Siberian Husky Frequently Asked Questions - Part 2

Last Siberian Saturday, I created a post with a few frequently asked questions related to the Siberian Husky Breed. Since a lot of you were interested in it, and some even had suggestions for questions, I thought I should do a part 2 this week. Before we continue, let me just say that not all Huskies are the same. There are some who 'break the mold' so to speak, and may not fit the typical Siberian behavior.

Siberian Husky frequently asked questions:

• If I live in a warm climate, should I shave my huskies fur?

No, no and more NO! Absolutely do not shave your husky. This question comes along so often it blows my mind. It is understandable to think the solution to a dog in a hot climate, with SO much fur is to simply shave them, but with a husky they have their own built in cooling/heating system. Shaving them will not only disrupt their cooling/heating system, but can put them at risk for skin cancer being exposed to the sun. Siberian Huskies tend to have very sensitive skin. I found a chart on google which explains it wonderfully!

Image Source - Smart Styling 

• Why won't my Husky eat his food anymore?

In my Siberian Husky Facebook group, this question gets asked every single day. Huskies are picky, it's just that simple. Your Sibe may enjoy his food for months and one day it's like a light switch. He is completely turned off by the food, and refuses to touch it. Why? The answer is, huskies tend to get bored easily. Bored of the same routines, bored of the same walks, bored of the same food! There are things you can do, though, so perk up your ears. The obvious first choice is, switch up foods! Or even keep the same brand, but switch flavors. Always remember when switching dog foods, to go through a nice slow transition to the new stuff, so it's easier on their system. However, switching food doesn't always work, so how about spicing up their regular food? I don't mean spice literally, but add things to make it more interesting to your husky. Ex: add a few fresh carrots, or broccoli to his meal. Try adding warm water to dry kibble to bring out the smell and flavor. And my favorite one is to add a bit of organic meat broth to kibble. Huskies lovvvvve that! 

**Side note - if you are concerned that your husky has stopped eating, and/or if they refuse water as well, it is always best to talk to your vet.

• My Husky doesn't eat much, should I be worried?

Siberian huskies require less food than other breeds. They were bred to be working dogs, and their bodies are efficient at burning calories, and taking the nutrients they need, therefor they will only eat what they know their body requires. Generally a husky will not over-eat, they will stop when they feel full. Although, some may 'break the mold.'

• Can I train my Husky to be off lead?

This is a loaded question which always sparks debate when asked. I always answer the same. Sure, you 'can' teach them to be off lead, but will they ever be 100% trustworthy off lead? In my humble opinion, no. Yes, I have heard people having success with off leash huskies, but I have also heard more than my fair share of "my husky was perfect off lead for years and years, until one day... one smell... that's all it took, and they were gone."  I also have my own story when it comes to off lead huskies. I thought I could attempt it with Mika years ago... it worked, for about a month. I was lucky to get her back, I learned my lesson the hard way, and I would never recommend trusting your husky to be off leash without being in a fenced in area. There are plenty of places to take your Sibe to let them run. Off leash dog parks, outdoor arenas, fully fenced tennis courts etc... 

• Are Huskies part wolf?

No, Huskies are just as much of a dog as any Lab, Terrier, or Chihuahua out there. 

That wraps up part 2 of my Siberian Husky frequently asked question series.

If you have any questions relating to the Siberian Husky, please feel free to ask me in the comments, and I will do my best to answer your questions.