Huskies are not your average dog. They may look like “awesome” dogs or have a silly personality that all dog lovers gravitate towards. However, there are several things that all owners should know about them before owning one.
Throughout the 8 years of raising my own Husky, “Mojo,” I’ve learned that these dogs aren’t what most people think. From the silly antics of the breed, to their unique skill sets and necessities – here are all the things I wish I knew before getting a Husky.
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1. Huskies are infamously skilled escape artists.
I’ll admit, you’ve probably heard this one before. However, I can’t stress how important it is to not take this statement lightly. Owning a Husky is a bit like living with a furry Houdini. One moment they’re there and the next…poof!
Nearly all Huskies are skilled escape artists and will take any opportunity to go for a solo adventure in the neighborhood. These dogs are extremely flexible and can easily squeeze through fences that don’t rest on the ground.
What’s even more impressive is they’ll dig large holes under fences just to crawl through. But the scariest skill in their arsenal? It has to be their insane jumping and climbing ability. Most Huskies can easily scale wired fences under 6 feet tall.
And if they escape, it might take you hours to get them back if they’re not properly trained. Here’s a pro-tip. Make sure to get a GPS tracker for your Husky – you’ll thank me later. This saves a ton of time looking for your dog if they escape.
So if you’re planning on keeping a Husky in your backyard, think of it as designing a maximum-security facility for the dog.
2. Huskies are notoriously difficult to potty train.
I’ve owned many dog breeds before, and I can say, without question, the Husky is the most difficult to housebreak. In fact, other owners seem to agree. While other breeds may take just a month or so, it might take you 3 months or even longer with a Husky.
But why? Well, there’s a few possible reasons for this. First off, Huskies are notoriously independent or stubborn dogs. In other words, if they don’t feel like listening to you, they’ll just do their own thing.
Also, dog breeds that historically had a more wild heritage – such as the Siberian Husky – are more likely to relieve themselves as soon as nature calls.
It’s not that they can’t learn – it’s just that they have a strong-willed nature, making them a lot more like stubborn teenagers than eager-to-please puppies. Potty training a Husky can feel like negotiating with a furry diplomat who has its own set of rules.
However, patience is going to be your best friend here. You’ll also need to practice consistency and a ton of positive reinforcement to get them potty trained.
3. Huskies are more intelligent than they seem.
One of the reasons why I love my Husky is because they’re silly, hilarious and a bit comical. They may be difficult to train, act derpy, and do absurd things at times, but don’t let that fool you. They’re super smart dogs and all that derpy-ness is just their playful side shining through.
If you turn your back on them or relax for a second, they will outsmart you. Oh, you think your dog treats are safe in the pantry? Huskies will carefully observe you and learn how to paw at the handle to open the door. And yes, that’s from personal experience.
The thing is, a Husky’s intelligence means they don’t just blindly follow orders. In fact, they’re the type to question authority – like a teenager who’s just discovered philosophy. They’ll do the task, but only after they’ve considered if it’s worth their effort.
4. Huskies make terrible guard dogs.
If you’re looking for a brave and fierce protector of your home, I’m sorry to say, that’s not the Husky (try the German Shepherd or Doberman instead). Sure, Huskies may look like big dogs, but they’re actually a lot smaller than you think.
Underneath that dense fur coat is a surprisingly lean and skinny dog. Don’t believe me? Just look at the viral picture below. And yes, their wolf-like face certainly helps in scaring intruders, but these dogs are way too friendly to be real guard dogs.
While they’re not great guard dogs, Siberian Huskies make excellent watch dogs because there’s no way these loud dogs won’t loudly announce the arrival of their new “friend,” while also trying to engage in some conversation with them.
However, if thieves break into an empty home, Huskies are more likely to lick them to death than to chase them away. But there is good news. If the thieves get away, you can count on your Husky leaving strands of fur on their clothes as evidence…which leads me to my next point.
5. The Husky’s shedding is terrifying.
Twice a year, they blow their coats, turning your living space into a winter wonderland of fur. And guess what? This isn’t a seasonal show. It’s year-round, with special performances during shedding season in the spring and fall.
Your vacuum cleaner will become your new best friend, tirelessly working to keep up with the endless drifts of Husky hair. This means you’ll need to spend a lot of time brushing, brushing, and some more brushing.
Lint rollers also work pretty well in getting excess hair off your Husky post-brushing. And taking your dog to the groomers can help a lot, but that just adds to the extra hidden costs of Husky ownership, which can be quite expensive over the long run.
Word of advice – if you do want to own a Husky, you’ll just have to embrace the fluff. Trust me, it won’t be so bad after you get used to it. So if you’re sensitive or allergic to dogs, then the Siberian Husky is going to be a complete nightmare for your sinuses.
