How to Stop a Husky From Killing Birds

The Siberian Husky is a working breed who is known for being very intelligent and loyal to its pack, whether that pack consists of humans, other animals or a mix of the two. This breed of dog, however, is also high energy and has a high prey drive. Because this breed of dog is so intelligent, they are prone to boredom that often leads to behavior that you will find unacceptable as an owner. An example of this kind of unacceptable behavior is stalking or killing small animals or birds.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Toys
  • Backpack
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Instructions

    • 1

      Exercise your dog rigorously for at least 1 to 2 hours a day by jogging or walking with it. Dogs, particularly of this breed, enjoy physical activity, and when they have released a good deal of their energy, they are much less likely to be bored and destructive or to act on their prey drive.

    • 2

      Distract your Husky with other toys that provide intellectual challenge such as a puzzle-type toy like a Kong. One that provides a reward for a specific outcome is ideal. If a dog like this has to problem solve, they are less likely to want to act on their prey drive and go hunting or stalking small creatures.

    • 3

      Give your dog a job to do. If you're not training your Husky to pull a sled, obtain a backpack for the dog to wear on your daily outings. This gives the dog a job and feeds the part of their mind that was meant for working. Again, if they are consumed doing other things, they are much less likely to act on their prey drive and then over time the desire to do so is lessened to a degree.

    • 4

      Sign your dog up for something like agility, search and rescue, or therapy dog training. Anything that gives your dog intellectual stimulation and a means to work and be rewarded for a purpose will do the trick if you stick with it.

    • 5

      Discontinue the use of stuffed, animal-shaped toys with a squeaker. These types of toys only serve to encourage the prey drive. In animals where this is present to a high degree already, exposure to these kinds of toys can be detrimental. The squeaking sound is meant to mimic an injured animal, and many of the toys have a similar mouth feel to that of an injured or dead animal, which only psychologically encourages the behavior you're trying to prevent or channel elsewhere.