Do Huskies Need A Lot Of Attention? 11 Facts You Must Know

Think about it:

Are you right for a Husky?

There’s a lot of things you have to consider.

And I’ll tell you what you need to know before making this big decision.

In this article, you’ll understand:

If Huskies need a lot of attention.
How much time you should spend with your Husky.
11 interesting facts you need to know before deciding to get a Husky.
And a lot more…

Table of contents

Do Huskies need a lot of attention?
Is a Husky right for me? 11 facts
People also ask:
- Do Huskies need constant attention?
- How much time should I spend with my Husky?

Do Huskies need a lot of attention?

Huskies are known to need more attention than other breeds. They need a lot of exercise and stimulation. They get bored. They’re also highly sociable to other people. And when it comes to training, Huskies are strong-willed. Hence they’ll need a firm trainer to work with them.

Is a Husky right for me? 11 facts

#1: Huskies need a huge amount of attention

Huskies crave attention.

They like creating strong and close bonds with their dog parents.

This makes them want to spend every minute of every day with them.

Huskies are affectionate. They love the feeling of being around you and being able to feel you next to them.

Cuddling, snuggling, and hugging? Huskies can’t get enough of those!

If an opportunity comes, they’ll go up to you and smother you with their love.

But here’s something to expect about this.

When they don’t get the attention they’re asking for, they’ll end up howling.

And I mean…howl.

It’ll be surprisingly loud, especially for my Husky beginners reading this. You’ll have no choice but to stop what you’re doing and focus on them.

They’ll even take it a step further to get your full attention.

This is why giving them all your time and energy is something that you have to be 100% sure of.

After all that I said here, you and I can conclude that Huskies are clingy and needy. And they are.

Although, keep in mind they have all the reasons for being this way.

You can check out this article to know: 11 Reasons Why Your Husky Is So Clingy And Needy.

#2: They need a lot of exercise

Huskies are a very energetic breed.

I can’t emphasize this enough.

You’d think that after a dog gets their exercise, they’re good for the day, right? Well, not with Huskies.

When you hear the word “Husky,” most people picture them walking on snow. Or even on snowy mountains pulling a sleigh.

Well, this is the reason why they’re so full of energy.

Huskies were bred to pull sleighs on tall mountains. They’d do this under the freezing weather every single day.

Let me give you an analogy:

We humans can walk and run for a good amount of time. But we’d have to stop and drink water or eat.

Although for Huskies? They’ve grown up to run for long durations with minimal food or water. This made their body evolve.

They’re now all used to the activity and being in an active state that they don’t experience much exhaustion.

This is why they need a ton of physical and mental stimulation. It keeps their joints moving and their brain functioning.

It’ll take some time before you can tire them out.

So what does this mean for you?

It means that you finally have a good reason to start exercising!

But all jokes aside, these furry (very furry) friends will often push you to play with them. What’s more when they need the attention.

Keep in mind: Not giving them enough exercise can lead to hyperactivity. This is the result of all the stored energy they have.

It may lead to disastrous things for you…and your home.

But also remember that exercise has many forms. There’s walking, playing fetch, swimming, or even getting them to pull you.

Huskies need exercise for it’s naturally a part of their system. Giving this to them daily will be beneficial not only for them but also for you.

Further reading: Can Huskies Swim? 7 FactsYou Need To Know

#3: They’re strong-willed

Huskies are known to be stubborn or strong-willed.

They’re clever dogs. Can they outsmart you sometimes? Yes, they can.

This is because they use their intelligence in ways that suit their purpose. If they find a way out or a better version of doing something, expect that they’ll do it.

Another thing is that they can understand your tactics and routines. For example, at times, they can realize that following you leads to not getting what they want. So, they’ll stop listening.

You see, this breed likes living off of their terms.

They’re independent and when they want something, they’ll ask for it. How do they ask?

They start getting vocal.

I’ve mentioned howling, but I know I should stress that point again.

Huskies howl to make sure they’re getting enough attention. It’s also because they want to know you’re not ignoring their ideas.

It’s like they’re their own “person” and they want you to realize that they have a say in things too.

Again for my Husky beginners, get ready. You have to get used to the fact that you’ll always end up getting interrupted.

But remember that it’s not difficult to train them. You need the right positive mindset and the time.

