Grooming
Siberian Huskies don’t require extensive maintenance compared to other dog breeds, but there are a few things you can do to minimize shedding and keep them looking, and feeling, their best. Here are some tips:
Brush them with a pin brush three to five times a week. Otherwise, you’ll feel like you’re living with a second dog from all the shedded fur swirling around your ankles. Help loosen fur during high shedding seasons (fall and spring) by using an undercoat rake every day.
Brush your dog’s teeth daily. Once a year, take them to the vet for a professional cleaning to prevent periodontal disease.
Bathe them quarterly or every other month unless they’ve rolled in something gross, or you live in warmer weather, and they get stinky fast. Look for a dog shampoo that suits their individual needs, e. g. when they’re puppies, you’ll want a puppy shampoo conducive to their softer skin; if they have itchy, dry skin, use a soothing shampoo that addresses the problem.
Trim your pup’s nails about four times a year. Husky nails don’t grow fast, but you’ll know it’s time when you hear a clickety-clack on hard surfaces. Use a nail clipper designed for dogs, or ask your vet or groomer to take care of it.
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Training
Because Siberian Huskies are so strong-willed, early training is a vital cornerstone of their development. Starting their training during puppyhood will help them become a well-behaved family member. Introducing basic commands like sit, stay, heel, and come, along with leash manners, sets the stage for a harmonious, and safe, companionship.
As a working breed, Huskies thrive on having a purpose, which is great for training. They’re eager to learn, but if you don’t have a well-prepared plan, your Husky may decide you don’t know what you’re doing and stop listening to you. Be patient. Consistent, structured training sessions with clear goals (and lots of treats) are essential, and dedication is key. Huskies have no concept of “lazy weekends” and embrace each day with gusto!
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Diet
For all of their energy, Siberian Huskies don’t need as much food as you might think. Like the Alaskan Malamute, Huskies were bred to work hard on minimal food while performing demanding tasks like sled-pulling across vast distances. So be cautious to not overfeed your pup. When it comes to types of foods, they do well on commercial, high-quality dog food designed for their stage of life (puppy, adult or senior).
One thing to look out for? Too many treats. While essential for training and bonding, treat calories shouldn’t be underestimated. Make sure you factor in those extra calories when planning mealtimes. It’s crucial to keep your dog at an optimal weight, and even a couple of extra pounds can significantly affect their health.
To ensure your pup’s well-being, talk with your vet to formulate a personalized nutrition plan.
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Exercise
A busy Husky is a happy Husky. Siberian Huskies are high-energy dogs with a primal desire to explore the great outdoors. They need your help engaging their brain and body every day, lest they get bored and try to escape to find more stimulation. Plan to exercise your pup for about two hours daily. Here are some ideas:
Long walks: Walks are a great opportunity for them to experience the world with you. Change up the routes to keep things interesting for you both.
Hikes: Hiking is a great way for them to explore new environments, and you both get a great adventure.
Competitive dog sports: Try agility, rally or obedience competitions. (And you get to work some training time in—score!)
Huskies are fast and have a high-prey drive, so avoid letting them off-leash unless you’re in a safely contained area like a fenced backyard. Your pup can catch a scent or hear an exciting noise and be gone in a flash.
Huskies also often get the zoomies—random bursts of energy to release pent-up energy, excitement or stress. These are entirely normal, highly entertaining and possibly a sign you need to take your pup on an extra walk.
And remember, this breed was bred for cold climates. If you live where it gets hot, keep your activities to the cooler parts of the day.
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Environment
The ideal environment for a Husky takes into consideration their natural traits and needs. They are a breed that was originally developed to work hard in cold climates, so they’re naturally more comfortable in cooler temperatures. However, an optimal living situation for a Husky entails more than just temperature considerations. They require ample outdoor space and tons of interaction with you. Siberian Huskies need an experienced pup parent who understands that you can’t take a day off.
Huskies also love the company of other dogs and people and prefer companionship most of the day. They do better with dogs around their same size and older children who understand how to play calmly. If you need to leave the house for parts of the day, consider crate training your puppy. This will give them a safe “den” to relax in. Remember: A bored Husky will look for things to do, and often that takes the form of “demolition duty,” destroying your furniture or other things in the home while you’re away.
Learn it, love it, live it: If you’re fortunate to have a backyard for your Siberian Husky, it needs to be enclosed. Preferably with a very tall, very stable fence. These escape artists love to roam so enforcing borders is crucial.
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