How to Train a Husky Puppy

Siberian husky puppies are playful, intelligent and stubborn. Known for their close resemblance to wolves, huskies are very popular among pet owners and make excellent family dogs when trained correctly. However, because of the inherent personality traits that most huskies possess, training can be difficult and isn't always effective, usually because the trainer isn't using the proper techniques. With diligence, an understanding of the history of your husky and a lot of patience, your husky puppy can become a great companion.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Leash
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish yourself as pack leader early on. Huskies, like most dogs, come from and respond to a pack mentality. They look for a leader to teach them and tell them how to behave. If you do not take this role, your husky puppy will likely try to lead, and then training will become frustrating and unsuccessful. You can gain dominance by walking through doors before your husky puppy, lying your pup on his back with his belly exposed and eating first and then allowing your husky to eat. In addition, if your dog is blocking your way, be sure to move him and not go around him. When playing, make sure you end up with the toy, and then put it away. Touch your husky puppy's feet, ears, mouth and belly. Not only will this technique establish your leadership role, but it is also helpful when it is time to clip nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

    • 2

      Leave your husky puppy in a crate when you are not home, and always walk your husky on a leash. Huskies are working breeds, and dogs that come from that type of lineage typically have the desire to run. In addition, huskies innately have a predator instinct. This can be dangerous if you have other animals in your house such as cats or rodents. Therefore, do not leave husky puppies unsupervised unless they are secured in a crate. Furthermore, never allow your husky to run free in areas that aren't contained by fences. This type of action could be harmful not only to your husky but to others as well.

    • 3

      Discipline your husky puppy the way another dog would. In the pack, the leader usually corrects inappropriate behavior by biting the other dog on its scruff and growling loudly. You can mimic this action by firmly, but gently, grabbing your husky puppy by the scruff and grunting or saying "no." You can follow up by placing the puppy on his back, which asserts your dominance. However, do not discipline your pooch unless you actually catch him in the act of inappropriate behavior.

    • 4

      Stop your husky puppy from biting. All puppies like to bite, especially when they are playing or teething; however, if you do not discourage this type of behavior when your husky is a puppy, it will probably continue through adulthood. Huskies seem to be "mouthy" dogs in general; therefore, not stopping this behavior can be especially detrimental. Grab your puppy's mouth by wrapping your hand around the muzzle and saying "no."