Plus, one very important factor, you need utmost patience. Don’t worry, we’ll talk about that later on.

You might also want to read: 7 surprising reasons why your Husky won’t come inside

#4: They’re pack-oriented

Huskies have a powerful pack mentality. This is carried from their wolfish ancestors.

Like ways when they’d go in groups to survive. Or also share instincts to know when there are others in danger.

Their basic instincts can’t compare to any other breed.

But every pack in the past has a leader.

In the wild, wolves would have to assert their dominance and competitiveness. They do this to survive. This shows their predators that they shouldn’t be messed with.

But this isn’t the case anymore. It’s a lot different now when your Husky’s living inside your home.

A lot would say that the moment you get a Husky, display yourself as their leader right away.

If you don’t, your Husky could be the one owning you.

Although, according to Victoria Stilwell, the pack theory is different when it comes to domestic dogs. A true pack today is familial. With a mother, father, and offspring.

And today, we shouldn’t compare our Huskies to their wolfish past for they’ve evolved and there’s no more sense in having a pack leader.

A pack isn’t associated with independence and dominance, instead, it’s about family and working together.

Yes, Huskies have the instinct of being in a pack, but you, as their dog parents, have to patiently guide and teach them how to follow.

From a chapter on Canine Social Behavior, social interaction is the first important exposure for your dog. This is when they get familiar with the environment and you.

They interact by understanding what works and what doesn’t. This is why you have to make decisions that not only benefit you but your lovable Husky too.

#5: They get bored easily

Again, relating to attention and a Husky’s energetic nature.

They’ll always want to be active and playing.

A 15 – 20 minute workout isn’t enough. Usually, they’d need at least an hour, plus all the playing they can get with their toys at home.

You’ve got to always keep them entertained. If not, they’d do it themselves through chewing on your socks, pillows, or furniture.

They’ll even end up digging holes in your backyard or worse, try to escape! This is how they’d end up stimulating themselves.

Huskies can get bored of the same routine every day. You can imagine that their ancestors always had an adventure in the wild or on the mountains.

This is why you have to switch up their playtime or exercise so they’ve got something to look forward to.

Note: It’s best to get them toys that stimulate their mental activities too, like puzzles. It teaches them effective ways to solve and exercise their intelligence.

And trust me, you’ll know if they’re bored. They’ll show you signs like yawning, howling, whining, or appearing disinterested.

This is the time to take action.

Or else your Husky could use up all their energy by the end of the night through hyperactivity. And that won’t be a great experience for you.

You might also enjoy: 13 easy ways you can keep your Husky busy and entertained

#6: They need a firm trainer

A lot say Huskies are hard to train due to their strong-willed character.

This isn’t true. They’ll only be hard to train if you have a mindset like that.

Based on an experiment, Huskies ended up obeying a known command in the first try. This is with a 50% (or better) success rate.

Training is another great way to stimulate and challenge your Husky. It teaches them how to follow, think and understand your commands.

I inserted the word “firm” because you have to be confident in your ability to train them. Being firm is assertiveness and decisiveness.

Your dog can feel this through your posture and tone of voice. And when they feel this, they know it’ll be a time to follow.

But remember: Being firm doesn’t mean being dominant.

There’s no need to hurt or scream at your dog for not following commands. Instead, you have to help them understand.

Now you know that your Husky is independent and will follow their way. This is why you have to equip yourself with patience.

You also have to show them that all your attention is focused on them. If they see that you’re not paying attention to them during training, they won’t listen to you.

Watch how Zak trains Malakai, the one-year-old Husky! This video is a perfect example of how you can go about training your Husky:

#7: Huskies shed a lot

Like, a lot. It’ll look like your floor is covered in snow.

Huskies shed way more than other breeds.

This is when you pay attention to their grooming.

Their thick, double coats are valuable to them. They should be taken care of.

If you didn’t know, Huskies have this so-called blowing phase. It’s when they shed their thicker undercoat.

For new Husky dog parents, you’d be surprised the first time. But it’s normal.

They shed due to the change in the climate. It’s to prepare themselves for the weather.

And it takes about 3-5 weeks for them to finish the shedding process.

You can’t control when they shed, but you can help them regulate it. Do this by brushing their coat regularly with good grooming tools.

It’s recommended to do this during their non-shedding season. This helps prevent the build-up of dead fur.

