Another option for the Siberian craving person who only wants one dog is to adopt a mature companion. They certainly are still full of spunk, but they are not at the same level as the youngsters. Click here to read more about the joys of owning a mature dog.

Keep in mind that all Siberians will find a way to amuse themselves almost anywhere they go. That is why it is always important to find ways to keep them entertained. With their intelligence coupled with their power, they can be a handful for the unwitting home.

​

The Dietitian

To eat or not to eat? The real question is, what shall I chew on now?

That's food? I'll decide what to eat.

Originally bred to perform on a minimal amount of food, the Siberian requires less subsistence per pound than other breeds their size. Some will actually monitor their own intake and will pass up on eating a meal here and there. However, some will also acquire a taste for table food and will try to hold out for only table food.

Many new Siberian owners have been heard to say, "My Siberian Husky won't eat the kibble; she went three days without eating. I put some leftovers in her food and she finally ate, but she only ate the left-overs. The kibble was left in the bowl."

The Siberian husky will train the owner what to feed, if allowed. Siberian Huskies do require a balanced diet, high in protein and fat. Many commercial dog foods do not meet the dietary needs of the Siberian.

If left unattended...

Siberian huskies will find a way to entertain themselves. If you leave them unattended, you may be surprised by their selected activity. Getting to know your Siberian husky is crucial in understanding to what extent you may leave him or her alone in certain situations. Some know only to play with their designated toys, while others will find new textures to explore, ranging from your shoes, to the couch or even the dry wall!

Can be cat friendly, but not always.

While we are on the subject of what Siberians like to eat, let's dispel the myth that Siberian Huskies will never be able to live with a cat. Although they have a very high prey drive, many Siberian Huskies have accepted cats as part of their family. Keep in mind that while the Siberian Husky has a very strong prey drive, they also have a pack mentality. Some huskies will accept cats as part of their pack.

However, while they may accept your cat as part of the family, that doesn't mean the cats—or the chickens, geese, rabbits, or goats—down the street are safe if they wander into your Siberian husky's sight. You should take the same care with any breed when it comes to other animals. Siberian Huskies are neither the rule or the exception.

​

The Einstein

You want me to sit?

Time for a game!

Training a Siberian Husky is a challenge. They are extremely intelligent and stubborn, which can be difficult when training. They might talk back when you ask them to sit and soon you will find yourself having a conversation with your Siberian about why he or she should sit for you. Or they might stare directly at you in understanding of the command and decide they just don't feel like listening.

Because of their independent spirit, training must be handled with consistency and patience. A Siberian Husky owner really should come armed with both a lot of good reading material and a good sense of humor to be able to handle their antics.

A successful Siberian Husky owner will tell you that training involves lots of positive training. You ask, "What is positive training?" Positive reinforcement training is a method by which a dog is praised for performing the desired task or behavior. Generally, this praise is done by voice, clicker, or treat. It is most assuredly the best method to use when training your Siberian. As a working dog, they like to learn and enjoy having a job to do. The dog is happy learning something new, and the owner is happy to be successfully teaching. It is a positive experience for all and a great way to bond with your dog.

As with all training, it is important to be patient and consistent. Training should be done for no more than 10 minutes at a time, as your dog may become bored. If you decide to devote 30 minutes a day to training, you will get much more from three 10 minute sessions than one 30 minute session. Siberians are very intelligent dogs, and as such, are prone to become bored during training. Therefore, it is good to continually teach them new things throughout their lives. As they learn new things, your relationship will continue to grow.

 

The Gardener

Dig! Dig! Dig!

Siberian Huskies have a natural tendency to dig, and with awe you can watch them dig large craters in your yard. They might even find that sump pump leak, which was 3-4 feet under the ground. They have an instinct to dig which can be curbed to some extent but not eliminated.

Many Siberian Husky owners find the need to keep a towel ready by the door and often cringe at the sight of rain—because when there is rain, there is mud. And where there is mud, there are Siberian Huskies standing in the middle. The image of muddy Siberian is an image that can make some laugh and others cry.

In addition to their natural tendency to dig, Siberians—not unlike most other dogs—will also do some other "light" gardening around your home. One may decide for you that the bush outside needs trimming. Another may try to help your prized rose bushes with a natural watering.

In coming to an agreement on the subject of gardening, many Siberian owners have taken one of two courses of action:

• With the use of training and/or setting up physical boundaries, the Siberian Husky owner will keep their "prized gardens" to themselves and give the Siberian Husky their own "novice garden."

• Forget the garden and learn to use to the words "Oh well!"