Know your Siberian Husky better
In this article, We’ll talk do huskies get along with small dogs? Siberian Huskies are known to be pleasant in disposition. However, it is important to monitor them when they are around smaller animals. Despite the generally friendly nature of Huskies, they have strong predatory instincts. Although, smaller dogs are not as much in danger as other small animals.
Huskies have a pack mentality. They will definitely recognize the smaller dogs as members of the pack once they get to know them.
Do Huskies Get Along With Small Dogs-A Detailed Guide
Huskies may appear just like wolves but they are very loving and caring by nature. They have a sense of independence, courage, and are very intelligent. They might require some training at the start but they would do great in the company of small dogs. It is recommended that you watch over them during these interactions, especially at the start.
Huskies are generally unsuspicious of strangers so it is never a challenge to introduce them. They are very outgoing.
Improperly socialized Huskies may react to the introduction of new dogs
Huskies have a pack mentality so they typically recognize other dogs in the family as members of the pack. However, in case your Husky hasn’t been properly socialized, there lies a chance that they might become defensive.
It is very important to engage your Husky in social interactions since the time they are young. Otherwise, there lies a possibility of biting and pouncing when any new animal is introduced. In such a case, your Husky would become afraid and act out of defense. This action could hurt the smaller dog.
Huskies with strong predatory instincts could be dangerous to small dogs
Huskies are known to be very affectionate and kind. They generally get along with other dogs in the family and seldom show aggression. However, this does have a correlation with the size of the concerned animal.
Huskies were originally reared in the cold regions of Siberia by nomadic Chukchi people. They utilized Huskies for pulling sleds and hunting for food. Like all other ancestral traits that Huskies still carry, they also carry the instinct to chase and hunt.
The sight of fast-moving small animals excites their ancestral predatory instincts and they act according to their nature. Although this factor is more crucial when it comes to cats, hamsters, rabbits, and squirrels, smaller dogs could also lie in danger. To be safe, it is recommended that they are always supervised.
Huskies have natural instincts to chase
Huskies have a natural tendency to run after animals that move fast. It is very important to pay attention to their behavior around other animals. If you notice that they get excited and have a tendency to chase, it is not wise to leave them alone with these animals. While they may not eat the smaller dog, they could definitely cause an accident or some injury. It could be dangerous for the other dog as well as for the Husky.
Huskies are not typically dangerous
Huskies have all the characteristics of good family dogs. They are loving, affectionate, caring, fun-loving, energetic, and very outgoing. When it comes to smaller dogs, they can definitely be trained to behave well around them.
Huskies are not suspicious
The unsuspecting nature of Huskies makes them terrible guard dogs. They are over-friendly with strangers and always crave affection. It is said that a Husky would probably invent games to play with a potential thief rather than drive them away. They are very social by nature and are always up for making new friends.
Huskies love company
Huskies are used to living in a pack. Because of their basic nature, they love being around other people and dogs. They are always up for making new friends.
Huskies are very friendly
Because of the pack mentality, Huskies are very friendly by nature. They are very social and love to play. Your Husky might not always look friendly with other dogs at the start, but they always end up being friends.
Huskies have some dangerous traits
Huskies are not typically aggressive or dangerously reactive. However, they have certain dangerous tendencies. These traits are not overtly negative. But they could have bad implications for smaller dogs.
Huskies are very energetic
Huskies are amongst the most energetic dog breeds. They were originally reared by the nomadic Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds in the harsh winter conditions. They have high energy levels and amazing stamina. Such that, your Husky absolutely requires intense physical activity up to two hours on a daily basis. In the absence of this physical activity, they tend to get weary and bored.
The absence of physical activity could also bring out destructive traits in Huskies. They tend to get frustrated and then release their excessive energy in other ways. In such a scenario, it is possible for your Husky to get aggressive and even dangerous. They would certainly become more dangerous for a smaller dog.
Huskies are independent by nature
Huskies have a strong sense of independence. They think independently and like to follow their own whims. This nature could also make them act stubborn at times. This also makes them very difficult to train.
You ought to have a lot of patience while training a Husky. You require consistent effort, relentless patience, and perseverance. Anyhow, you can make your Husky obedient to an extent and get them to follow certain commands. But there always lies a chance of them disobeying your command and acting on their own whim.
The training given to them from the start determines their tendency to disobey. However, they cannot be fully trusted around smaller dogs and must be supervised.
Huskies have a lot of strength
While this is definitely good quality, it may not be ideal for accompanying small dogs. Huskies have tremendous strength and mind-blowing agility. They are very playful and don’t miss any opportunity to engage the people around them in play.
Huskies also love to play fight. They develop this nature from their pack lifestyle. The excessive energy of your Husky could injure a smaller dog if they engage with them like this.
You can train your Husky to behave properly
No matter how their instincts tell them to behave, a well-trained Husky is bound to be obedient and kind. Proper training also reduces the tendency of aggression. It is important to recognize dominant behavior during training and control it effectively. Also, it is essential that you socialize your Husky early on. Well-exercised and frequently socialized Huskies are known to express better behavior.
Control dominant behavior
Every Husky puppy shows dominant behavior at the start. This is owed to the pack mentality of Huskies. This behavior ought to be addressed from the start. You need to make your Husky recognize you as the leader of the pack. Also, they must recognize that they lie at the bottom of the pack. A husky who think of themselves as the alpha in your household would cause problems.
Train your Husky effectively
No matter how much effort it takes, you must never give up on training your Husky. Proper training is the only way you can get your Husky to obey you. Training must start at a young age and must be consistent from then onwards.
Once they have mastered the basic obedience tasks, you can train them further to behave around smaller dogs.
Provide them with adequate exercise
Huskies need ample physical exercise to be happy. On average, they should be exercised for about two hours on a daily basis. Your Husky is very energetic and exercise is one way through which they can release all the excessive energy. Huskies love to run and can easily run many miles each day.
In the absence of proper physical exercise, Huskies become frustrated and bored. They then release their energy by other means. This could also bring out their aggressive side. Apart from physical exercise, it is also necessary to provide them with sufficient mental stimulation.
Your intelligent Husky needs some way to direct their curiosity. Interactive toys are a good way of directing their curiosity and keeping them engaged.
Make them social
You should socialize your Husky from a young age. Proper socialization is very beneficial in the reduction of aggression. Through socialization, Huskies learn to be friends with other dogs and people. They are less likely to get violent on new introductions.
Conclusion
Huskies can absolutely get along with small dogs. However, it is important for them to be supervised. Huskies are very friendly and affectionate by nature but they also have ancestral instincts to chase and hunt. Properly trained Huskies are less likely to display arrogant behavior. It is also very important to socialize them from a young age.
You ought to watch out for rough play around the smaller dog. It is recommended that you never leave them alone. Your Husky is not an inherently dangerous dog but is best to maintain precaution.