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In this article, We’ll talk about can huskies be service dogs? Huskies are very intelligent and superbly energetic. But whether they make good service dogs is a question you must speculate. Huskies were primarily utilized by the nomadic Chukchi people of Siberia in pulling sleds. This is why they are of utmost suitable in serving the role of sled service dogs.
There are many types of service dogs and Huskies can definitely be trained to accomplish many of those roles. However, training Huskies may require more effort and patience as compared to certain other dog breeds. This is why they are primarily encouraged for use as sled dogs.
Can Huskies Be Service Dogs- A Detailed Guide
If you understand the relentless qualities that make a good service dog and compare them with the temperament of Huskies, you’d better understand which jobs they are well suited for. Service dogs are specially trained to aid their owners in defined tasks. These tasks are trained to be dependable and are able to perform various tasks.
Service dogs are intelligent
Considerable intelligence is a chief attribute of service dogs. Their exceptional intelligence makes them adept at solving various problems with ease. At times, the service dog would be required to make decisions on their own. A highly intelligent dog is required to analyze situations on its own and react in the most favorable manner for its owner.
Service dogs are very confident
It is essential for service dogs to be confident so that they can perform adequately even in times of stress. Dogs that quickly develop anxiety are not fit to become service dogs.
Service dogs have a calm demeanor
Service dogs ought to assist their owners in various situations. It is essential for them to be calm even when there are many distractions. Service dogs remain calm and free of anxiety even in moments of stress. This helps them act soundly and make the right decisions.
Service dogs are friendly by nature
Dogs who are affectionate and loving by nature make the best service dogs. It is important for service dogs to be protective but they should not be overprotective lest they turn violent towards strangers. Well-trained friendly dogs are better able to look after and assist their owners.
Service dogs like company
The job of a service dog is to look after its owner and accompany them in their everyday tasks. Dogs that resort to a more independent way of thinking might not be a great fit for this purpose. Good service dogs bond with their owners and provide them great company.
Service dogs have a great work ethic
It is important for a good service dog to love working. This is because they will be required to perform various tasks and it is essential that they like it.
There are different types of service dogs
There are many different types of service dogs and they all require different qualities to be great in their purpose. Depending on the type of work they are supposed to do, different dogs would have different work ethics.
Different types of service dogs include hearing dogs, emotional support dogs, PTSD dogs, guide dogs, mobility assistance dogs, rescue dogs, sled emergency dogs, and medical emergency dogs.
Huskies generally do not make good service dogs
Huskies do not have the typical qualities a service dog is required to have. They may be very intelligent. But they also have a huge sense of independence and they like to follow their own heart. Moreover, Huskies are quite difficult to train. This is why they are not usually very reliable.
Huskies are difficult to train
Huskies are not very easy to train. They are very stubborn and will not follow a command easily. Training them requires a lot of patience, persistence, and effort on the part of the owner. One has to repeat the same task numerous times under varying circumstances so that the dog learns. But even then, Huskies cannot always be trusted to obey. As compared to most other dogs, training Huskies is quite an ordeal.
Huskies have a sense of independence
Huskies are very independent by nature and they like to think for themselves. They are wild at heart and love to follow their own heart. At times, they can be stubborn and choose to ignore your command. These are not the signs of a good service dog. In the case of an emergency, a Husky would not be reliable.
Huskies suffer from separation anxiety
Huskies are quite prone to suffering from separation anxiety. They cannot be left alone for long periods and always crave company. When alone, they can get frustrated and vent out their frustration by destructive means. Most Huskies choose to howl when they are anxious. Others can even develop aggression and become destructive. Sometimes Huskies can destroy the owner’s furniture because their demands aren’t being met.
Huskies are very mischievous
Huskies are very naughty and mischievous. They have a strong predator instinct and they tend to chase any animal that swiftly escapes their field of vision. They are well-known for chasing other animals and for often hunting down small animals as prey.
This is because Huskies were originally reared by the nomadic Chukchi people to hunt food. Huskies still carry those instincts. As service dogs, they cannot be relied on when such instincts come into action.
Huskies are not very calm
An emotional support dog needs to be very calm for its owner. Huskies are not exactly calm. They are loving, affectionate, and caring. But they can get very demanding at times. In the absence of sufficient physical activity, they tend to become very moody and can also throw tantrums at their owner.
Huskies are not suspicious by nature
Service dogs need to be alert to offer adequate protection to their owners. Huskies are not exactly suspicious by nature. In fact, they are over-friendly. They tend to form friends with whomever they meet. Huskies generally like to engage strangers in play. So even if somebody means to harm you, your Husky wouldn’t know.
Huskies are high maintenance
Huskies require a lot of maintenance for service dog duties. They need to be regularly brushed and there are certain environments that they cannot serve in, especially when the sun is out. Their body is very susceptible to heat and they can readily choke from discomfort. Also, the physical needs of Huskies cannot be easily met by everyone.
Huskies require up to two hours of physical activity on a daily basis. And the physical exercise needs to be intense so that most of their high energy levels are utilized. People with special needs cannot usually avail of so much maintenance.
Huskies are unreliable
Huskies are not amongst dogs that can be relied upon. They have a mischievous spirit and are more playful family pets. It is not very easy to control a Husky’s free spirit. They get anxious easily and do not behave calmly in stressful situations. In fact, they are known to be master escapists. They are highly intelligent, very energetic, and supremely agile. They are known to jump over fences as high as six feet and they can also escape by digging holes underneath the ground.
Huskies demand a lot of pampering
Huskies demand quite a lot of pampering from their owners. This may be an acceptable quality for a family pet dog. But this is certainly not a good quality for a service dog. A person with emotional needs shouldn’t have to provide more emotional support to their dog than they get in return.
However, Huskies can be amazing sled emergency dogs
Huskies are amazing sled emergency dogs and are well utilized for this purpose. This is essential because of their innate ability to pull sleds, high energy levels, and the ability to work hard.
Huskies have an instinct to pull sleds
Huskies were utilized by the nomadic Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. They still hold that act in their instincts. While some people may regard this activity as cruel. It wouldn’t seem cruel if you watch Huskies pull sleds. The dogs are very happy to engage in this act and it is a good vent for their enormous energy levels.
Huskies have high energy levels
Huskies are very powerful dogs and definitely hold the capacity to pull sleds up to long distances.
Huskies can endure the cold climate
Huskies have been made to thrive in the coldest of conditions and environments. Their splendid double coat, furry ears, and paws provide sufficient warmth to battle the coldest conditions.
Huskies can work hard
Huskies are hard-working by nature and they are very well suited to this job.
Conclusion
While the temperament of Huskies is not suitable for most services that dogs are equipped for. They are definitely suitable for the role of sled emergency dogs. This is because of their high energy levels, hard-working nature, tolerance to cold climate, and instinctive desire to pull sleds.