How to Train a Husky

by Kevin Stard | Last Updated: 18.10.2020

As a result of the intelligence and independence of Siberian huskies, these dogs are usually difficult to train. To get the training right and obtain the desired results, it is essential to learn how to train a Siberian husky.

When it comes to how to train a Siberian husky puppy, here are the vital steps you must take:

How to train a husky puppy to pee outside

To train your husky puppy to pee outside, you should:

• Set aside an area in your garden for peeing. Make sure the place is comfortable for your dog to enter to do his business.
• Get rid of any distractions from this area so that your puppy can concentrate when peeing.
• Once your puppy has finished drinking, eating, playing, or napping, you should take him to the spot. Wait for him until it is time to pee and then take him to the spot to pee. You should also do the same thing before bedtime.
• Take him away immediately after peeing.
• Also, whenever your husky is showing the signs to pee, you should take him to the spot outside. Again, take him inside immediately after peeing.
• Don’t allow him to go to the designated area casually so that he can associate the location with only peeing.
• You need to repeat this training for a few days.
• Over time, your husky will start going to the spot whenever he wants to pee.

How to potty train a husky

The next step is how to potty train a husky so that he can defecate in a particular place every time. The step-by-step procedure for potty training is described below:

• Create a small space in your yard for defecating. Ensure the area is neat and accessible for the dog. You can use the same spot for peeing.
• Just like in training your dog to pee outside, you need to help the dog understand that the area is for defecating. Therefore, always take him there after napping, eating, sleeping, playing, drinking, and other activities that can make him eliminate wastes.
• Use a leash to hold him and wait for around 10 minutes. Don’t play with him or do anything that can distract him. Once he excretes, you need to stroke and praise him vocally. You can also give him a small treat.
• Leave the designated place immediately. Don’t get rid of the poop after the first successful trial. This is to ensure that your dog associates the place with eliminating.
• Repeat this process a few times. You should understand that different huskies learn at different speeds so it may take some periods before he gets used to it.

How to train a husky to not run away

Naturally, huskies are energetic and adventurous. Hence, it is not surprising that they often attempt to run away. However, you can train a husky to not run away by using the front door training.

• Put your husky on a leash and hold a few treats.
• Both of you should walk to the front or back door. Hold the handle of the door but don’t open it yet. Now, look at the reaction of your husky.
• If your dog sits down without trying to run out, reward him with a treat. However, if he is excited to go out, instruct him to sit and don’t reward him.
• Repeat this same procedure a couple of times and pay attention to his reaction. After repetitions, he will get used to remaining calm when you are holding the doorknob. Then give him one of the treats.
• Afterward, open the door slightly and watch his reaction again. If he is calm, reward him. If he is excited to jump out of the door, tell him to sit. Repeat this step until he obeys you. Then, you have to reward him.
• Finally, open the door completely. Instruct him to remain in the same spot and walk some centimeters away. If he obeys you, reward him. If not, you need to repeat this step until he follows your instruction.
• You have to do this training several times until he doesn’t get excited to step out of the house again. You should note that this will involve lots of trials.

How to crate train a husky

You cannot afford to let your husky wander around your home. Given this, you need to train him to stay in the crate. Choose a crate that is big enough to guarantee the comfort and safety of your husky.

Here are the steps to follow to crate train your husky:

• Place the crate inside your room. Then, open its door.
• Take the husky inside the room and allow him to check out the crate when and how he wants. This allows him to get used to the presence of the crate in the room. Don’t force him to go inside it.
• Whenever the dog is close to the crate, mention the word “crate”. Do this for like 15 minutes.
• Now, you need to encourage the husky to go inside the crate. Sit close to the crate and utilize your hands and toys to gesture him to go inside the crate.
• Once he goes inside it, praise him and also offer him some treats. Give him some toys to play with inside the crate. The more he stays inside the crate, the more treats you give him.
• Keep the door of the crate open throughout this period so that he will feel comfortable with the new mini home.
• If he doesn’t stay inside the crate, don’t force him to go inside but don’t give him any treat or toy.  You have to start all over again to train the dog. With time, he will enter and stay inside the crate. Then, you should give him treats and toys.
• Once he is comfortable with staying inside the crate, gently close the door of the crate. Give him another treat to distract him from noticing that the door is closed. Still stay close to the crate and continue mentioning the word “crate”.
• After about 10 minutes, open the crate, let your dog out, and stop training.
• After 20 minutes, start the same training again from the beginning. Do this about 5 times a day and stop. Then, repeat it the following day.
• Over time, your husky will be accustomed to the crate; hence, he will enter it without getting any treats. You can still give him toys when inside the crate.

If you can follow the aforementioned points on how to train a husky, you should be able to train your dog properly and effectively.