Difference between revisions of "Train and Care for Your New Siberian Husky Puppy"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Caring for Your Puppy's Health=== | ===Caring for Your Puppy's Health=== | ||
| − | #Feed three times day, then wean to twice. An adult husky should eat two meals a day. Puppies, however, will need to eat more often to start. Feed your husky three meals a day until three months of age, then two meals a day after that. <ref>http://www.gsshc.com/what-to-feed-your-puppy.htm</ref> | + | #Feed three times day, then wean to twice. An adult husky should eat two meals a day. Puppies, however, will need to eat more often to start. Feed your husky three meals a day until three months of age, then two meals a day after that. <ref name="rf1">http://www.gsshc.com/what-to-feed-your-puppy.htm</ref> |
#*If the puppy is struggling to finish his meals or his tummy is very full and distended on three meals before the age of three months, then divide the daily allowance between four meals instead. | #*If the puppy is struggling to finish his meals or his tummy is very full and distended on three meals before the age of three months, then divide the daily allowance between four meals instead. | ||
| − | #*At 12 to 16 weeks, you will notice the puppy just picks a little at the afternoon meal. At this point, you can discontinue it.<ref | + | #*At 12 to 16 weeks, you will notice the puppy just picks a little at the afternoon meal. At this point, you can discontinue it.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Feed a high-quality food that is not full of artificial additives.<ref | + | #*Feed a high-quality food that is not full of artificial additives.<ref name="rf1" /> This is important at any age, but especially so for a growing puppy. |
| − | #*Feeding on a regular schedule will help with housebreaking the dog, as most husky puppies will need to go outside 15 to 30 minutes after eating.<ref | + | #*Feeding on a regular schedule will help with housebreaking the dog, as most husky puppies will need to go outside 15 to 30 minutes after eating.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Do not allow your husky to "free feed" at any age. Providing meals at set times, and taking the dish away when the dog is done eating, is one way to show your stubborn husky that you are in charge. | #*Do not allow your husky to "free feed" at any age. Providing meals at set times, and taking the dish away when the dog is done eating, is one way to show your stubborn husky that you are in charge. | ||
| − | #Brush your dog, don't bathe it. Huskies are naturally clean dogs. They will groom themselves, and have little odor. As a result, you can bathe a husky as seldom as once a year. But, the dog's thick coat will require frequent brushing.<ref>http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/siberian-husky</ref> | + | #Brush your dog, don't bathe it. Huskies are naturally clean dogs. They will groom themselves, and have little odor. As a result, you can bathe a husky as seldom as once a year. But, the dog's thick coat will require frequent brushing.<ref name="rf2">http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/siberian-husky</ref> |
| − | #*Most of the year, you should brush your dog once a week, taking this opportunity to clean and inspect its ears and brush his its teeth.<ref | + | #*Most of the year, you should brush your dog once a week, taking this opportunity to clean and inspect its ears and brush his its teeth.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*During shedding season, daily brushing will help decrease shedding in your home.<ref | + | #*During shedding season, daily brushing will help decrease shedding in your home.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Take care of your puppy's feet. Because huskies are working dogs, their feet are very important to them. You should trim long hairs on their feet and keep their nails trimmed.<ref>http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/siberian-husky-training.html</ref> | + | #Take care of your puppy's feet. Because huskies are working dogs, their feet are very important to them. You should trim long hairs on their feet and keep their nails trimmed.<ref name="rf3">http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/siberian-husky-training.html</ref> |
| − | #*Dogs have blood vessels in their nails, so it's important not to trim too short. If you aren't experienced trimming a dog's nails, it may be best to ask a groomer or vet to do it, or at least show you how.<ref | + | #*Dogs have blood vessels in their nails, so it's important not to trim too short. If you aren't experienced trimming a dog's nails, it may be best to ask a groomer or vet to do it, or at least show you how.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Get your puppy's eyes checked. Because the Siberian husky's tendency toward eye problems, it is important to get your puppy's eyes checked at a young age. Specifically, huskies are often diagnosed with:<ref | + | #Get your puppy's eyes checked. Because the Siberian husky's tendency toward eye problems, it is important to get your puppy's eyes checked at a young age. Specifically, huskies are often diagnosed with:<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Cataracts, a film over the lens of the eye. | #*Cataracts, a film over the lens of the eye. | ||
