Bringing a Siberian Husky pup home? We're excited for you! These dogs are endlessly entertaining, but we do recommend knowing what you're doing before getting one.
Here, we discuss how to prepare, what you should do and some Siberian Husky accessories we recommend.
Research the Siberian Husky breed
Siberian Huskies tend to do well with experienced owners. It's okay if you're not one, but it means you need to put in the groundwork and research the breed.
Given their intelligence, you need to make sure you train and socialize them well early on. This will help keep them mentally active too, as they can get bored easily due to their active minds.
Siberian Husky characteristics
Affectionate: Huskies are very affectionate dogs, and they love spending time with their owners, especially when they see you as the pack leader. This comes through with their sense of humor and playful nature.
Independence: Huskies, while they bond closely to their owners, have an independent streak, so it's important you keep them on a leash when they're out and about; sometimes, their strong prey drive can land them in trouble.
Active: They're high-maintenance dogs, so they need a good one or two hours of exercise a day. Plus, they'll need a good bit of grooming too to keep that coat nice and tidy.
Vocal: Huskies howl. It's loud. They like to hear themselves howl. We'll may need to work on stopping barking and howling as owners.
Siberian Husky must-haves
Here's a list of essential Siberian Husky puppy supplies:
Food and water bowls
Huskies get big, and they get big quickly. So, you'll need a larger bowl than normal. For larger bowls, one that holds between four and eight cups works, which is around what a Siberian Husky needs.
But Huskies aren't always large. So, get a smaller bowl at first, then increase the size as your pup grows. Dogs can get fussy about their bowls, so watch your pup as they eat. Generally, you should consider:
Their eating style
Preferred height
The floor
Their age
Remember: pet nutrition isn't easy, so read our guide if you want some pointers.
High-quality puppy food
Huskies need high-quality food and more calories than smaller dogs.
But each dog is different, so make sure you observe them closely. Oh, and don't feed them too much: Huskies are very food-motivated and can get obese quickly.
Comfortable bedding
Huskies are prone to dysplasia, especially in their hips, so getting them the right bed is important.
Here's what to consider when you're hunting for dog beds:
Your Husky's size: Each Husky is different, so get a bed that's the right size for them. Some may prefer an orthopaedic dog bed for their frame.
Material: Avoid beds with known irritants. Some dogs can have allergies to dog bed materials like wool and synthetic fabrics.
Comfort: A dog isn't going to like a bed they don't find comfortable.
Huskies can get fussy about their sleeping space, and they may prefer to sleep in your bed, so this will need some trial and error.
Leash and harness
As mentioned, Huskies must get used to their leash or harness. They have a strong prey instinct, and it gets difficult to keep them safe out and about without one.
Choosing between a leash and a collar is tough. We have a handy guide on it, but it really comes down to testing them out to see what your dog responds best to.
Identification tags
Sure, microchips do work. But ID tags can go a long way to keeping your Husky pup safe, too. They quickly help anyone who finds your dog get back into contact with you.
We recommend picking a tag with:
Your name and address, not your dog's
Weather-resistant materials
Scratch-proof materials
Clearly legible information
Siberian Husky grooming tools and accessories
A Siberian Husky's fluffy coat is one of the key reasons owners love them so much, but it doesn't groom itself.
You need to know how to groom and bathe them to keep their coats in good shape, and that starts from puppyhood.
Gentle brush for their skin and coat
You'll need to brush your Husky's coat weekly, as this helps encourage natural shedding and keeps their coat healthy.
Given their size, we recommend getting a large brush. But a lot will depend on what your Husky likes and adapts to.
Tearless puppy shampoo and conditioner
You won't need to bathe your Husky too often, but if you do, we recommend using tearless puppy shampoo and conditioner and reading our guide on how to bathe a puppy properly.
Nail clippers or grinder for regular grooming
You should cut your Husky's nails when they need it. We know that's a bit of a non-answer, but they'll need a cut if you notice them getting caught on things or hear them on the floor.
Our article on how to cut dog nails will have everything you need.
Ear cleaning solution and cotton balls
Yes, we know this job can get a bit gross, but it's needed! Keeping your dog's ears clean can help prevent ear infections, but you need to know what you're doing.
Remember to reward your pup with positive reinforcement for this, as it'll make things easier when your Husky's all grown up.
Siberian Husky toys and enrichment
As mentioned, Huskies love to play, and we recommend getting them a puppy-safe toy as soon as possible.
Overall, we recommend getting a mix of:
Chew toys, which help with teething and chewing
Interactive toys, which keep them mentally stimulated
Puzzle feeders, which help them solve problems
Tough, durable toys that can survive a Husky's strength (just make sure they don't have nasty chemicals or choking hazards)
Comfort toys to help them relax
Dog enrichment is a lifelong thing, and your Husky's tastes and likes can change quite a bit.
Siberian Husky safety and travel accessories
If you're one to travel, you'll need some Siberian Husky accessories to make it seamless. And you should know these things to consider when going away with one.
Overall, we recommend:
A crate or a carrier for safe transportation, but make sure it's the right size for your Husky
Seat belt or harness for car safety that's the right size
Reflective gear for nighttime walks
First aid kit for emergencies
Doggy life jacket for water activities, and you should make sure your Husky knows how to swim beforehand
Our guide on traveling with a dog can help too.
Prepare with dog insurance
Of course, dog insurance and puppy insurance can keep you prepared throughout your Husky's life.
Siberian Husky insurance can be a huge asset in the event that you face an unexpected vet bill.
Learn more today!