Are Siberian Huskies The Most Untrainable Dogs?

[dee lee]

Squeak, where do you go to obedience? It sounds awesome. I may not have a sibe but I definitely need a supportive club.

[GreatBigPuppy]

Where do you train if I may ask? Just curious. PM me if you like.

[huski]

Like Kavik said, you need to remember what Sibes were bred for and what their instincts are. They aren't bred to be a classically "biddable" breed. They are bred to think for themselves and be independent in nature. Someone once told me the difference with Sibes compared to others dogs is: if you had a breed like a Goldie on a sled and told it to turn, it would turn instantly - and straight into the nearby tree. A sibe however would wait, and turn AFTER the tree :D

I actually find Micha very easy to teach things to. He's incredibly intelligent and works things out very quickly. However, he will only do something if he sees a point to it - that's the challenge I think Micha, for a sibe, is a fairly easy dog. Even our trainer remarked he is very calm for a Sibe ;)

Don't get me started on the beagle though - I found her MUCH harder to train than Micha.

Edited August 31, 2008 by huski

[~*Shell*~]

Has anyone else found that their husky goes into "work mode" when they're doing training?

Zero gets this look on his face and becomes very focused on what he's doing so he picks things up very quickly. Getting him to try and do those things when he's not in work mode is a completely different story though! When we're working he'll do the same move over and over (he almost gets commands drilled into him) so we're able to perfect it but try to get him to do it once when he's doing his own thing and it's next to impossible unless i have his attention (or a treat!).

[Just Midol]

Both of the sibes here learn tricks fine.

However... One needs training sessions of 1.5 minutes and the other can almost handle 3.

Both pick up tricks easily enough BUT it's proofing the tricks under distraction which is where it gets tougher and corrections are needed imo. They both know that COME means come but chasing xx or doing yy is more interesting to them so I am slowly introducing corrections. If I tell my dogs to jump (which I do) then they are expected to jump for me whether they want to or not. I don't care i fence fighting a chicken is more fun they are always expected to come to me or do whatever i darn well tell them to do

Our training is to blame... not the dog I've gone from being a Sibes can't be trained person to a any dog can be trained person providing we can figure out how to train the individual dog.

Dunno if I make any sense but meh

[Kavik]

I was going to use that example too huski with the Goldie and the sled

[huski]

I was going to use that example too huski with the Goldie and the sled

I love it! Perfect example IMO. People who think Sibes are stupid or untrainable often look at it from the wrong angle. I didn't get a Sibe expecting him to train like a border or any of the other more popular obedience dogs. It's the same with my beagle - yes she's not the world's easiest dog to train in obedience but take her out lurecoursing or get her on a scent and she does her job perfectly.

[MonElite]

Squeak, where do you go to obedience? It sounds awesome. I may not have a sibe but I definitely need a supportive club.

You need to come to "my" club at Peakhurst. Its great fun.

Saturdays 3 pm

[Tahna]

Siberian Husky are they like most view as being untrainable and disobedient?

A trainer from my obedience school commented that I hadn't chosen the right breed for a novice or first time dog owner, making out as if she would never be fully as obedient or trained like other breeds there. Might I add she is only 9 months and gets extremely excited to be around other dogs because that is the only time she gets to see them. She is very friendly, non-aggressive approach and submissive but at the end of the day only wants to play with someone other than me all the time.

Was the trainer correct, had I chosen a breed that is extremely difficult and would find it more difficult than other owners and will never be 100% obedient?

Sibe owners much appreciated on your insight on how you trained yours or their training approach and the sibe's participation behaviour attitude.

(Also non-sibe, owners of different breeds more than welcomed to add their 2 cents in.)

Thank you everyone. :p

Siberian Huskies are very trainable, both of my guys do obedience and we love it. The key is to make it fun for them, training will be much quicker if they decide they want to do it rather than doing it because you want them to. You have to work out what your dog will work for. This may be food treats, pats, or praise.

Your girl is very young and yes huskys can be sooo over the top excitable. You have to teach her manners when approaching other dogs as some will not appreciate a husky coming in with the determination of a freight train like I know my girl used to LOL. You need to be the boss at home (pack leader), this is incredibly important to avoid issues as she grows older, this is crucial!!! She will settle down as she gets older, by the time she is 3 or 4 she will have matured and you will look back and laugh at all the silly things she did.

You may wish to join your states Husky Club as this can be a fantastic way to learn more about the breed and how they differ from other breeds that may be a bit easier.

[dee lee]

Squeak, where do you go to obedience? It sounds awesome. I may not have a sibe but I definitely need a supportive club.

You need to come to "my" club at Peakhurst. Its great fun.

Saturdays 3 pm

I would love to- had some other recommendations for it too!!

Still have to wrangle the family to manage it. THEY are even more uncooperative than the dog!!

Sibes untrainable? Try my family :p

[MonElite]

deelee - Its a nice park, they can play ball near by, or ride a bike etc.