#*Corneal dystrophy, a cloudiness over the cornea that females are especially prone to. | #*Corneal dystrophy, a cloudiness over the cornea that females are especially prone to. | ||
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===Creating a Good Environment for Your Puppy=== | ===Creating a Good Environment for Your Puppy=== | ||
| − | #Prepare your home and yard to prevent escapes. Huskies are the escape artists of the dog world. You'll need to prepare your home for this, doing anything you can to make it hard for them to run away.<ref | + | #Prepare your home and yard to prevent escapes. Huskies are the escape artists of the dog world. You'll need to prepare your home for this, doing anything you can to make it hard for them to run away.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*A husky requires more or less constant vigilance. It will also require a fence that is at least 6 feet high and difficult to dig under. Concrete or strong mesh at the base of the fence works well.<ref>http://www.ncshc.com/shinfo.htm</ref> | + | #*A husky requires more or less constant vigilance. It will also require a fence that is at least 6 feet high and difficult to dig under. Concrete or strong mesh at the base of the fence works well.<ref name="rf4">http://www.ncshc.com/shinfo.htm</ref> |
#Give your puppy lots of exercise. Because of their active nature, Siberian husky puppies need a LOT of exercise. | #Give your puppy lots of exercise. Because of their active nature, Siberian husky puppies need a LOT of exercise. | ||
| − | #*Huskies were bred as working dogs, so they are easily bored if they do not have a task. To keep your husky happy, you will need to make sure it gets 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day.<ref | + | #*Huskies were bred as working dogs, so they are easily bored if they do not have a task. To keep your husky happy, you will need to make sure it gets 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Huskies are great dogs to jog with once they get a little older. They love to run, play, and to chase things. | #*Huskies are great dogs to jog with once they get a little older. They love to run, play, and to chase things. | ||
| − | #*Huskies are energetic and become bored easily. If you don't provide adequate exercise, the consequence will be an unhappy dog that howls constantly and tears apart your home.<ref>http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/siberianhuskies.html</ref> | + | #*Huskies are energetic and become bored easily. If you don't provide adequate exercise, the consequence will be an unhappy dog that howls constantly and tears apart your home.<ref name="rf5">http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/siberianhuskies.html</ref> |
#Introduce your puppy to other people and animals. Huskies are naturally friendly. But like any dog, a husky puppy will need socialization to develop a comfort with people and other animals. Make sure to take your puppy out into the world a young age and introduce it to lots of people and other dogs. | #Introduce your puppy to other people and animals. Huskies are naturally friendly. But like any dog, a husky puppy will need socialization to develop a comfort with people and other animals. Make sure to take your puppy out into the world a young age and introduce it to lots of people and other dogs. | ||
| − | #*If your puppy seems nervous or suspicious of other dogs or people, a puppy socialization and training class can be a good idea. These classes help your dog learn the right way to interact with others.<ref | + | #*If your puppy seems nervous or suspicious of other dogs or people, a puppy socialization and training class can be a good idea. These classes help your dog learn the right way to interact with others.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*Socializing your dog at a young age will have a major impact on its personality later in life. Undesirable behaviors like biting, barking, and "resource guarding" are often a result of poor socialization.<ref>http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/puppy-socialization.html</ref> | + | #*Socializing your dog at a young age will have a major impact on its personality later in life. Undesirable behaviors like biting, barking, and "resource guarding" are often a result of poor socialization.<ref name="rf6">http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/puppy-socialization.html</ref> |
===Training your Puppy=== | ===Training your Puppy=== | ||
#Set appropriate boundaries. Because huskies are so stubborn, it is important to set boundaries right away. They need to learn that you are in charge. | #Set appropriate boundaries. Because huskies are so stubborn, it is important to set boundaries right away. They need to learn that you are in charge. | ||
