore, so owners must help their dog learn boundaries and practice responsible containment strategies. It is also important to keep in mind that this breed can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time.On the plus side, these dogs are highly social animals that enjoy interacting with both people and other animals. Their friendly and enthusiastic personalities make them great family pets with an affinity for adventure and outdoor activities. Siberian Huskies make great hiking companions due to their stamina and strengthboth mental and physical. As long as they receive enough exercise and stimulation, they tend to be very well-behaved.Overall, Siberian Huskies can be incredibly rewarding animals to own if their needs are properly met. Potential owners should make sure that they are comfortable with both the positive aspects of the breed as well as the more challenging sides as well.Now that weve discussed specific traits, lets turn our focus to another important factor when owning a Siberian Husky: training and exercise needs.

Siberian Husky Training and Exercise Needs

Siberian Huskies are highly intelligent and often willful animals, so they require consistent, patient, and keen training. Keeping a Siberian Husky mentally stimulated is of the utmost importance while developing their obedience skills. As they are typically not the most obedient breed, it is important to start when they are young, establish a good relationship with your dog, prevent bad habits from forming, and introduce positive reinforcement.Exercise plays an important role in the health and well-being of these animals. They need plenty of physical activity since they were historically bred as working dogs. While some may argue that an active lifestyle isnt required for pet owners to keep their Husky content and healthy, it is necessary to at least give them adequate exercise. Without it, Siberian Huskies tend to become destructive and anxious due to pent-up energy. Having the time and resources for daily physical activity is key for a successful relationship with your husky.The level of physical activity depends on several factors, such as age and health condition but should last for at least 30 minutes a day or four times a week. It should include both physical exercise like running or long walks, but also mental stimulation like tracking and retrieving activities or agility courses if appropriate. Always monitor your dog during outdoor activities to ensure they dont get overheated or stressed. After that, plenty of playtime inside with toys and games tailored to their needs will do them wonders.To sum up, exercise plays an vital role in maintaining your Siberian Huskys health and happiness; therefore, it should be taken seriously when planning how to fill their days with purposeful activities designed just right for them. This will lead us into our next section about creating an exercise regimen that works best for you and your dog.

Exercise Regimen

Siberian Huskies were bred to pull sleds for long distances over large expanses of land and need plenty of exercise. It is essential to have an adequate daily exercise regimen in order to keep them happy, healthy, and well-behaved. Most experts suggest that a husky should be exercised for at least two hours every day, with one hour of physical activity (like running or swimming) and one hour of mental stimulation (like playing fetch).It is important to remember that exercise should be tailored to the individual Huskys needs and abilities. For example, a young and energetic Husky will require more physical activity than an older or less active Husky. Additionally, some Huskies may enjoy certain activities more than others its important to cater these interests and provide variety.Ultimately, it is important for owners of Siberian Huskies to establish a rigorous but appropriate exercise regimen that meets their individual needs. This will keep both the Owners and their Huskies physically and mentally fit while avoiding any unruly behavior. With an established exercise routine in place, owners can move on to the next important step in owning a Siberian Husky grooming needs.

Siberian Husky Grooming Needs

As an owner of a Siberian Husky, it is essential that you understand and takes into consideration their grooming needs. Brushing them on a regular basis is essential to maintain their health and shiny coat, as they are very prone to matting. Longer-haired Siberian Huskies should be brushed at least twice a week, while shorter haired can get away with brushing once a week. This removes debris and keeps the coat clean and healthy.Bathing your Siberian Huskies should also be done on a routine basis; every 1-3 months, depending on whether he tends to get dirty often or not. It is important that you use dog shampoo when bathing him as human shampoos can dry out his fur. Dry shampooing is an alternative for those who do not enjoy wet baths and can keep shedding under control. However, theres still no substitute for water in the long run, so a traditional wet bath is the preferred option for most owners.However, there are pros and cons to bathing your Siberian Husky too frequently. Many owners debate this issue for its effect on skin conditions and fur. Frequent baths can strip away essential oils from their coats, leaving them feeling dry and brittle with occasional flaky skin underneath. On the other hand, regularly bathing your Siberian Husky removes dirt, debris, and odor, keeping your companion both clean and comfortable which may outweigh any slight negative effects. Ultimately it is up to you as an owner to decide how often you bathe your pup based on how dirty he gets over time.At the end of the day, proper grooming of your Siberian Huskys coat will lead to a healthier pup overall, so it shouldnt be neglected! Now lets move on to discuss the next important topic: health concerns for the Siberian Husky.

