How to Control Excitement in Siberian Huskies

A relaxed husky is easier to live and socialize with.
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Siberian huskies, with their strong working instincts, become extremely excited when going for walks, during play, when greeting their owners and when socializing with other dogs. He'll pull against his leash and may exhibit other unwanted behavior such as jumping. Training and special equipment will control this.

Training

Step 1

Observe your pet and make a list of the things that cause his excitement. These typically include such routine events as being taken for a walk, greeting people as they come home and meeting other dogs. It’s best to start training when your Siberian husky is a puppy. Early training, delivered correctly, should give your husky a lifetime foundation of good manners. You can train older dogs, but you’ll need to correct bad habits as well as show the dog the correct behavior.

Step 2

Make a list of the body language and behavior that precedes displays of overexcitement. Siberian huskies are known to give a distinctive yodel-like howl to display their excitement. By familiarizing yourself with the precursors to bursts of excitable behavior, you will be well-placed to control it before it gets out of hand. These dogs can weigh up to 65 pounds when fully grown, so its best to act before they become too animated.

Step 3

Leash your dog. Give enough slack so he can explore and wander relatively freely, but ensure that you have control over his movements at all times.

Step 4

Give verbal praise to the dog while he is calm. Say “good boy” in a soothing voice. This praise enriches his environment. By instilling a praise environment, you can use removal of praise to discourage unwanted behavior, eliminating the need to scold or punish the dog.

Step 5

Expose the dog to his excitement triggers; for example, have a friend ring the doorbell, or introduce your dog to other dogs. Huskies are pack-oriented and typically become super-excited when in a group.

Step 6

Remove the verbal praise and walk your dog away as soon as his excitement becomes too great. This demonstrates to him that overexcitement has a negative outcome. By walking him away, you demonstrate leadership. Being pack-oriented dogs, huskies naturally look for a leader.

Step 7

Give verbal praise and a food treat the moment the dog becomes calm and passive. This teaches him that behaving this way has a positive outcome. Over time, he’ll learn that the quickest way to receiving positive stimuli is to behave calmly when confronted with excitement triggers.

Physical Control

Step 1

Fit a no-pull harness over the dog’s head so it rests comfortably against his chest. These are particularly useful when controlling adult huskies.

Step 2

Walk your husky around the yard. As soon as he begins to pull, issue a corrective command, such as “heel.” The no-pull harness is designed to distribute the dog’s own force to his shoulder and chest when he pulls, forcing him to turn to the side. Your corrective command, combined with having his movement controlled by the harness, will eventually teach him to favor calm, relaxed walking over excitable straining and pulling.

Step 3

Verbally praise the dog and issue a food treat as soon as he falls back in line.

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