| − | #*Do not let your puppy sleep in your bed, as this creates confusion about its role in the family. You may make an occasional exception when the dog gets older.<ref | + | #*Do not let your puppy sleep in your bed, as this creates confusion about its role in the family. You may make an occasional exception when the dog gets older.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*Have everyone in the household feed the dog a handful of kibble. This teaches your husky that everyone in the house can control its access to food.<ref | + | #*Have everyone in the household feed the dog a handful of kibble. This teaches your husky that everyone in the house can control its access to food.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*Be consistent with all rules you set. If you are not, the dog will learn that it can sometimes get what it wants if it tries hard enough. Make sure everyone else in the house on the same page.<ref | + | #*Be consistent with all rules you set. If you are not, the dog will learn that it can sometimes get what it wants if it tries hard enough. Make sure everyone else in the house on the same page.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #*Be patient. Your dog can be trained if you are firm and consistent. Huskies often enjoy training tasks because they are work dogs.<ref | + | #*Be patient. Your dog can be trained if you are firm and consistent. Huskies often enjoy training tasks because they are work dogs.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#[[Potty Train a Puppy|Potty train]] your puppy. Like any new puppy, your Siberian husky will have to be housebroken. There are three main components to potty training a dog: | #[[Potty Train a Puppy|Potty train]] your puppy. Like any new puppy, your Siberian husky will have to be housebroken. There are three main components to potty training a dog: | ||
| − | #*Monitoring your puppy. Keep a close eye on your puppy when it is inside to prevent accidents. This is easiest if you confine the dog to small part of your home.<ref>http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/house-training-your-puppy</ref> If you catch your dog in the act of urinating or defecating inside, make a loud noise and say "no!" Then, promptly take the dog outside.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/house-training-your-puppy</ref> | + | #*Monitoring your puppy. Keep a close eye on your puppy when it is inside to prevent accidents. This is easiest if you confine the dog to small part of your home.<ref name="rf7">http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/house-training-your-puppy</ref> If you catch your dog in the act of urinating or defecating inside, make a loud noise and say "no!" Then, promptly take the dog outside.<ref name="rf8">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/house-training-your-puppy</ref> |
| − | #*Frequent trips outside. A puppy will need to go to the bathroom more often than an adult dog. To minimize the risk of indoor accidents, take the puppy out as often as you can, and on a regular schedule.<ref | + | #*Frequent trips outside. A puppy will need to go to the bathroom more often than an adult dog. To minimize the risk of indoor accidents, take the puppy out as often as you can, and on a regular schedule.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #*Rewarding the desired behavior. When your dog goes to the bathroom outside, praise the dog and give it a reward in the form of a small treat. This will help it understand where it should do its business, and reinforce the behavior.<ref | + | #*Rewarding the desired behavior. When your dog goes to the bathroom outside, praise the dog and give it a reward in the form of a small treat. This will help it understand where it should do its business, and reinforce the behavior.<ref name="rf7" /> Using a clicker can help your dog learn this faster (see below). |
| − | #Crate train your puppy. An important part of potty training your dog is crate training. This is when you teach your puppy to be content spending time in its crate. Dogs will not want to soil their own space.<ref>http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2085&aid=157</ref> | + | #Crate train your puppy. An important part of potty training your dog is crate training. This is when you teach your puppy to be content spending time in its crate. Dogs will not want to soil their own space.<ref name="rf9">http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2085&aid=157</ref> |
| − | #*For huskies, this is also a good way to minimize damage to your home when you can't be there.<ref | + | #*For huskies, this is also a good way to minimize damage to your home when you can't be there.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*When you can't keep an eye on your puppy, put it in its create with a treat or kibble and a chew toy. After awhile, the dog will begin to enjoy spending time there, and may even retreat there if things get stressful.<ref>http://www.petmd.com/dog/puppycenter/potty-training/evr_dg_crate_training_for_puppies</ref> | + | #*When you can't keep an eye on your puppy, put it in its create with a treat or kibble and a chew toy. After awhile, the dog will begin to enjoy spending time there, and may even retreat there if things get stressful.<ref name="rf10">http://www.petmd.com/dog/puppycenter/potty-training/evr_dg_crate_training_for_puppies</ref> |
