Siberian Huskies have made their way into the hearts of many due to their good looks, intelligence, and winning personalities.
However, these dogs do require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Luckily, there are many jobs and fun activities that you can do with your Siberian Husky.
Huskies love to run and explore, so any job or activity that involves this is great for them. In addition, many Siberian Husky owners choose to have their dog engage in activities that closely resemble their sled-pulling roots such as bikejoring and skijoring.
Today we will be giving you 20 jobs and activities that are great to do with Siberian Huskies.
We will also be answering some commonly asked related questions and giving you some important information that you should know about the Siberian Husky breed as well.
Let’s get to it!
Do Siberian Huskies Need a Job?
Siberian Huskies are a dog with a rich history, great personality, and are relatively easy to care for when it comes to an energetic dog. Here we will be taking a closer look into the Siberian Husky dog breed and if they could benefit from having a job.
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The History of the Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky has an extremely rich and old history. These dogs were first bred by the Chukchi people in Siberia as both sled dogs and loyal companions.
Siberian Huskies helped the Chukchi people on hunting expositions in extremely cold weather conditions.
This breed gained popularity and recognition in 1925 when Leonhard Seppala took his team of Siberian Huskies on the famous Serum Run after Diphtheria had broken out in the small town of Nome Alaska.
This run lasted five and a half days, and the team covered an incredible 658 miles in that time. Leonard Sappla and his team saved many lives by embarking on this amazing exposition.
Siberian Husky’s Personality and Temperament
Siberian Huskies are often described as a friendly, energetic dog that loves to have fun. Huskies are usually very affectionate dogs, and they tend to behave well around children and other dogs.
In fact, their overly friendly nature tends to make Siberian Huskies less than ideal guard dogs. As a result, you will need to keep looking if you desire a dog that is going to protect your property.
Despite their friendly nature, Siberian Huskies do require plenty of training and early socialization. This will set your Husky up for success and will ensure that your dog is accustomed to and friendly with other people and dogs.
In addition, a trained and socialized Siberian Husky will lead to a dog that is much easier to manage as well.
Siberian Huskies also have a fairly high prey drive. As a result, these dogs do not typically do well with cats or other small animals in the home. In addition, Huskies should always be on a leash or in a secured fenced area while outside.
Why Jobs are Beneficial For Huskies
Huskies were originally bred to pull sleds for long distances in cold temperatures. As a result, these dogs require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay both healthy and happy.
In fact, Huskies that haven’t been properly exercised and mentally stimulated tend to get into some destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing.
Giving your Husky a job and doing varied activities with your Siberian Husky is a great way to give them all of the exercise and mental stimulation that these dogs need.
20 Jobs & Activities for your Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies were bred to be able to run for hours effortlessly. As a result, these dogs require a lot of exercise, and it is recommended that Husky owners exercise their dog for at least two hours a day.
In addition to needing lots of exercise, Huskies are incredibly intelligent as well, and they also require a lot of opportunities to use their minds. Luckily, there are many jobs and activities that can provide your Siberian Husky with both of these things!
1. Go Hiking with your Husky
Hiking with your Siberian Husky is a great way to get both of you some healthy exercise and adventure. The new sights, sounds, and smells is a great source of mental stimulation for dogs as well. Plus it keeps exercising your dog fun and interesting for dog owners too!
2. Running
Running is yet another great source of exercise for both people and dogs. Huskies were bred to pull sleds, so they are equipped with the ability to run long distances, even in extremely cold weather.
In fact, many Husky owners will likely have a harder time keeping up with their dog than their dog will with keeping up with them. Running is a great way to tire out a Siberian Husky.
3. Trail Running
If you would like the benefit of the beautiful views that hiking brings but are looking for an exercise that is higher in intensity, then trail running is for you. This sport combines hiking and running, and it will likely tire your dog out faster than just hiking will.
However, trail running provides dogs with more mental stimulation than going for a run around the neighborhood will. This is because trail running introduces a lot of new sights, smells, and sounds to your dog.
4. Bikejoring
Bikejoring is a pretty popular activity for Siberian Husky owners because it brings these dogs back to their sled pulling roots. However, bikejoring is much more accessible to the average dog owner than sled dog training is.
Bikejoring involves having your dog pull you on a bike. This is done by hooking your dog up to the front of the bike with bikejoring equipment and a proper fitting harness, and havin you ride on the bike behind them.
This activity is great for fulfilling both your Husky’s exercise and mental stimulation needs.
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5. Skijoring
Skijoring is similar to bikejoring, but this sport attaches your dog to you while you are on skis. This sport is great for those who already enjoy skiing and want their dog to join in on the fun.
Also, like bikejoring, skijoring is a great way to fulfill your Siberian Husky’s exercise and mental stimulation needs at the same time.
6. Agility Training with your Husky
Agility training is a great activity for dogs who have tons of energy and are eager to learn new things. Agility training involves teaching a dog to go around an obstacle course.
Many dog owners just do this with their dog for fun, but there are also professional agility training competitions out there as well.
As an added bonus, agility training is pretty accessible to most dog owners. Many dog training clubs and facilities have agility courses that people can use for a small fee.
In addition, you can purchase agility training equipment. However, this is mostly for those who are very serious about their dog’s agility training. This is because agility training equipment requires a lot of space, and it can be pretty expensive as well.
