Mary Allen
As you have learned, while huskies are very smart, they are not always willing to obey. This can make training very difficult as it is sometimes unpredictable how a Husky will react.
Training a new husky can seem scary and intimidating, especially if you’ve never trained a dog before. Huskies aren’t your typical first-time dogs, but they’re still trainable. Below are some tips that may help you when training your new (or old) husky.
#1 Start young
This is one of the most important tips there is when training a husky. Huskies are stubborn and want to dance to the beat of their own drum. Starting training when your husky is still a puppy (as young as possible) is easiest. You have been his caregiver since he was little and he wants to please you. Also, puppies tend to be less stubborn than adult dogs.
For example, if they learn from the start that they are not allowed on the couch, that's OK with them. If your husky was always allowed on the couch, you now buy a new couch and he is no longer allowed to sit on it, he won't see it. Other dog breeds would also be disappointed at first and would try to reclaim the couch. But since other dogs aren't as stubborn, you'll find it much easier to keep them off the new couch than a husky. They don't see that they can't do that anymore.
#2 Spend lots of time with your husky
Spending quality time and building a good relationship with your Husky is very important when it comes to obedience and training. You need to bond with your dog, which is easiest when he's young. By spending time with your Husky and treating him with love and kindness, you will bond with him. This is how he learns to trust you.
Huskies are independent dogs who do things best when they see a purpose in doing it. If your husky bonds with you and trusts you, then following your directions will make sense to him, too. You must treat your husky with respect so that he respects you as well.
You should train your Husky (and all dogs) to be calm, assertive, and friendly. Not with yelling or even with the help of a rolled newspaper. That way he doesn't learn to trust you but to be afraid of you. That's not a good basis for a bond.
Because huskies are so independent and self-reliant, it's common to hear that frightened huskies run away and never come back. They are born survivors and can also climb higher fences. Your relationship should be based purely on trust and respect, not fear.
#3 Give your husky plenty of positive reinforcement
When your husky does what you want him to do, give him verbal praise. Tell him he's a good dog and give him lots of pets. If you are just beginning a new command to learn, you can also give him a reward.
Great treats include baby carrots or training treats that come in smaller portions for your dog. Always remember to subtract the treat portions from the total daily ration.
You can buy good training treats* from Amazon, for example, or you can bake and cook them yourself with the cookbook: 50 healthy treats for your dog.
By giving your husky positive reinforcement and rewards, you give him an incentive and a reason to do what you want him to do. Huskies love affection and attention from their humans. And even if it doesn't seem like it sometimes, they love to please their owner.