Why Siberian Huskies Can Be Some Of The Toughest Dogs To Train

Siberian huskies are known for their thick coats, striking eyes, and sled-pulling abilities. Owners might also mention how vocal they are; they often bark, whine, and howl to communicate. Another one of the many facts about huskies is that they have a strong-willed nature. In fact, Siberian huskies are among the most stubborn dogs around. Their dogged determination, combined with their desire for independence and high intelligence, makes them one of the hardest breeds to train.

Bradley Phifer, the executive director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, spoke with Reader's Digest on the topic of husky training. "Huskies are notoriously independent and willful, making them resistant to training methods that other breeds may respond well to," he said. You've probably seen humorous videos on social media that confirm their refusal to do as they're told.

Their intelligence is another factor that can make them tough to train. In terms of how effectively they communicate with humans, this breed ranks high on the intelligence scale. Intelligence doesn't necessarily equate to being easily trainable. In some cases, it means an intelligent dog may not be eager to please and will essentially choose to disobey an understood command. On a happier note, there are a few tips you can follow to make your husky more trainable.

As with any other dog breed, the best time to start training them is when they're puppies, as early as 8 weeks of age. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that an older husky can't be trained, if you happen to adopt one that's over a year old. You'll just have to be more patient and more consistent. With consistency in mind, establish a training routine and stick with it so your dog will start to learn what to expect.

Incorporating positive reinforcement training can also improve the overall learning experience for your husky, regardless of age. Have plenty of treats on hand and plenty of "good boy" or "good girl" praises to deliver. This can help motivate your husky to want to learn. Some dogs get excited about toys like they do with treats, so find your pup's favorite toy and use it as a means of positive reinforcement. Just be sure to use it strategically.

A third tip to make your husky more trainable involves exercise. The Siberian husky is an athletic, energetic breed that likes to play and run around. This means if you decide to do a training session without first giving them time for physical activity, they might become antsy and distracted by their desire to play. Give them an exercise opportunity first, and then do the training. Combining all three tips, consistency, rewards, and exercise, can help make training your Siberian husky go a bit more smoothly — even if they're a bit stubborn about it.