However, no matter how bad the shedding gets, you should never do this next thing.
6. Never, ever, shave your Husky.
If you’re sick of dealing with all the shedding, the easiest way to stop it is to shave your Husky, right? Not so fast. Their thick, majestic coat isn’t just for show—it’s a built-in temperature regulator. In fact, the coat is perfectly designed for both summer heat and winter cold.
This double-layered fur acts as insulation, keeping them cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. Shaving it off disrupts this natural balance, which can expose them to potential overheating in the summer and chilling in the winter.
Plus, a Husky’s skin wasn’t built to see much sunlight, so exposing it to the sun without protection can lead to some serious skin problems. And the worst part is that their double coat might never grow back the same, leaving them with patchy fur and a funky coat.
So, resist the urge to give your Husky a summer buzz. Instead, regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat healthy.
7. Huskies love to “talk” to you.
Ever heard a Husky talk? No? Then you really need to read this before you think about getting a Husky. It sounds something like this. So if you’re planning on owning one, then you’d better get used to it.
Here’s what one Husky owner had to say.
“Huskies are loud. They talk, but they don’t bark – they straight up scream.”
Another owner followed up saying,
“I felt this in my soul. My Husky verbally berates me every single morning.”
It’s like they’re trying to master human language, one howl, whine, and grumble at a time. The Husky’s vocal range is rather impressive, ranging from deep, thoughtful woo-woos to excited screams and almost melodious howls.
But it’s not just dog noise – it’s their way of expressing joy, boredom, or just their opinion on your dinner choice. Engaging in a chat with a Husky means you’re never truly alone—though it might make you question who’s really in charge.
So, if your Husky starts a conversation, go ahead and talk back. They appreciate the dialogue, and who knows, you might just learn something new from your furry philosopher.
8. Separation anxiety is more common in Huskies than other dogs.
Huskies are known for their strong pack mentality because they were bred to work in packs. This means they thrive on companionship – both from other dogs and humans. This tight-knit bond, however, has a flip side – that is, separation anxiety.
When left alone, a Husky might not just miss you, they can experience real stress, leading to behaviors like howling, chewing, or attempting escape acts worthy of a magician. The easy way is to have another dog keep them busy while you’re away.
However, if you and the other dog need to leave together, it will make the separation anxiety much worse for your Husky. To help ease their anxiety, I’d suggest crate training. Not only is it great for potty training, but it’ll create a cozy safe space for when you need to leave them alone.
That said, Siberian Huskies won’t be good for busy owners that need to leave the home for long periods of time – all the time. And remember, a happy Husky is one that feels part of the pack, even when you’re not around.
9. Huskies are more energetic than you think.
Did you know that Huskies were bred to pull sleds in the arctic for entire days? In fact, there are some dog-sledding Huskies are able to run over 100 miles per day! So underestimating a Husky’s energy levels is like thinking a tornado will only mess up a couple of lawn chairs.
Their stamina is legendary, and they require ample exercise to keep their spirits high and their mischief low. A quick walk around the block? That’s just a warm-up for a Husky. These dogs crave long runs, hikes, and play sessions that truly tire them out.
The most ideal situation is to have a large backyard and other energetic dogs to keep them busy throughout the day. But of course, not all owners have this luxury.
For a healthy and happy Husky, they may need 2 to 3 walks per day, in addition to some high intensity games, such as fetch or “tug-of-war.” Busy or lazy owners should stay far away from these dogs.
Without enough stimulation, they might just redecorate your home in a style best described as “post-apocalyptic fur storm.”
10. Mental stimulation is just as important.
Huskies don’t just run with their legs; they also sprint with their minds too. Mental exercise for a Husky is like a puzzle for us—engaging, challenging, and utterly necessary.
Because these clever canines are whip-smart and easily bored, keeping their brain busy is going to be key to a happy and harmonious home. You’ll want to provide them with interactive toys, training sessions, and games that require problem-solving.
Something that I like to do with my dog is to play “hide and seek,” or have them sniff out delicious treats I’ve hidden around the home. This can turn a potentially mischievous Husky into a more focused, content companion.
It’s not just about tiring out their bodies, it’s also about fulfilling their intellectual curiosity. Engage their minds, and you’ll not only prevent behavioral issues but deepen your bond with your brilliant, bushy-tailed friend.
So, is the Husky for you?
Well, that depends. Do you have the energy and time to commit to these dogs? Are you okay with lots of shedding? And can you deal with noisy dogs? If the answer is yes to these questions, then the Husky will be perfect for you.
They’re clownish and loving dogs that’ll bring joy and laughter into your home – guaranteed. You’ll have a good time if you can properly train them and keep up with their needs. Plus – with a Husky, you’ll never have a dull moment in life.
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Is your Siberian Husky just like this? Let us know in the comments section below!
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