Walkies

[melons]

Hi, I have a 2 year Husky, we knew when we got her that she would be full off energy, however i walk her every day and sometimes even take her out twice instead of just one long one. Either was she is still full of energy any tips on how to tire her out.
also at the end of the walk i sometimes have great trouble in getting her back and spend ages calling her. I have tried treats and she doesnt bother withe them. For instance last week i was walking her and we got to a track part we usually go along and she turned and ran back the other way! Any ideas anyone?

[leelapops]

I have a Collie, not sure on energy levels for huskies, but Jack could run forever if I let him!
Two good long runs if possible are better than the one, so she has good exercise in the morning and then again perhaps in the evening. I know it's not always practicable, and if not, then a run in the yard/garden if you have one in the evening as well might help to tire her. Does she like any particular toys? Balls? Jack would run miles for a ball, so I always take one out with us. I also go to the park, where other dogs are, as that is stimulating for him too.
Mental stimulation is as tiring as physical, so maybe do some fun tricks with her, or some advanced obedience training? Even agility, if her basic obedience is up to scratch.
If she only doesn't come at the end of a walk, it's probably because she realises that when you're putting her on the lead, walkies is over! I had the same problem with Jack.
Try calling her back periodically, and putting her on her lead, praising her and letting her off again. Don't give up on that, it's important that you keep doing it, even when her recall improves. "High value" treats like 'real' food-steak, sausage, cheese, ham, or something you know she loves, might have a better chance of luring her back.
I won't be all patronising, cos I am sure you know how important it is that she comes back to you when she's called. Maybe some sessions at home, without distraction, to strengthen her recall would benefit you both.
Good luck, she sounds lovely!
Lisa x

[melons]

Thank you will try it out later!

[kita1]

Husky's are well known for not coming back! Many people never let them off the lead except in a secure area.

Basically you will probably never tire her out (just look at what they are bred for, pulling sledges all day in the ice!).

You could use a long line (tied to a harness), a washing line is ideal. That way you will always be able to get her back.

I have a similar breed (as regards letting off the lead), my dog is now 11 and has rarely been let off. I use a 60 foot long line which allows him to run and follow scents, also I used to take him out for hours when he was young. Three walks a day was minimum, the afternoon walk was average one and a half hours. (You could take up jogging that is ideal).

Make sure you are NEVER in an area where there is sheep or other farming stock. A farmer shot a Husky near where I live, it died in agony at the vets, it was only out of sight for a couple of minutes.

You will be VERY lucky if you can get a Husky to do anything like agility! They are very difficult to 'train', I have never seen one do obedience! (I suppose there are exceptions to every rule).

[melons]

That sounds like mine!!!
Just so naughty when she is off, she once got into a horses pen! That was scary enough! Thank you for your advise as well!

[Bigeye74]

A chap that live a few doors up from me had 2. He used to spend 1.5 hrs an night being towed around by them on his bike (they were in a sprung harness). Unfortunately with his working hours changing he had to pass them on to someone with more time.
He was also weary of them getting loose, having spent 3 hours chasing one. It didn't tire, just got a bit hungry and decided to come home for tea.

[lankeela]

There was a Siberian Husky doing Heelwork to Music at Crufts! You could see it was only just about tolerating doing it, and the handler had to work really hard to get its attention. Great respect to the handler, not the sort of breed that is known for being obedient and following commands.

Why not join a club for Husky enthusiasts, and have a go a harness racing? That might tire her out eventually! I am afraid normal walks will not go anywhere near tiring her out, maybe get a bike and then both of you will get fit!

[JanineG]

if you have trouble getting her back and she won't come everytime you call her, you really should keep her on a lead unless you're in an area where she can't get away. Huskys are not only beautiful animals but can also sell for a pretty penny if they get into the wrong hands - be careful with her.