The 10 Most Essential Commands for Siberian Huskies

Training Siberian Huskies can be both rewarding and challenging due to their independent and strong-willed nature. These beautiful and energetic dogs are known for their intelligence and athleticism, making them wonderful companions when properly trained. Here are 10 essential commands and tips for training your Siberian Husky:

1. Sit: The "sit" command is one of the most basic and fundamental commands for any dog. Teaching your Husky to sit on command provides a foundation for further training. To do this, hold a treat above their head, and as they follow it with their gaze, move it back over their head. As they try to keep their eyes on the treat, their bottom should naturally touch the ground. When it does, reward them with the treat and praise.

2. Stay: "Stay" is crucial for your Husky's safety. It ensures they remain in one place until you give them permission to move. Start by having your Husky sit, then hold your hand in front of them, palm out, and say "stay" while taking a step back. Gradually increase the distance and duration as your Husky becomes more comfortable.

3. Come: Teaching your Husky to come when called is vital for their safety, especially when off-leash. Start in a quiet, controlled environment and call their name followed by "come." Reward them with praise and treats when they respond.

4. Down: The "down" command instructs your Husky to lie down. Begin with them in a sitting position, then hold a treat close to the ground and slowly move it away from them. Your Husky should follow the treat and lie down. Reward and praise when they do.

5. Leave it: "Leave it" is essential for preventing your Husky from picking up or chewing on dangerous objects. Show them a treat in your hand, close your fist, and say "leave it." When they stop trying to get the treat, reward them with a different treat and praise.

6. Drop it: This command is useful when your Husky has something in their mouth that they shouldn't. Offer a treat in exchange for the item they have, saying "drop it" as you do so. Once they release it, reward and praise them.

7. Heel: Siberian Huskies tend to be strong pullers on a leash due to their working dog heritage. Teaching them to walk nicely on a leash with the "heel" command is essential. Keep treats by your side and reward them when they walk calmly beside you.

8. No: The "no" command is critical for correcting undesirable behavior. Use a firm but not aggressive tone when saying "no" to discourage unwanted actions. Always follow with positive reinforcement when they stop the undesirable behavior.

9. Off: Huskies can be notorious jumpers, especially when excited. Teaching them to get "off" furniture or people is essential. When they jump up, calmly say "off" and guide them to the ground. Reward and praise when they comply.

10. Wait: The "wait" command is valuable for teaching your Husky patience, especially at doorways or before crossing streets. Have them sit, and then say "wait" as you open the door or approach a road. Reward them when they remain still.


Training Tips:

- Consistency: Consistency is key in Husky training. Use the same commands and gestures every time to avoid confusion.

- Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection. Huskies respond well to positive reinforcement.

- Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and engaging to prevent your Husky from getting bored or frustrated.

- Patience: Be patient and understanding. Huskies are intelligent but can be stubborn. Stay calm and persistent in your training efforts.

- Socialization: Socialize your Husky early and often to ensure they are comfortable around people and other animals.

- Professional Training: Consider professional obedience training, especially if you encounter challenges beyond basic commands.

In conclusion, training a Siberian Husky requires time, dedication, and patience. By starting with these fundamental commands and following the training tips, you can establish a strong bond with your Husky and ensure their safety and well-being. Enjoy the journey of training your intelligent and spirited companion!


Photo Credit: Ritmó

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Siberian Husky’s Habitat

Image
Siberian Husky, as the name suggest, is a breed that initially originated in Siberia. The predecessors of Siberian Huskies were used by the Chukchi tribe in North eastern region of Asia as worker dogs.  These dogs were used to pull light loads, herd cattle and serve as a watch dog. This tribe had great respect for their dogs and brought them into their homes as guardians as well Further Reading:  A Comprehensive Perspective on Siberian Husky's Habitat... As the name suggests, these dogs were originally bred in Siberia who found their way into Canada, Alaska and United States only at a much later stage. As mentioned earlier, these dogs were used to pull sleighs and sleds and were also used for expedition purposes. However, these days these dogs are found in places with varying climatic conditions. However, it would be a good idea to know about a Siberian Husky’s natural habitat which will help in providing them the best living conditions as pets. As the name suggests, this breed w
Read more

Basic Commands for Siberian Huskies

Image
Training any dog can be a difficult matter, and the same thing can be said about training a Siberian Husky. Siberian Huskies are intelligent dogs which possess an eagerness to please the owners. However, this does not indicate that training a Husky will be a relatively easier task as they can be very strong willed as well. The best idea would be to start training at a very young age so that the Huskies will be able to differentiate between the right and wrong behaviors. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Huskies should not be physically punished while training as this will only have an adverse effect on these dogs. The first thing to identify is the purpose for which the Husky will be used. If the Husky is going to be used for the traditional purpose of sleigh or sled pulling, then these dogs need to be taught two set of commands; the regular obedience training as well as the mushing training. Mentioned below are the basic commands from both the categories that can be used
Read more

Siberian Husky Appearance

Image
A descendant of wolf. It’s the first thing to strike your mind when you look at a Siberian Husky. Perhaps, it is a cross breed between dog and wolf. Also, the general feeling is that a Siberian Husky is a large dog. A feeling that’s not necessarily true. Here are a few physical attributes of a Siberian Husky. Size: The Siberian Husky is a dog of moderate build. The height of this dog can range between 21 and 24 inches in males. 20 to 22 inches in females. The male dogs weigh anywhere between 45 to 60 pounds. The lady dogs weigh between 35 to 50 pounds. Face: The Siberian Huskies have different markings. They have different patterns which are not normally found in other breeds as well. These markings and patterns provide these dogs an distinctive look. Color of coats: The most common color of coat found is white and black. This is not the only color combination seen though. Huskies can be found in coats which could be copper and white. Gray and white, even pure white
Read more