Health Concerns for the Siberian Husky

Health concerns for the Siberian Husky are a major factor to consider when owning this breed. They have a longer lifespan than the average dog and can live up to 12-15 years with proper nutrition and health care. While they have good general health overall, there are certain genetic predispositions and diseases that may need attention.Hip dysplasia, a condition caused by abnormal hip joint development, is just one example of this, as it can cause lameness in dogs or a decreased range of motion. Its not seen as common in Siberian Huskies, but it does happen, and so should be monitored.Eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), entropion, and cataracts are also potential issues to watch out for. PRA is an inherited disease specific to purebreds that causes blindness due to deteriorating eyesight. Entropion is an eye disorder where the eyelids get twisted or rolled inward, causing irritation and discomfort for the canine.Finally, congenital heart defects are sometimes seen in both puppies, and adult huskies, meaning regular checkups with the vet are necessary to monitor any potential problems with the heart.Generally speaking, though, regular vaccinations and routine vet visits should be enough to catch any potential problems early on and prolong the life expectancy of your canine companion. With proper care, you can expect your Siberian Husky to live an active and healthy lifestyle for many years to come.Now that we have discussed the potential health concerns associated with owning a Siberian Husky lets move on to the next section in our guide about how best to live alongside your canine companion: Advice for Living With A Siberian Husky.

Advice for Living With a Siberian Husky

Owning a Siberian Husky comes with its share of unique challenges, making it important to consider whether this type of breed is the right fit for your lifestyle. From their independent nature to their need for exercise and mental stimulation, these dogs have distinct requirements that must be understood by their owners. Here are some tips for living with a Siberian Husky:Socialization & TrainingSiberian Huskies have a strong will and independent streak which makes them difficult to train. They can quickly become bored with commands and training exercises, which means its important to keep sessions fun and interesting to maintain their focus. Its essential to start socialization and training from an early age, as this will help establish respect and limit any potential misbehavior in the future. Puppy classes are a great place to start, where they can interact with other puppies in well-structured activities.Exercise & ActivityThanks to their Wolf ancestry, Siberians have high energy levels and require regular exercise both mentally and physically. At least 30 minutes of activity every day is highly recommended; going on daily walks, using equipment like agility tunnels, playing hide and seek games or providing interactive toys are simple ways to ensure your dog stays healthy and active. Without sufficient stimulation, Siberians may become destructive or bark excessively, so make sure there is plenty of room in your home for them to express their energy safely.Grooming & HealthcareSiberian Huskies tend to shed heavily twice a year during shedding season (spring and fall). Regular brushing at least once per week during these times is essential; daily brushing throughout the year helps keep the coat clean and free from debris or mats. Nails should be trimmed regularly when needed as well. Furthermore, yearly exams from a veterinarian are important for keeping your pet healthy as they tend to have specific health conditions such as eye issues or hip dysplasia that warrant annual monitoring.Fenced Yards & SupervisionA secure fenced yard with an external locked gate is highly recommended when living with a Siberian Husky due to their propensity to wander off if given the opportunity they love adventure! Even if they are behind a secure fence however, always provide close supervision when outside; otherwise they might find interesting things like chasing rabbits or exploring neighborhood land too tempting not to go after.In conclusion, Siberian Huskies require special attention but the reward is absolutely worth the effort! With our advice for living with them thoughtfully taken into consideration, you can rest assure that owning one of these dogs will be a rewarding experience!

Common Questions and Explanations

How much exercise does a Siberian husky need?

A Siberian Husky needs a substantial amount of exercise on a daily basis. They are an energetic and active breed with high energy levels and require at least one hour of vigorous activity every day, such as running, biking, playing fetch or frisbee, swimming, and hiking. These activities should be coupled with moderate physical exercise throughout the day, including leashed walks and playtime in a secure fenced area. This will help keep your Husky mentally stimulated as well as physically fit and healthy. Additionally, providing plenty of structured play time and activities to fulfill their natural curiosity can be just as important as more traditional forms of exercise. Not only does this help expend their energy, but also ensures that good behavior is rewarded with positive reinforcement.

What kind of environment is best for a Siberian husky?

A Siberian husky needs an environment that provides ample opportunity for exercise, stimulation and socialization. This may include a spacious yard with room to run safely and securely, regular visits to the dog park or other social activities, access to trails or other off-leash areas, and games of fetch or other active interactions. A husky also needs a human family that is dedicated to providing consistent boundaries and training to ensure they are well-behaved in a variety of environments. Furthermore, they require a loving home where their unique personality has the chance to shine and bond with their human family.

What are the characteristics of a Siberian husky?

A Siberian husky is a loyal, intelligent and active breed of dog that has a thick double coat to protect them from extreme temperatures. They are also remarkably independent and curious, making them an ideal companion for adventurous owners. They bond easily with their people yet still maintain their own personalities.Siberian huskies require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are very social and love being around other animals and people. They have strong prey drives, so introduction to small critters should be done carefully and gradually.These dogs are highly intelligent; they learn quickly and thrive when they have something to focus their minds on. They can be challenging to train due to their independant nature but respond well when given clear boundaries and positive reinforcement. Their coats require regular brushing since the fur sheds year-round.