| − | #*Crate training is easiest if you start by offering your dog a treat inside its crate without closing the door. After a day or so of doing this repeatedly, you can try closing the door for short periods of time. You can then build up to longer periods in the crate.<ref>http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/weekend-crate-training</ref> | + | #*Crate training is easiest if you start by offering your dog a treat inside its crate without closing the door. After a day or so of doing this repeatedly, you can try closing the door for short periods of time. You can then build up to longer periods in the crate.<ref name="rf11">http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/weekend-crate-training</ref> |
| − | #*Puppies under ten weeks old should not be confined to a crate for more than an hour. From weeks 11 to 14, your puppy can spend up to three hours in a crate. At weeks 15 and 16, up to four hours may be acceptable. After 17 weeks, a puppy can spend up to five hours in a crate.<ref | + | #*Puppies under ten weeks old should not be confined to a crate for more than an hour. From weeks 11 to 14, your puppy can spend up to three hours in a crate. At weeks 15 and 16, up to four hours may be acceptable. After 17 weeks, a puppy can spend up to five hours in a crate.<ref name="rf11" /> |
| − | #*Never use going to the crate as punishment if you want to successfully crate train.<ref | + | #*Never use going to the crate as punishment if you want to successfully crate train.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Leash train your puppy. Leash training is also crucial for huskies. Because of their tendency to run off, you must teach them to be cooperative walking on a leash. | #Leash train your puppy. Leash training is also crucial for huskies. Because of their tendency to run off, you must teach them to be cooperative walking on a leash. | ||
| − | #*Huskies can easily run off and get lost if not on a leash.<ref | + | #*Huskies can easily run off and get lost if not on a leash.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Get your dog used to the collar by putting one on it while it is eating. The dog will develop comfort and even a positive association with the collar.<ref>http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html</ref> | + | #*Get your dog used to the collar by putting one on it while it is eating. The dog will develop comfort and even a positive association with the collar.<ref name="rf12">http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/training-a-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash.html</ref> |
| − | #*Then, start by just walking it around the house a little, giving it treats whenever it walks at your side and doesn't pull on the leash. Once you've got that down, try it outside!<ref | + | #*Then, start by just walking it around the house a little, giving it treats whenever it walks at your side and doesn't pull on the leash. Once you've got that down, try it outside!<ref name="rf12" /> |
| − | #Train with a clicker. As with other puppies, clicker training is a good way to teach huskies commands and obedience.<ref | + | #Train with a clicker. As with other puppies, clicker training is a good way to teach huskies commands and obedience.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*In clicker training, every time your dog does something desirable on command, you click the clicker and give it a treat. the combination of the sound and a reward helps your dog more quickly learn what you want it to do.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/clicker-training-your-pet</ref> | + | #*In clicker training, every time your dog does something desirable on command, you click the clicker and give it a treat. the combination of the sound and a reward helps your dog more quickly learn what you want it to do.<ref name="rf13">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/clicker-training-your-pet</ref> |
| − | #*Start by teaching your dog to associate the click with a treat. Just click at random intervals, then immediately provide a treat.<ref>http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/clicker-training-your-pet</ref> | + | #*Start by teaching your dog to associate the click with a treat. Just click at random intervals, then immediately provide a treat.<ref name="rf14">http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/clicker-training-your-pet</ref> |
#*Once your dog has learned this association, you can start using the clicker-treat combination to reward desired behaviors. | #*Once your dog has learned this association, you can start using the clicker-treat combination to reward desired behaviors. | ||
===Preparing for the Future=== | ===Preparing for the Future=== | ||
