Siberian Huskies are independent and a bit stubborn dogs. By their nature, these dogs are used to living in a pack, so their training can be difficult. During training, huskies will fight for leadership, so they should never be treated as equals. Siberian Huskies can be aggressive in their attempts to take control, so the early establishment of a hierarchy is necessary for further training. Huskies are known for their innate behavior that gets away with destructive behavior. A strong leadership position will help you control your dog’s urge to bite, gnaw or dig. You should always encourage good behavior and limit the treats for inappropriate behavior – you can’t give a reward until she does the command.
Nutrition
Usually, dogs of this breed perfectly control their daily calorie needs. However, having constant access to food, these dogs often overeat. They gain weight relatively quickly but hardly shed extra pounds. Overweight Huskies tend to have shorter lifespans, so a well-balanced diet and maintaining a level of physical activity will significantly reduce the risk of becoming overweight. The Siberian Husky is considered one of the most stubborn dog breeds and a great individualist, which can make dogs of this breed picky eaters.
History
The Chukchi people in Eastern Siberia originally bred the Siberian Husky as a sled dog and a companion for men. Climate change forced the Chukchi to hunt over a wider area, so they needed hardy sled dogs capable of running long distances of permafrost at temperatures as low as -60 C. In 1908, huskies were brought to Alaska to participate in dog sled races. The breed gained popularity due to an expedition led by Leonhard Seppal when Siberian Huskies traveled 658 miles in 5 days to deliver a diphtheria vaccine to Nome, Alaska.
Appearance
In appearance, the Siberian Husky is similar to the Alaskan Malamute. They have almond-shaped eyes that are usually blue or brown, sometimes with one eye of a different color. Huskies have a two-layer coat that protects them from the cool on freezing days and prevents them from overheating in hot weather. Dogs of this breed have different coats, but there is always a characteristic mask on the muzzle and white paws. The Siberian Husky has pointed and upright ears and a fluffy tail, which they often cover their noses with when they sleep.
Care
They need a lot of exercise during the day and can be very lively and active even indoors. It is necessary to provide them with good physical activity to prevent any destructive behavior that they may be subjected to. A thick, two-layer coat requires weekly grooming. Throughout history, they have always been part of a pack, so they need more social contact, both with people and with other dogs, to help them feel like part of a group. Huskies have always been dogs that could roam wherever they please, so a leash is a must when walking. When releasing a dog into the garden, a fenced area is required. In the case of this breed, the fence should be high – Huskies easily jump over obstacles over 2 meters high.
This energetic and active breed needs a good dose of training, both physical and mental.