Are siberian huskys hard to train?

Question

i heard they are kind of stubborn and independent and are not as willing to please you as some dogs

Answer 1

Yes, in general Siberian Huskys are hard to train. They are best known for taking off and not coming back. I know of someone who did dog training classes, but when her two huskys got loose one day, they would not come back to her. They just looked at her and took off. She never got them back.

Answer 2

They are sometimes considered a difficult breed to train. By and large, they are pretty independent, and not too inclined to focus their attention on you. Remember what they were bred to do - pull sleds across miles of ice and snow. So they have to be attuned to scanning the environment, in other words, they had to watch where they're going. So they don't have the innate tendency to watch their handler like a herding dog or a retriever. And as you note, they're not always too concerned about pleasing you.

It's not that they aren't intelligent - they are quite clever in a lot of ways. They will learn quickly, but don't always feel inclined to show what they know. Of course, like in any breed, there is a lot of individual variation.

Some tips - Keep the sessions fairly short, about 10 minutes, take a little break, and then train for a few more.
Vary the routine. Don't keep the repeating the same thing over and over. Do one thing for a while, move on to something else, then come back to the first one. Find three kinds of treats - one they like, one they really like, and one they go mad for. Start using the first one, then as their performance begins to drop off, switch to the next one. Save the last one for when you really, really need it.
Be patient, and use lots of positive reinforcement. They don't respond well to aversive training methods, and will sometimes just shut down on you if you give harsh corrections. Mainly, have fun with them - if it's fun, they will be more likely want to do it, than if it's just work.

We were able to get a CD title on the first Siberian we ever had, and 2 of the 3 legs on a second dog, before we essentially quit doing obedience work with them. So, it can be done, but it's not going to be as quick and easy as training a sheltie or some dog like that.

You might want to get a copy of "So Your Dog's Not Lassie", which is all about training difficult breeds. A little search on the Dogwise site should turn it up for you. Good luck with your training.

Answer 3

I have an 8 yr old Husky. She was a pistol when she was a pup!!

Now that she has mellowed out, I am taking her to training classes, getting an ILP number for her from the AKC to enter her into trials for Obedience, Rally and hopefully to get her CD title.

Yes, they can be stubborn. My girl was, mainly when she 'escaped' from the house and they WILL get out of the house, fenced in yard, crate..you name it, they will find a way to get out to run and visit the neighbors!! If they are quiet, you better go see what they have gotten into....

They do have a high prey drive...they will chase anything that runs.

But they are a wonderful breed of dog. They have wonderful disposition, great attitude, and they LOVE everyone (and if anyone out there has a Husky that isn't this way, you got one from a bad breeder!!) They will keep you laughing with their antics, their silliness, and you can't help but put a smile on your face when you watch them:)

My only advice, is know the breeder you are getting your pup from and take them to training classes. It will help the pup to bond to you. This is a breed of dog that enjoys being around people and not to be left outside 24/7.

Answer 4

They are high strung and always wanting to work or go! They are hyper and have a strong will of their own! This is why they use them in Alaska for sled dogs. If you want to have a dog who is mild and easy going, a Siberian Husky is NOT for you. You will need a large, fenced yard, plenty of time to interact with your dog as well as the patience of a Saint! They love to dig and are escape artists. So, you will need to constantly monitor your dog or it will surely find it's way out of your yard as they love to roam! A much better pet of the same size, and the most popular family dog, is the Golden Retriever.

Answer 5

several years ago I took my sheltie mix to dog obedience classes and the instructor said the shelties are the easiest to train and the huskies are the worse . Actually there were two insturctors one owned,bred and obed. showed her shelties the ohter did the same but had huskies and she said what took a sheltie to learn in a week took her dog at least 3 -8 times longer and sometime even linger to train.

Answer 6

I have two and the answer is YES.They are great dogs,loving,affectionate and very hyper.Yiu will see the one nearby my name.They do what they want,destroy things,chew everything they can.I love mine but if I had a choice in another breed it wouldn,t be a Husky for sure.And for the vet tech...you are rude...talk to people the way you want to be spoken too.

Answer 7

Each individual dog is different. The breed average isn't absolute. Some dogs are hard to train, some aren't. It's kinda like Russian roulette.

Answer 8

Yep!

All dogs are different, of course, but for the most part, they can be a challenge.

They are also loud. They howl a lot.

They also need an EXTREME amount of exersize. HOURS of hard running every single day.
If not, they develop bad habits and become even more difficult.

Answer 9

I am currently taking care of a neighbor's abandoned Husky & she is very well behaved. As a matter of fact if I can get my Dobies to accept her I'll be more than glad to keep her!!