Training a Husky

[jellybellie]

Are they as impossible to train as people say? Our is constantly jumpng up people, tried him on the choke train, nose rapping etc, shouting but to no affect, can anyone help

[pmjblue]

Huskies have absolutely oodles of energy, which I dont believe the average pet owner can cope with. Does he have much exercise, have you tried training classes, how old is he? Huskies are easily bored, and if you are looking for a dog that is easily trained, and a 'do anything you say' dog, you have got the wrong breed. You will need bags of patience, and energy. Huskies have a very strong desire to run, and you need a large secure garden, as I guess he is not let off the lead when out, as they tend to 'run forever' and not come back? Did the breeder give you much advice when you bought him?

[shivvy]

You desperately need to learn some appropriate training techniques and thankfully there are plenty of people on answerbank who will guide you on this I am sure.

However please stop choking, hitting and shouting at you pet. By your own admission it isn't working so please commit to learning methods which work eg reward-based training.

[RATTER15]

This is why they are totally unsuitable as pets!! they are pack dogs!!! He will rule you and they are not the most reliable of dogs either, they are known to bite especially if the mind and body is not kept very active!!!

Rather you than me!!!

[kita1]

They are hard to train. They are well known for not coming back when off lead.

You probably will never be able to let him off the lead except in a secure area. NEVER let him off around sheep or cattle as farmers are perfectly within their rights to shoot dogs that are loose with their stock.

Try this site for more kind methods of training: http://ttlntl.co.uk

They have a forum you can join and get good advice on dog training. http://ttlntl.co.uk/forum/index.php?

Nose rapping and shouting are no good, they will just excite your dog more. If you shout at him when he is barking he just thinks you are joining in the fun!

Choke chains - your dog is bred to pull things so the problem is that he will probably rather choke than stop pulling, same with a harness. You could try a halti or gentle leader.

Try ignoring him when he is jumping up, only praise him when all four feet are on the ground. Clicker training is good, but has to be timed well.

You need far more advice than it is possible to give here. You could try finding a good dog trainer locally to you, but if you cannot the above site is really worth a try.

How old is he?

[toycopy]

You need to be extremely firm, but not aggressive. Adopt a firm tone of voice and say "NO" if he jumps up - but don't shout. You also need to reward him when he is good. Little food treats are ideal for this.

You might like to try using a crate if he is still a young dog. I don't have any experience myself, but I know several people who have used one successfully.

I have a Beagle, and these are also notoriously stubborn when it comes to training, and love to escape. Obedience classes have helped us a great deal and I would suggest you try and find one ASAP for your own peace of mind.

Good luck.

[DonLyn]

Huskies are very intelligent, they can be trained but only if they want to be trained. They can be obedient, but only when it suits them. But they are lovely fun dogs and have a great character, but will try to outwit you. Good luck.

[jellybellie]

He was abandoned as a puppy, (we actually know who by!) so my husband brought him home, we took him to the vet, who recommended castration and formal training, which we did both, he calmed down a LOT after that and became a nice pet, he stopped chewing and wasn't aggressive at all, we have a walled in garden so he has plenty of space, and has 2 walks a day. The only problem is with this jumping up people when they visit, he is a big dog and even though he doesn't bite, it's not really very nice having this "wolf type" creature trying to lick your face!! That was the problem I really wanted some hel with, and no, I have never let him of the lead, as the trainer told me not to until he was at least 4 years old (if then!)

[lady_p_gold]

I think that you will never really be able to let him off the lead, especially if you are anywhere near livestock, they are just totally intent on killing, it is their natural way. I had two Huskies and I soon learned when I visited someone else with them who had installed 8 ft high electric fencing only to find they dug through concrete to escape and then killed 10 sheep, that I had bitten off more than I could chew. They ate two of our neighbours cats and then after escaping a few times we made the house totally secure. A couple of years later some friends children came to visit and left the door open and they were gone and had found a sheep in minutes and one was shot by the farmer. You are probably not near sheep, but if they can't find sheep they will find something. So.... all you can do is keep an eye on them and try to become pack leader, that is the only thing that can work in my experience . Good luck !

[judypark]

I puppy walk for Guidedogs and young labradors love jumping up at people, the way I was taught, and it's a method that has to be adopted by all visitors, is when the dogs jumps, turn your back on it, cross you hands over your chest and totally blank it until it has calmed down, then when all 4 paws are on the ground stoop down to make a fuss of it. Alternatley, raise one knee and the dog will bounce off it but will be unable to jump onto your body.. It's a case of rewarding good behaviour and totally ignoring them whist they are bouncing around. Good Luck

[cousinem]

Hi,

I would like to suggest you abandon all the �training� methods for your beautiful dog and try a dog psychologist, there is a great fellow in the US by the name of Cesar Millan, he has made a TV series and has put books out which are very good. The things he teaches are the fact that your dog must never be under the impression that he is the pack leader; he must have plenty of exercise and lots and lots of love. Cesar calls himself the �Dog Whisperer� and I think he is terrific. There must be one of these oh, so sensible people in the UK. Good Luck

[SizzleSquid]

dog whisperer-hes a legend. Try him jellybellie