Solving Common Dog Issues
There are a number of typical dog issues and some which are common with huskies that we are frequently asked. Here we offer solutions to some of the most typical difficulties we are asked about.
A Good Dog Owner Should Know…
Dogs do not come with a built in understanding of the rules of your home or what is expected of them. It is our job, as good dog owners, to provide consistent leadership and guidance. Patience and persistence are essential to solving most doggie problems.
The one thing we cannot stress enough, particularly with Huskies, is the need for exercise. Your dog relies on you to meet his exercise needs and Huskies don’t deal well going days without a good walk, or preferably a run at the leash free park. Many, if not most problems can be solved by ensuring that your dog has had enough exercise.
Do not set your dog up to fail. A dog will never understand the difference between the old socks he doesn’t get in trouble for chewing and your expensive clothing. If you don’t want a certain behavior in one instance, don’t allow that behavior at all.
Doggie Relief - Dealing with House Training
Often when you bring a new dog home his first action as the newest member of your family is to relieve himself on your floor. Generally this will be a one time thing, the result of nervous energy. Try to allow the dog to relieve himself before entering your home, and shortly after entering your home take your new dog to the place he will be expected to relieve himself in the future.
While older dogs can go significanly longer than young pups between bathroom breaks, it's best to err on the side of caution and take your dog out frequently when you first bring him/her home.
Oh How He Howls - Inappropriate Howling and Barking
As with many dog related problems, the first and most important solution to this one is exercise. The most common cause of barking and howling is lack of exercise and boredom. Your dog should be walked prior to leaving him in the morning and should not be left alone to occupy himself for extended periods of time.
When you do have to be away provide your dog with toys that require some work on their part, such as a Kong or similar toy. These items are designed to keep your dog busy working to get their treat. Give your dog praise for using these toys.
The Dog Ate My Prada - Appropriate Doggie Chewing.
When you bring a new dog home you need to remind yourself that she doesn't know the difference between a $300 bag and a dog chew toy automatically. Teaching your dog is your responsibility, but until she has learned what is and isn't hers to chew, just don't leave the bag on the floor.
When your dog attempts to chew an inappropriate item give a verbal correction and redirect your dog to a quality chew toy. When your dog begins to chew the toy give her calm praise. Eventually your dog will come to understand what is and isn’t hers to chew. Do not let your dog chew anything other than her own toys to avoid confusion on her part.
Big Furry Gardeners – Doggie Digging
Some dogs love to dig and will happily turn over your entire garden for their own entertainment. Huskies, in particular, have it in their nature to dig holes big enough for them to lie in. This was a necessary survival instinct when they were working, in the winter to keep them warm and in the summer to allow them a cool spot to sleep.
Provide your dog with appropriate shelter and make it a good experience for her to use it, providing toys or praise. If you are able, provide a corner that can act as a sandbox for your dog. Dig shallow holes and bury her toys and direct her to dig in the location you have chosen.
The best advice we can give to minimize digging is ensure your dog is well exercised and not bored, as these are frequent causes for digging. If all else fails, don’t leave your dog unattended in an area where digging would be particularly upsetting to you.
Thunderstruck – My Dog Is Afraid Of….
Dogs are able to develop fears. Usually these unreasonable fears are the direct result of the reaction of a person to an incident, not the dog’s natural response. It is human nature to try and reassure and comfort a living being that is fearful as we would with our children. However, to a fearful dog, responding to fearful behavior with comforting sounds and petting is seen as rewarding the behavior and dogs tend to repeat behavior that is rewarded. Your fearful dog needs a confident leader whose behavior tells them that there is nothing to fear. If your dog has a problem which results in fear aggression it is time to seek professional help.
The Jail Break – My Dog Is Escaping
Huskies love to run more than almost anything and they have an amazing ability to find creative ways to feed this need. Generally it isn’t a good idea to have a husky off leash in any location that isn’t safely enclosed as their instinct to run usually quickly takes over. Chain link fences have been happily scaled by Huskies and radio fences have been breached by Huskies.
Chaining your Husky in the yard is NOT a good option. Huskies, or any other breed, should not be left chained in a yard, and doing so can lead to a wide variety of problems for your dog. Chaining dogs can result in lack of socialization, territorial behaviors and fear aggression, not to mention the potential physical repercussions.
So, what should you do? The American Kennel Club's Siberian Huskies book states "If you don't have a fenced yard.... Get a fence, a good one!"
Tall wooden fences with a slide lock to keep them closed are a good option for the Husky owner. Be aware that many huskies have learned how to work a standard gate latch. Ensuring that your fence reaches the ground is also important to avoid Huskies sliding under fences through narrow spaces that would seem unbreechable. It is your job to make good decisions to keep your pet safe.
And finally, as always, make sure your dog is exercised well so that his need to run doesn’t become overwhelming.
It’s My Bowl and I’ll Growl if I Want To - Resource Guarding
Many dogs, particularly ones who have had to struggle to find food or items to play with, will guard their possessions. These dogs have no way of knowing that you will faithfully continue to provide meals and toys for them.
Does this mean that it is okay for a dog to guard resources with growls or bites? Absolutely not, but it is your job to teach this lesson, and to teach it before you find yourself in a situation where you need to remove an item quickly.
You can start this process simply. Give your dog an item that will not provide his strongest guarding response (do not use his favorite beef bone, use a basic toy) Allow your dog to play with this toy for a short time. When you want to remove the toy approach your dog calmly and ensure that you have a high impact treat (chicken for example) Call your dog’s name so that he looks at you and isn’t frightened by a hand flying in front of his nose. When you have his attention, give the treat while removing the toy. Praise your dog once you have the toy in your hand safely, and then return the toy to your dog. This way he learns that when he gives up these items good things happen and the item will eventually return.
Do not try to deal with dangerous guarding issues or any guarding issues with a dog that is aggressive. Seek the assistance of a professional.
Final Thoughts
Your desire to make this new relationship work is the single most important factor for success. Remember that your new dog has a unique personality, different from any other dogs you may have or have had in the past and you owe it to both of you to enter this relationship with a clean slate. Generally your dog will want nothing more than to please and follow you and it is your job to be a good leader.
Even if your dog understands basic commands it is a good idea to attend positive reinforcement obedience training with your new pet. This allows you both to spend time bonding with each other in a positive environment. Be sure to continue your training exercises frequently at home, at the park and anywhere else you want your dog to behave. Just because your dog will sit at home when it’s quiet doesn’t mean that he or she has the skill to do the same in a park full of dogs.
If you are dealing with any issues of aggression or any concerning persistent problems, we recommend that you seek professional help. Visit our links page for a recommendation.