7. Obedience Training
All dogs need at least a little obedience training. Learning to sit, stay, and come when called are all important skills for a dog to know.
Training your dog in obedience will ensure your dog’s safety and the safety of others. Not to mention, having a dog with good manners makes life as a dog owner much safer and easier.
Obedience training is also a great way to stimulate your Siberian Husky’s mind. In addition, obedience training group classes are great for your dog’s socialization, especially if they are still a puppy.
8. Trick Training
Trick training is similar to obedience training. However, the commands that are taught in trick training tend to be a bit more advanced and less practical than those that are taught during obedience training.
Some examples of tricks commonly taught in trick training include teaching your dog to jump through a hoop and teaching your dog to roll over.
Like obedience training, trick training is great for providing your Siberian Husky with mental stimulation. It can also be a fun way to bond with your dog and show off your dog’s skills.
9. Play Soccer with your Husky
Soccer is a fun game for both people and dogs to play together, and it is a particularly great game for older kids to play with their dogs. This game is one that Huskies love, and it is a great way to have fun while giving them exercise. In addition, playing soccer provides dogs with some mental stimulation as well.
10. Sled Dog Training
Huskies were originally bred to pull sleds, and many Husky owners have turned to sled dog training as a fun and fulfilling activity to do with their dogs.
Although this activity may not be available for everyone, those with the resources have found this activity to be amazing for their Siberian Huskies.
11. Sniffer Training
Sniffer training involves training your dog to be able to identify and seek out specific smells. Due to the Siberian Husky’s high intelligence, they are pretty good at this task.
In addition, this activity is great for providing your dog with mental stimulation, and it is fairly easy for the average dog owner to get into.
12. Go Swimming
Going swimming is a fun way to change things up when it comes to exercising your Siberian Husky. This activity can be done in a variety of places including the beach, pools that allow dogs, and even just your pool in the backyard.
This activity is great because it is fun for the whole family. In addition, this type of exercise is particularly great for dogs with an injury or condition. This is because swimming does not add as much pressure on bones and joints as running does.
13. Take Your Dog For a Bike Ride
If you do not like the idea of bikejoring but still want to take your Husky on a bike ride then you are in luck. There is equipment out there that allows for a dog to safely be connected to a bike where they can run alongside it as the owner rides.
14. Play Hide and Seek with your Siberian Husky
Hide and seek is a great game that provides mental stimulation for dogs. All you need to do is hide without your dog noticing and call their name. Once they find you, don’t forget to reward them!
15. Flyball Training
Flyball is a relay race that involves dogs running up to and jumping on a spring that releases a tennis ball. The next step is for the dog to catch the ball and bring it back to its owner.
This is an activity that can be done just for fun or you can compete in flyball championships.
16. Racing
Racing is another competitive activity that you can do with your Siberian Husky. As the name suggests, this activity involves dogs running alongside each other, and the fastest dog wins the race. This is a fun way for your dog to get plenty of exercise.
17. Play Some Fetch
Fetch is a great game to play with your dog, and it is a great game to mix things up in your dog’s daily routine. Fetch provides dogs with both exercise and mental stimulation.
18. Tug of War is Always Fun
Tug of war is yet another fun game to play with your Siberian Husky that provides them with light exercise and mental stimulation. Plus, this is a game that can be played indoors as a way to keep your dog busy on a rainy day.
19. Use Interactive Toys For Mental Stimulation
Interactive toys are a great way to provide your Husky with mental stimulation. These are great for days where you cannot venture out somewhere new, and you just want to keep your dog busy for a few minutes.
20. Visit the Dog Park
Visiting the dog park is a great outlet for your Husky to get some exercise and socialization by meeting and playing with other dogs. In addition, taking your dog to the dog park could be a great way for dog owners to socialize as well.
Conclusion
Huskies are very energetic and intelligent dogs, and they require a lot of daily exercise. Luckily, there are about 20 jobs and activities that you can give your Husky that will keep them healthy and happy.
Related Questions
Can you leave a husky alone for 8 hours?
Huskies are dogs that like to be social and near their families. As a result, leaving your Husky home alone for 8 hours or longer is not the best idea.
This is because Siberian Huskies are more prone to separation anxiety than some other dog breeds, and separation anxiety can lead to excessive barking and howling.
Are Huskies a lot of work?
Huskies require more exercise and attention than some of the other dog breeds out there. Therefore, this dog may be a bit too high maintenance for those with a lifestyle that does not allow you to spend a lot of time with your dog.
However, their grooming requirements are a lot less than some other dogs, so most of this time is spent running around and exploring.
How often do Huskies need to be walked?
Huskies require at least two hours of exercise each day. Although this exercise does not only include exercise from walks, at least one long walk a day is a good idea.
You will be thankful that you give your Husky a lot of exercise in the long run, because an underexposed Husky often digs, chews, and engages in other destructive behaviors.
Are Huskies hard to train?
Huskies are not the best dog for first-time dog owners, and this is because they are not the easiest dog to train. Huskies are naturally very energetic, independent, and intelligent.
All of these traits lead to a dog that can be difficult to keep focused on you and any training at hand.
What happens if you don’t train a Husky?
An untrained Husky is extremely difficult to manage. This is because these dogs have a seemingly endless amount of energy and are very smart.
As a result, you will likely have a dog that is an escape artist and troublemaker if you have a Husky that is not trained. This is why at least basic obedience training is recommended for all Huskies and their owners.