The Siberian Husky breed of dogs has gained its popularity, first of all, due to its unusual wolf appearance and friendly disposition. Probably, many would like to get such a puppy. However, according to experts, due to some characteristics of the character, this breed is not suitable for all dog breeders. In any case, husky care should be carried out correctly.
A bit of history
The Husky breed was bred naturally, for millennia, by the inhabitants of the Far North - the Chukchi. According to physiological characteristics, she is a relative of the Siberian husky well known to all (but not its variety). Husky was used by the Chukchi mainly as sled dogs.
Unfortunately, unlike the husky, after the 17th year, this breed was recognized in our country as unpromising. And therefore, attention was not paid to her at all. Husky saved from extinction only that before the revolution, several of these dogs were taken out of Kamchatka by the Americans. That is why the breed is registered not in Russia, but in the USA.
How to choose a pet
Husky dogs are bought, care and maintenance at home which require some knowledge, usually at the age of two months. Of course, to determine whether the puppy meets the standards at this time without proper experience is quite difficult. However, pay attention to the skeleton of the animal (it must be strong), the correct bite, put the neck and tail when buying, is, of course, necessary.
The color of a husky can be different. World standards allow 15 different shades. But in Russia only white, white with brown, black or gray is recognized. This is also worth considering when choosing a puppy.
The eyes in these dogs usually have a deep blue color. It is this feature, along with the "wolf" appearance, that causes the genuine delight of most people at the sight of a husky. However, the eye color of this breed is not strictly regulated by standards. Hazel, golden, olive defect, in any case, are not considered.
When choosing a husky puppy, among other things, you should pay attention to its muzzle, paws and back. Representatives of this breed must have a light “mask” and dark “glasses”. The humpbacked back and loose legs, as well as the sharpening wool, are considered defects according to standards. The nose of representatives of this breed can be black, pink or even striped.
Caring for a husky puppy in the future will be easier if the owners choose the character of the baby when choosing. Doggie should be active, strong and not too aggressive. Perhaps, before buying, you should not only examine the puppy, but also take a little walk with it.
Character Features
Husky is a very peaceful dog. Representatives of this breed are friendly to strangers. Therefore, to use such a dog as a watchdog will not work. This breed is not suitable for those who want to see a cute “sofa” dog at home.
Husky care is primarily in frequent walks. These dogs are very active, and without proper physical activity begin to bully. If such a dog is kept in a city apartment, it is advisable to walk with her three times a day. Otherwise, gnawed furniture, scratched doors and floors are guaranteed to the owners.
Husky on the street
Representatives of this breed should be walked only on a leash, at least for the first time. These dogs (especially at a young age) are prone to vagrancy and can easily run away. They never attack passers-by, but at the same time they can simply run to someone from an excess of energy to “get to know” and scare a person very much. After all, the sizes of these dogs are quite large. In addition, in appearance they resemble wolves, which in most people is associated with aggressiveness.
Husky, whose care and maintenance in the apartment involves frequent walks, can feel good in the courtyard of a country house. In this case, a dog enclosure with a warm booth is usually equipped for the dog. Allowing free husky walks even on a suburban area is not recommended. Otherwise, the dog may decide to go for free fishing and hunt for neighboring rabbits and ducks.
Husky care: how often to bathe
The unpleasant smell of dogs from dogs of this breed almost never emanates. This is considered one of the advantages of the Siberian husky. But the purity of the coat of these dogs should be monitored as carefully as possible. During the walk, you should not let the dog climb into puddles or run through the mud, and even more so wallow in it.
The fact is that too many experienced dog breeders do not recommend bathing huskies too often. These dogs should take water procedures no more than once a year. If the husky is still dirty during a walk, its paws and contaminated parts of the body should simply be thoroughly wiped with a soft damp sponge.
Husky care in the house and apartment: what to do with wool
Small puppies of this breed should be combed out at least twice a week. Their wool is very soft and thin, and therefore quickly falls into tangles. It is possible to increase the time between combing up to a week only after the husky is 5-6 months old. At this age, the puppies' hair is a little coarse.
During molting, care for the husky in the apartment should consist of daily combing. If this procedure is carried out less frequently, pieces of fallen dog hair will quickly fill the entire room. And to remove them from carpets and upholstered furniture will be extremely difficult. If the dog is kept in the courtyard of a private house, combing during molting can be done 3-4 times a week.
It’s better to take care of husky hair not with the help of a regular scrubber, but with the use of special rakes, which you can buy at a pet store. Such a device has one important advantage. The rake, unlike the scallops, do not tear the beautiful undercoat of dogs of this breed and do not break individual hairs remaining.
How to feed a husky
Husky care includes the development of a balanced diet. It is best to feed dogs of this breed with natural products. In this case, the pet's menu should be as diverse as possible. The dog should be given beef, chicken, sea fish, liver, heart, vegetables, etc. Of course, foods must be thermally processed before feeding. Otherwise, the dog can catch worms.
Husky pork and lamb must not be given. These types of meat are too heavy for their stomach. Be sure to include cereals in the diet - in the daily menu should be steamed oatmeal and buckwheat. Eating porridge of this variety stabilizes the intestines and stomach of dogs of the breed described. At the same time, semolina and pearl barley husky are completely unsuitable.
Experienced dog breeders are advised to plant the newly acquired little puppy on a rice diet for a week. In the future, small pieces of white poultry meat or sea fish should be gradually added alternately to such porridge.
Training Features
Proper education from an early age is what dogs of the husky breed are required. The care and maintenance of these large, intelligent dogs requires training. If not enough attention is paid to raising a puppy, he will grow up completely uncontrollable. The love of freedom and the desire to lead in everything and everywhere in these northern dogs are literally in the blood.
When starting training a puppy, it should be remembered that husky dogs are primarily not a service dog, but a working dog. For example, she independently, without any training, happily rides children or even the owners themselves on a sled. But at the same time, developing a dog’s aggressiveness towards strangers will not work in any way.
Most often, husky training begins with 2-3 months. The training program is chosen so that the dog was interested in as much as possible. It is not worth punishing huskies for failure to comply with commands during classes. Much better results with these dogs can be achieved using praise.
Teams themselves should be given husky with a clear, domineering, calm voice during training. It should be shown during training and perseverance. However, one should not forget that these northern dogs respond much better to requests than to orders.
Punishment for proper care of a husky puppy involves only if:
- manifestations of aggression to the owner;
- committing acts dangerous to the dog itself;
- manifestations of aggression to other dogs.
In no case should huskies be beaten. As a punishment, the following technique is usually used:
- the dog is taken at the withers;
- they push her to the floor so that she cannot move;
- after the dog stops resisting and relaxes, he is released.
As a reward for training, you should definitely use some goodies. Praising dogs is a smooth, soft voice. These dogs do not tolerate shrill intonations.
What mistakes cannot be made
It is in this way that the houses of Siberian husky are trained. Education and care of the described dogs require, as you see, the observance of certain rules. When raising a puppy, you should try not to make mistakes typical for beginners. These can be attributed primarily:
- prohibitions on communication with other dogs;
- dragging the dog in his arms (especially belly forward);
- overexposure (husky will not execute an already learned command for no apparent reason several times in a row).
Among other things, a dog of this breed should by no means be allowed to play with household items - old socks, slippers that are no longer needed, etc. Otherwise, in the future, the dog will do the same with new things. And to wean him from this will hardly succeed.
Conclusion
The care and feeding of a husky as well as the training of this breed are, as you see, the procedures are relatively simple. Give your pet more attention, walk with him in time, show maximum patience, and this dog will thank you with his love and boundless devotion.