Siberian Huskies are energetic and playful, but they also have their fair share of quirks. Before you adopt a Husky, it’s important to know what to expect. These dogs are high-energy, intelligent, and independent. They need plenty of mental and physical stimulation on a regular basis, or they will find ways to occupy their time unhelpfully. A Husky left unchecked, can chew anything they can get their paws on, dig up your yard, bark for hours at a time, or escape from your property whenever the notion strikes them. To ensure that adopting a Husky is the right decision for you and your family, we’ve put together this helpful guide.
They Need A Lot Of Exercise
Huskies are extremely active dogs and require a high amount of physical activity every day. If you want a dog that can hang out with you while you are lounging on the couch for hours a day, a Husky is not the right choice. If you don’t give your Husky enough exercise, they are likely to find ways to exhaust themselves. This could mean excessive barking, chewing, digging, or other behavioral issues.
Are They Good For People With Allergies?
You may have heard the myth that huskies are great for people with allergies, so you might be wondering; are huskies hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, huskies are not hypoallergenic and actually shed a lot of fur, which means if you have allergies, they are not the right dog for you. To learn more about huskies and their fur, take a look at this Native Pet article.
Huskies Don’t Like To Be Alone
Huskies are highly social dogs that are happiest when they have human companionship, as well as the company of a canine friend. This means if you work long hours or rarely come home, a Husky is not the right dog for you. A Husky left alone for long periods of time is likely to display destructive behavior, as well as excessive barking, as they can become quite distressed when left alone for long periods of time.
They Need To Be Socialized From An Early Age
Huskies are a highly intelligent breed, but they can be very independent. Because of this, it is crucial to properly socialize them from an early age. This means exposing them to lots of people, places, and other animals, so they are comfortable around them in all situations. If you adopt a Husky that is older, you will want to make an extra effort to socialize them, as it will likely take longer for them to develop the same level of confidence.
They Have A Strong Prey Drive
Huskies have a strong prey drive; this means that they will chase and attempt to kill small animals like squirrels, rodents, lizards, and rabbits if they are off the leash and have the chance to do so. If you live in an area with abundant wildlife, you’ll need to be careful that your dog doesn’t get into any trouble. Make sure they are on a harness and leash at all times when outdoors so they can’t chase after small animals. If you own a cat or any other small animals, you may want to reconsider adopting a Husky. You should always keep your Husky leashed when you are outdoors, and you should never let them run free unless in a high-fenced area.
Huskies Are Stubborn
Huskies are extremely smart dogs that love to challenge their owners. They will test your boundaries to see how firm you are with them. This means they are not the best breed for first-time dog owners. If you adopt a Husky, you will want to make sure to have some experience with dog training. The more experience you have, the better you will be able to handle your Husky’s stubbornness and direct their energy appropriately.
They Will Need A Regular Grooming Schedule
Huskies have a medium-length double coat, which means they shed year-round, but they are more prolific in the spring and fall. To control shedding, you will need to brush your Husky regularly. Brushing them once a week will help control loose fur and prevent mats from forming. You will also need to bathe them about once a month, depending on their level of activity.
They Have Poor Recall And Can’t Be Off The Leash
Huskies are one of the few breeds that have a poor recall instinct. This means that when they are off the leash, and you call them, they are unlikely to come back to you. This can be problematic, especially if you live in an area with wildlife, like squirrels, or even larger animals, like coyotes or mountain lions. However, training can improve their recall, although it is best to keep them on a leash when out and about.
They Love To Howl
Huskies are very vocal dogs that love to howl, and they will likely do so at the most inconvenient times. Huskies are known for their distinctive howling, which is something they do for fun. If you adopt a Husky, you might be woken up in the middle of the night by their howling, especially if they are bored or unoccupied. To avoid waking up your neighbors and scaring the neighbors’ children, you can try to distract your dog with toys, food, or even a game of fetch outside. If they are regularly unsupervised, you might want to invest in some indoor toys, especially if you live in an apartment building.
Conclusion
Huskies are a very interesting breed with a variety of positive and negative traits. They are intelligent, high-energy, friendly, and loving dogs that need a lot of attention that are best suited to experienced owners who have the time and energy to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also have a strong prey drive, they don’t like being left alone, and they love to howl. If you are willing to give these dogs a lot of attention, they can be great family pets and are excellent with children. If you are considering adopting a Husky, make sure you are ready for the commitment and responsibility that comes along with owning one of these dogs. They are wonderful animals that are great for people who have the time and energy to spend with them. If you are interested in adopting a Husky, make sure you are ready to provide them with regular walks and lots of playtime, as well as plenty of time with their human companions.
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