{"id":35574,"date":"2023-06-06T21:39:40","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T04:39:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/?p=35574"},"modified":"2023-06-06T21:39:40","modified_gmt":"2023-06-07T04:39:40","slug":"so-you-want-a-husky","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/so-you-want-a-husky\/","title":{"rendered":"So You Want A Husky?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s no doubt that Huskies are beautiful, truly remarkable dogs with a striking appearance and unique abilities, but are they the right kind of dog for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since I had the pleasure of handling multiple Huskies during my career as a professional dog walker<\/a> and pet sitter<\/a>, today I\u2019ll share some insights into this sled dog breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifically, 3 stories that explain why Huskies are also known as the Houdinies of dogs, which activity they excel at and whether or not they make good family dogs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"So<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Now without further ado, here\u2019s a closer look at the Husky!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So You Want A Husky? 15 Facts About This Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Huskies Are Working Dogs From Northeastern Siberia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Huskies are medium-sized working dogs originally bred by the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia, Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were primarily used as sled dogs to transport and haul supplies across long distances in Arctic conditions, but they were also used to help track, chase and surround reindeer and elk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Siberian Husky Balto\u2019s Monument Is The Iconic Symbol Of Sled-Dog Racing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1925, a Siberian Husky called Balto led the final leg of a serum run to Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria outbreak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The town of Nome was facing a medical emergency as it lacked sufficient antitoxin, and the only available supply of serum was in Anchorage, Alaska, nearly 700 miles away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A relay of dog teams, including Balto’s team, was organized to transport the serum to Nome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balto and his musher, Gunnar Kaasen, navigated through harsh weather including limited visibility and icy conditions, but successfully delivered the serum to Nome on February 2, 1925.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To honor Balto\u2019s role in the life-saving mission, the city of New York unveiled a statue of him in Central Park on December 17, 1925. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you\u2019re ever in NYC, go say hi to Balto!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Huskies Need Lots Of Daily Exercise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Balto\u2019s story shows beautifully that Huskies have excellent stamina which allows them to cover vast distances without tiring easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course that means that they\u2019re well-suited for sled racing, but they also excel in other endurance activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, long-distance running like canicross, bike-joring and ski-joring, all of which work best with specific dog pulling harnesses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Husky<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

4. Huskies Are Intelligent Dogs Who Love to Wander<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just as a heads up, you can\u2019t keep Huskies in a fenced-in backyard all day long! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do, they WILL find ways to entertain themselves and are known escape artists – hence the nickname \u201cHoudini dogs\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, their working background as sled dogs had them cover long distances across vast Arctic landscapes, and that\u2019s also where their strong instinct to explore and wander comes from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remember one particular Husky who frequently walked with me and my personal dogs Missy & Buzz – and no, he was not one of my dog walking or pet sitting clients!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This pup lived in the same neighborhood as we did and unfortunately, he was left to his own devices way too often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So he dug out underneath his fence regularly and would walk with us for a bit before he went to investigate people\u2019s front yards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, he was very friendly and never caused any real problems other than leaving piles of poop behind.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Loose<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I also remember one of my clients\u2019 sharing the story of how his teenage Husky Milo frequently jumped the fence to explore the golf course greens he lived next to.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s although he went on daily runs with his owner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I didn\u2019t meet Milo until he was around 10 years old, and at that point he had slowed down a bit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, one of my friends who also has a Husky, Koda, told me that he figured out how to open the patio door to the balcony! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He didn\u2019t wreak any havoc other than make himself comfortable on a cushioned patio chair, waiting for her to come home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So having shared all that, please understand that Huskies do need jobs and regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Especially while they\u2019re young and adventurous.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Walking<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

5. They\u2019re Great Problem Solvers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As I just laid out, Huskies are quick learners who can analyze their environment to find weaknesses in barriers or latch mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this can be frustrating, I recommend you try and channel their cognitive skills into something more productive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, figuring out mentally engaging, interactive dog toys such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n