Siberian Huskies, they’re clever, almost too much! But when you try to teach ’em the basics, their smarts… can be a help, also a problem. Unlike some dogs, y’know the ones that listen right away, Huskies, they ponder: Do I really wanna sit? Whats in it for me?
It ain’t that they can’t be trained, though! You gotta have a plan, one designed for a Husky: gotta have motivation, be consistent, and build trust. Teaching these commands? Not about controlling, more like making a way for communication, keeping ’em safe, and with your life.
We’ll go through the must-know commands—and the best way to teach them so it actually works.
Before you Start: Get Ready
Huskies, they don’t like yelling, or acting like a boss. They love:
Clarity when communicating
Always use the same cues
Motivation treats, or some play, or praise
Little, fun training times
A leader thats calm, confident
Dont look for perfect right away. Try repetition, give rewards, and be patient.
Command number 1: Sit
Usually, the first command, it’s super handy.
How to teach it:
A treat held near your Husky’s snoot, alright?
Then slowly move your hand upwards, yeah.
As their head goes up the treat, well, their butt goes down naturally, it does.
The sec they sit, you says “Sit” and give a treat.
Do it a few times in a session, you see.
Tips:
Only the single word, only once!
Don’t force them down—let them work it out.
Soon as they get it, stop the treats. Use hand signs now.
Command #2: Stay
This one teaches control and is vital for, ya know, their safetys.
How to teach it:
Get your Husky to sit, right?
Hold your hand out, “stop,” and shout “Stay!”
Take a single step back, alright.
If they stays put, reward fast!
Slowly, farther and longer you know.
Tips:
Calm area to start, please.
Don’t go fast, confidence comes slow.
Always return to them, reward ’em properly first.
Command #3: Come
The “Come” command (recall) is super important and real tricky for Huskies. Their nature, indpendent and chasey, they run off, huh.
How to teach it:
Long leash on your Husky and quiet area needed.
Drop to the knees, stretch out your arms, and holler “Come! ”
If needed, steer em’ gently inwards.
Once they get there, reward them with excitement and tasty treats.
Do this frequently and always keep it positive.
Helpful Hints:
Never tell yer Husky off for comin’ after a recall (even if they took thair sweet time).
Use a cheery voice, not a stern one.
Try games likt “Husky ping-pong” involving recall, played between two people.
Command #4: Down
This command helps your Husky settle down and helps regulate indoor energy.
How to do it:
Tell your Husky to sit.
Hold a treat near their nose and slowly bring it down towards the floor.
Push your hand a bit forward to nudge them into lying down.
When they are flat on the ground, say “Down” and then reward them.
Helpful Hints:
Some Huskies don’t like lying down—it feels vulneráble.
Be patient, don’t push it.
If they wander off, start again later.
Command #5: Leave It
“Leave it” helps your Husky not grab dangerous or bad things, keeping em safe.
How to teach it (simple):
Show them a treat in your hand, but don’t give it to ’em.
When yer Husky reaches for it, say “Leave it.”
When they stop tryin’, reward them with a separate treat from another hand.
Do this again and again until they grasp the idea that “walking away” actually unlocks something much better, ya?
A good tip huh? Carry less-interesting snacks in one hand and real treats in the other, nice.
Level up the game by using food or object, you know, dropped onto the ground.
Always give a treat when they choose to not chase.
Command #6, Heel or Walk Nicely, its great, right?
Walking a Husky might sometimes feel like being dragged behind a sled dog. Teaching them to walk nicely changes everything.
How ya do it:
Start in your house or maybe in your yard too.
With your Husky close, say “Heel” and start walking, a few steps.
If they stay right next to ya, reward ’em.
If they pull ahead of you, then stop, immediately.
Only begin again when they’re back in their spot beside you.
Helpful things to keep in mind, right?
Try a harness, better for control and, safety, yep.
Don’t pull the leash suddenly, stay calm and be steady about it.
Be patient, because this one might take awhile, just be chill.
General Advice for Training Huskies:
Keep it quick, make it a short time 5 to 10 minutes are great.
Offer awesome rewards real meat cheese or like their favorite toy.
Practice daily its real, repetition is key of training a dog, yea.
Change places training indoors outside, even when its kinda loud with them.
Don’t quit though theyll eventually catch on, so stick with it.
What if they don’t care?
Thats typical of having a Husky right? if your dog decides to leave mid session, just stay cool and chill.
Alright, End the session, maybe try again later.
Don’t ever force it, ’cause training shouldn’t be a chore, right?
Now think about whats missing:
Perhaps they’re tired hmm?
Could be you’re repeating that same old command way too much?
Is the reward, like, motivating ’em enough ya think?
And are you even bein’ clear and consistent, y’know?
So just adjust the stuff, and then try it again, yeah?
Final thoughts: Communicate Their Language
Training a Husky really means acceptin’ who they actually are instead of, trying to change them! They aint gonna listen to orders, but they will listen if you show them clarity, give rewards, and show mutual respect.
Keep it simple, at first. Just be patient, like, real patient. Make it… fun.
See, when your Husky actually chooses to follow your command because the want too—not ’cause they have to—then, that’s when you, like, really know you are doin it all right!