#Learn the physical characteristics of huskies. As with any dog, it is valuable to know the important physical characteristics of the breed. Siberian huskies are sturdy dogs bred for physical labor in cold climates. | #Learn the physical characteristics of huskies. As with any dog, it is valuable to know the important physical characteristics of the breed. Siberian huskies are sturdy dogs bred for physical labor in cold climates. | ||
| − | #*Males, on average, will grow to a height of 21 to 23.5 inches. They will weigh 45 to 60 pounds.<ref | + | #*Males, on average, will grow to a height of 21 to 23.5 inches. They will weigh 45 to 60 pounds.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Females will grow to to an average of 20 to 22 inches and will weigh 35 to 50 pounds.<ref | + | #*Females will grow to to an average of 20 to 22 inches and will weigh 35 to 50 pounds.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Huskies don't suffer from a lot of health problems. However, there are some conditions you should be aware of. In addition to eye problems, they also may develop hip and elbow dysplasia.<ref | + | #*Huskies don't suffer from a lot of health problems. However, there are some conditions you should be aware of. In addition to eye problems, they also may develop hip and elbow dysplasia.<ref name="rf3" /> This is when these joints become malformed, resulting in pain and trouble walking. |
| − | #*Huskies shed a lot, especially when the weather starts to get warm. Prepare to clean up a lot of dog hair.<ref | + | #*Huskies shed a lot, especially when the weather starts to get warm. Prepare to clean up a lot of dog hair.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Barring accidents, you can expect your husky puppy to live an average of 12 to 15 years.<ref | + | #*Barring accidents, you can expect your husky puppy to live an average of 12 to 15 years.<ref name="rf3" /> You should be prepared to care for the dog for at least that long. |
| − | #*Huskies do not do well in extremely hot or humid conditions. You should rule out a move to Arizona or Florida any time in the near future.<ref | + | #*Huskies do not do well in extremely hot or humid conditions. You should rule out a move to Arizona or Florida any time in the near future.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#Understand the husky temperament. There are several personality and behavior characteristics that are helpful to know about as you train and socialize your new puppy. | #Understand the husky temperament. There are several personality and behavior characteristics that are helpful to know about as you train and socialize your new puppy. | ||
| − | #*Huskies are extremely energetic and free spirited. They are active, high-energy dogs that get bored easily.<ref | + | #*Huskies are extremely energetic and free spirited. They are active, high-energy dogs that get bored easily.<ref name="rf5" /> This is why your husky may damage your home or yard and destroy your possessions if left alone for a long period of time. This also makes them ill-suited for life in small apartments.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*Huskies are strong-willed and intelligent. This can make them great companions, but can also make them more difficult to train than other dogs.<ref | + | #*Huskies are strong-willed and intelligent. This can make them great companions, but can also make them more difficult to train than other dogs.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #*Huskies are friendly and loyal. They are pack animals and do best with a family rather than a single owner. They are also friendly with strangers.<ref | + | #*Huskies are friendly and loyal. They are pack animals and do best with a family rather than a single owner. They are also friendly with strangers.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Prepare for howling. Huskies seldom bark, which is great news. The bad news is, they do tend to howl quite loudly.<ref | + | #Prepare for howling. Huskies seldom bark, which is great news. The bad news is, they do tend to howl quite loudly.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Proper training and exercise will minimize this behavior.<ref | + | #*Proper training and exercise will minimize this behavior.<ref name="rf2" /> But, especially early on, expect a lot of loud howling. |
== Video == | == Video == | ||
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== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
*Don't get a husky if you live in a hot, humid climate. They are not able to cope with this. These dogs were bred for work in the Arctic. They will suffer in hot climates. | *Don't get a husky if you live in a hot, humid climate. They are not able to cope with this. These dogs were bred for work in the Arctic. They will suffer in hot climates. | ||
| − | *In addition to teaching your dog how to interact with children, you need to teach any children in the home how to interact with dogs. You should never leave young children unattended with any dog.<ref | + | *In addition to teaching your dog how to interact with children, you need to teach any children in the home how to interact with dogs. You should never leave young children unattended with any dog.<ref name="rf2" /> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
