ELLIE - 4 months old HUSKY MIX PUPPY

Happy, content Huskies require regular exercise, mental stimulation, consistent routines, social activity, and positive reinforcement.  These are important components for managing and redirecting a Husky's high energy levels. Huskies are impressive athletes and also a loyal companion and bond strongly with humans and enjoy other dogs for companionship.  Yes, Huskies are beautiful, but they can test their owners' patience if they are not given enough exercise.  Training should be determined yet calm, as these dogs do not do well with harsh tones.  Huskies prefer positive reinforcement and a rewards-based method.

Huskies are highly intelligent and need mental challenges to keep their minds occupied.  Boredom can quickly lead to hyperactivity.  Puzzle toys provide a challenge to the Husky.  These puzzle toys keep them occupied and mentally stimulated.  Playing hide and seek with treats or toys is another great way to keep their nose and brain busy.  Continue to switch-out their toys, to keep them appearing new and exciting.  New tricks or commands to learn is also a great mental workout for the Husky.

Allow your Husky to meet various people, including children, to help them become accustomed to diverse human interactions.  Huskies crave companionship.  Arrange playdates with other friendly, vaccinated dogs.  While using a harness (not collar) gradually expose the Husky to different settings such as parks, busy streets, quiet neighborhoods.  Make sure you are comfortable with the leash and harness at all times.  Huskies can suddenly sprint to action to chase a squirrel or something moving quick, hence the reason for the harness.

Huskies need a good amount of physical activity to burn off their high energy, from 1 to 1.5 hours per day.  This can include walks, runs, agility training or fetch (use a harness for better control and safety during walks/runs).  Some Huskies do well splitting-up the day with smaller increments of activity.  If taking on a walk, vary your route to make it interesting.  Without committing to their need for sufficient exercise, they can become restless and hyperactive.   After a good day of exercise, the Husky is surprisingly calm and will lounge around the house.  If under-exercised, the Husky will often howl, bark, dig, or chew for hours every day.

Use treats, praise or play to reward a Husky for good behavior.  Huskies are more likely to engage in training sessions and retain the learned behaviors.  Redirecting a Husky's energy toward positive behaviors minimizes the likelihood of negative actions like jumping, barking, or chewing.  When a Husky jumps to greet you, turn away and ignore them.  Only give attention with a reward when all four paws are on the ground.  Instead of scolding a Husky for barking, wait for a moment of silence then immediately reward with a treat or praise.  Timing is crucial.  Always deliver the reward immediately after the Husky performs the desired behavior.  Use the same cues and rewards every time.

Huskies thrive on a routine.  Provide a consistent daily routine in order to reduce hyperactivity.  Keep a set feeding time.  Schedule a routine playtime every day.  They will learn when to expect activity and when it is time to rest.  Also, a designated sleeping area and sleep schedule is important.