How to Crate Train a Siberian Husky

Siberian huskies are sled dogs, bred to work hard in cold climates. Huskies make good pets because of their agreeable temperament, but any dog can become a problem when it is left alone in a house all day. To make your husky's days more comfortable and your home safe from gnaw marks, train your husky to stay in a crate while you are out. This is a humane way of ensuring your dog stays calm during the day and doesn't get into trouble. The key to crate training is teaching your dog to love the crate and use it as his den.

Things You'll Need

  • Large crate
  • Blankets or dog bed
  • Water dish
  • Dog treats
  • Chew toys
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Instructions

  1. How to Set Up a Crate

    • 1

      Obtain a crate that is large enough for your husky to turn around in or stand in, but not large enough for him to walk in. If you have a small puppy, you will need to buy a small crate as well as one for when he is grown, or buy the large one and block off the back portion so it seems small and cozy to him.

    • 2

      Place blankets or a dog bed in the bottom of the crate for your dog to sleep on.

    • 3

      Provide a small water dish in the crate with fresh water. If your dog spills the water, use the type of water bottle that attaches to the crate's door and releases water when licked, like a rodent water bottle.

    • 4

      Place the crate itself in a room that has a lot of activity or is near where you spend most of your time. Put toys that are acceptable for the dog to chew on unsupervised in the crate.

    How to Teach Your Husky to Enjoy the Crate

    • 5

      Drop bits of kibble or treats periodically into the crate. When your dog goes into the crate to eat them, praise him. If your dog goes into the crate before you have dropped a treat, praise him profusely and give him a treat.

    • 6

      Start closing the door as your husky goes into the crate to eat the treats. Count to three and then open the door. Repeat this and increase the duration of each session by a few seconds unless he barks or howls. Then go back a step and close him for only three seconds again.

    • 7

      Stay in the room while you are counting and your dog is in the crate. As he is able to stay closed in for longer periods, even just up to 30 seconds, wander around the room a little so he gets used to your movements while he is closed in. When he is calm for one minute while you are in the room, begin leaving the room after you have closed him in.

    How to Leave Your Husky in the Crate

    • 8

      Leave the house for only a few seconds while your dog is in the crate. Do this for the first time when he is comfortable staying alone in the crate while you are in another room for five minutes.

    • 9

      Give your husky a toy to chew on to occupy him when you leave the house. He will focus less on your departure and more on the good things he gets for going in.

    • 10

      Increase the amount of time you are out of the house. The speed at which you increase the duration will depend on your dog's comfort level. If he seems relaxed or sleepy, you can leave him for an hour or two at first. If he still is uneasy, you will have to leave him for only a few minutes at a time.

    • 11

      Take your puppy or adult dog on a long walk or have a long play session before putting him in the crate when you will be gone for a long period of time. Huskies have a lot of energy and will need to expend it before they will relax in a crate. Also be sure to allow your husky the opportunity to urinate or defecate before closing him in the crate for a long period.