Many people are attracted to Alaskan dog breeds because of their striking appearance and charming demeanor. However, these breeds can be challenging for novice dog owners or those who prefer a canine companion with maximum chill. From the amount of daily exercise they need and their unique personalities, to the type of food they thrive on, there are many things for a prospective dog owner to know before deciding to care for a husky or husky mix. Their lifestyle should include lots of exercise mental and social stimulation, daily exercise, and playtime. If they get the appropriate care, Alaskan dogs breeds make wonderful and happy family dogs. Their intelligence and outgoing, active nature can make them great partners for playtime and outdoor adventures.
Here is some important advice, using the Husky breed as an example :
Socialize your Husky puppy
Socialization teaches your puppy how to interact properly with various aspects of his environment, which will help him grow into a confident and well-mannered adult dog. Allow your puppy to spend time around different people and experience various sights and sounds. Other than puppy kindergarten, you can socialize your puppy by exposing him to different situations, such as the sounds of passing cars and honking horns. You can also invite your friends over or take your puppy to the park to help him become comfortable with new people and other dogs. Observe your puppy as he explores his new world. If he appears frightened or wary of certain experiences, do not continue to expose him to those situations.Enroll your Husky in an obedience training class
By nature, Huskies are very independent and intelligent dogs. However, they can also be stubborn, which can make training difficult. Obedience classes are ideal for training your Husky. Be aware that your Husky may use her intelligence to differentiate between training class and home — she may perform the training exercises perfectly in class, then misbehave when she gets home. Frustrating as this may be, continue to practice and reinforce her training at home. When training a husky, consistency is key!Establish that you are the leader
Huskies are pack animals and expect to have a clear leader of the pack. Your Husky should see you as his leader. Establish your leadership with your Husky by taking the lead during your walks and showing him he is to follow you. Do not be surprised if your Husky occasionally tries to become the leader of the pack. If he does, remember to be firm and consistent with your leadership. Do not establish your leadership through bullying or hitting your dog! Your Husky is unlikely to trust and respect you as his leader if you try to establish your leadership through physical intimidation.Exercise with your Husky on a daily basis
Huskies are working dogs, with their origins in Siberia where they pulled heavy sleds over long distances. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Huskies require daily, vigorous exercise (at least 30 to 60 minutes) to release pent-up energy. Make sure you have the energy to keep up with her! Your Husky is very intelligent, and will need mental stimulation like playing fetch to keep her happily busy and entertained.
If you live in a warmer climate, exercise your Husky only in the early morning when it is not too hot outside.Secure your yard to prevent escape
Huskies are master escape artists. If you let your Husky exercise in the backyard, prevent his escape by enclosing your yard with a six-foot fence. This may not be enough, however — your Husky's love of digging may lead him to try to dig his way out of your yard. Always supervise your Husky when he is out in the yard.Bathing and brushing your dog's coat
By nature, Huskies are very clean dogs. They have little to no dog odor and groom themselves frequently, so you will not need to do much extra grooming. However, Huskies do shed quite a bit, particularly during the spring and fall when they blow their coats (complete shedding of the undercoat). Since Huskies do an excellent job of keeping themselves so clean, they rarely need baths. You will probably need to bathe your Husky only once a year. Do not shave your Husky's coat in the summer. You may think that shaving his coat will help cool him off, but you are actually removing his protection from harmful ultraviolet rays.Trim your dog's nails and brush their teeth
Your Husky's nails should be trimmed once every one to two weeks. If your Husky's energy and size make it difficult for you to trim his nails on your own, schedule a nail-trimming appointment with your veterinarian. If you can manage it, brush your Husky's teeth at least two to three times a week. Brushing your dog's teeth will not only keep her breath fresh, but will also prevent plaque and tartar buildup, both of which can lead to serious dental and systemic diseases.Feed your Husky high-quality dog food
Huskies were originally bred to survive on a small amount of food. Therefore, your Husky will not need to eat a lot of calories to be healthy and have the energy to play and exercise. Feed your Husky either once or twice daily and avoid exercise for at least 90 minutes after eating. Your Husky may need more or less food, depending on such factors as her size, age, and health status. By controlling when he eats, your Husky will see you as the sole source of his food and resources, and thus his leader. Human food and canned dog food can make your dog a finicky eater or have an upset stomach.
Keep in mind that despite common breed characteristics and generalities, all dogs are individuals, shaped by unique genetics, life histories, personalities, and environmental factors. Be attentive to what your dog is telling you about their needs!