This is also your chance to check their skin for any rashes, bald spots, or allergies.

You have to notice when they’re shedding or shedding too much. Don’t worry, sooner or later, you’ll get used to the amount and be able to tell the difference.

Don’t forget to also check out: 9 Best Ways To Stop Husky Shedding ASAP (How-To Guide)

#8: They prefer cold weather

Did you know that Huskies can withstand temperatures as low as -60 F degrees (-51 degrees C)?

They highly prefer cold weather, but they can always adapt to the heat. They do this through the coats of their fur.

For my Husky parents who live in relatively hot climates, you have to take extra caution. Yes, your Husky adapts, but you also have to assist them.

Make sure they have a lot of shaded areas and water. I even saw a suggestion to have a small pool on standby in case the weather’s too hot and they need to cool off.

When it comes to exercise, the cold weather’s not a big problem. They’re known to go through thick layers of snow.

Although if it’s during a hot season, it’s best to walk them early in the morning or at night.

Another thing, if it’s hot, don’t shave their fur. They need this to help regulate the heat they receive.

It’s best to familiarize yourself with the signs of heatstroke or dehydration. You can do this by checking if your dog has the following:

Sunken eyes.
Poor skin elasticity.
Dry nose and gums.

Keep in mind: Whether in a hot or cold climate, you should manage their time outside and inside your home.

Learn more about: How to keep your Husky cool? 13 simple and effective ways

#9: They have a high prey drive

Huskies like chasing smaller things that run away from them.

It triggers their instinct to start running after whatever it may be.

This is why, if you’re out for a walk, you have to pay close attention to the environment.

Something as small as a basketball rolling down the street, a puppy on the loose, or a squirrel climbing up a tree. These can all trigger your Husky.

Now, if you have cats at home, it may be a problem. Especially if your Husky didn’t get used to growing up with them.

Cats can be the usual target of a Husky. What’s more, because they like running.

Again, this draws back to the way they were bred. As mentioned, they had minimal food supply.

So you could think that any small moving creature would be labeled as food to them.

Another issue here is if your cat’s getting all the attention. Jealousy is something that Huskies have as well.

This will trigger them to chase your cat no matter how far down the block.

A useful tip: Train your Husky with small moving objects and teach them how to stay and not chase them.

Doing that will prepare them for walks and when they encounter other small animals along the way.

#10: They’re a sociable breed

Though they aren’t as sociable towards cats, they are to other people and dogs.

One of the reasons for this is the pack mentality I told you about. With instincts of being in a pack, Huskies would protect the others in it.

This also makes us understand that they’re used to being around others. Which makes Huskies enjoy human company.

With their affectionate behavior, they can befriend complete strangers. They’re free-spirited and good-natured.

This makes them great companions for their dog parents.

This is also since the main thing they want is to play. So if someone throws a ball at them or play fetch, they’ll already consider you a friend.

Huskies would take any opportunity to play.

Though they’re also friendly to dogs, it’s still best to train them when meeting new ones. proper socialization teaches them the right way to approach new dogs.

This breed isn’t prone to aggression. It’s mainly all about companionship, friendliness, and loyalty.

But of course, all dogs have their moments. You have to be on the lookout for any triggers that your Husky could spot.

This would end up causing some hyperactivity to the point you might not be able to control.

Learn also: Are Huskies aggressive?

#11: They aren’t great guard dogs

If you’re aiming for a stern guard dog, a Husky isn’t the best choice.

Though they do look dangerous, it’s not the case. They love having company over.

With their friendly temperaments, they’d end up showing their toys to the intruder in your house. Yes, this will really scare them off. Kidding aside.

The best chance you can get is if your Husky howls to wake you up.

I also wondered, isn’t it ironic since their ancestors lived in the wild and fought to survive?

So why can’t your Husky be a guard dog? Well, this is simply how they’ve evolved.

Huskies love people too much to be aggressive towards them. They’re more focused on playing with anyone available.

As I’ve brought up, they’re also strong-willed. This takes them longer to understand cues and alerts.

They also get distracted easily. So if you leave them in the front yard as a guard dog, they could end up thinking of ways to escape instead.

You can also say that they’re more possessive than protective. They care more about who’s getting the attention than an intruder in your house.

This is why they should always be within your sight and not act as the sight for you nor your home.