[husky princess]

I would like to give a shout out acknowledge and thank you sincerely the amazing contribution from the following and others which has given me a bright light at the end of the dark tunnel. I look forward to training her everytime now thanks to all your kind words and thoughts. You all sound like you have wonderful and obedient sibes and keep up the good work for those still going hard at it. I hope anyone considering a sibe or any breed some peopel consider "DIFFICULT, STUBBORN, HEAD STRONG, UNTRAINABLE" to read the many excellent experiences and advice in the forum and remember that, where there is a will there's a way. Good luck and thank you again.

itkay - Exactly it the trainer who has a problem with the sibes has a border collie and on that day her dogs were enticed by 2 different puppies trying to get close to them and escaped from their tether and rushed over to the puppies. And as I was the last one walking behind everyone else towards class she noticed I wasn't interested in what happen and was concentrating on getting my pup to class. Came over and gave a talking to.

The owners of the 2 puppies that were trying to get to her dogs weren't interested in listening to anything she had to say, as it was crowded enough without getting into close proximity to another dog she directed it to me instead. I'm actually very polite and kind so I just said OK and nodded my head. From that day on she's noted how sibes are so disobedient and untrainable.

I've learnt never to take her off the lead in any public or new area where she will run non stop and only take it off in the safety of the backyard. And with your theory, you may be on something there. I am very happy with my sibe and wouldn't trade her in for any different dog or breed.

Does your sibe chase the horses?

Rusky - My attitude completey towards this subject, I deeply enjoy training her and she definitely makes me laugh. It's just when someone who isn't even your instructor says sibe's are untrainable making out as if I should just give up now and leave the club, that really becomes annoying. I mean every dog is different, a lot of people in a seperate group on the same level commented on how well she's behaving and that she's the best out of all the bigger dogs. The instructor owns a border collie and tells ME a sibe owner that my dog is difficult and will always be.

The breeder told my husband the same thing when he picked her up as a surprise present for me that they are very intelligent unbeknown to the general public.

Shell - Good thing is yes I am ignoring her because she isn't even MY instuctor and she still has the nerve to say those things, I mean c'mon. MY INSTRUCTOR says there is no such thing as "untrainable" and don't stereotype her into the "DIFFICULT LEVEL" because she's a sibe. Another instuctor who taught my class twice says it's normal for a dog that doesn't interact with anyone person or dog besides my husband and I. And that I should bring her a bit earlier so she has time to interact or paly with the other puppies to calm her down. They've very positive and assuring that she can do just as good as anyone. "NO EXCUSES PLOISE."

And with walking she does the same thing, as we come up to any road that we need to cross I get her to always sit and before we enter or leave the house. I also say "Leave" if she is getting too close to another dog's space or lagging behind. It's great.

I was asked to join the current club but will take your advice and search around for one that suits my needs and pupps. The new club sounds just right for you.

The other club sounds like they just couldn't be bothered to help/train/teach any person/breed.

Sam&Saki - That line is very funny, and those sympathy looks also - hmmmm classic.

Yes that is true about the treats during class, many instructors have commented saying "you should try something else like roast chicken" I just reply "I could give her steak and she'd still rather go play with the other dogs." "Steaks she can get at home anytime but one thing I don't have back there is puppies and playful dogs!" She loves those treats I have with me in class once I get home and reward her for doing something right, so I know it's not the food. But they also have the smurk look, like they know your dog and your situation.

One size doesn't fit all!

I will try the agility training or sledding. I agree they are not untrainable, I mean if it were that difficult why else would a sibe owner buy another sibe if they were so disobedient and horrid.

Miss B - I agree recall is not their thing and would never let her off the leash ever, I'd learnt the hard way the first time and have never forgotten. I am doing the same no food is free, even bones.

So who rules your roost?

anita - OMG that's what I was thinking the whole time, she has no idea how this pup came to be with me, not only was she a surprise birthday/christmas present but what would you like me to do give her away and find a breed that is seen as EASY? I'm doing the responsible thing by taking her to learn basic obedience so she wouldn't misbehave when socialising outside of her inner circle.

Absolutely I'm sure those BC's are doing great things but I that isn't my dog!

Squeak - Congratulations on your commitment to training her and sticking to your guns. In the beginning at home when I was training her personally I almost cried because I thought I had gotten the pup that hated me and didn't want to listen but after learning and watching her I realised and still, how to cater to her personality and attitude.

WOW so many tricks you must've put in a lot of effort. As I said before the instuctor who commented on my sibe isn't even teaching my class and she owns a collie, so that explained a few things for me. You deserve a pat on the back and gives anyone out there who gets down to keep going and it will eventually become 2nd nature to them.

huski - LOL goldie turn, turn straight into a tree. That is classic! LOL. Micha sounds like a very good boy, but that's different the beagle is the difficult one.

Lord Midol - Our training technique and methods is the reason to blame I agree, I'm learning how to use what they've taught with my own and figuring out what works for me.

Are you saying your training session is only 1 min and a half and 3 minutes is that right? How many lessons do you conduct in a day?

Tahna - Great to hear your husky is a pleasure to train and a good girl. In the house she does see me as the ALPHA DOG or TOP DOG but onces she gets out and smells the scent of dogs in her reach and view, she goes NUTS! She wears a halter and bounces up and down twisting like a bunny. The observing instructor saw this behaviour as disobedient and wild. I will definitely look up the Husky club in Vic.

THANK YOU AGAIN and always feel free to contribute more as it helps me & others tremendously. All please add experiences and advice.

Edited September 1, 2008 by husky princess

[Just Midol]

Yaha.

How many times a day, sometimes 5, sometimes 2, sometimes none. I just judge how eager they are at the time.

[Miss B]

Miss B - I agree recall is not their thing and would never let her off the leash ever, I'd learnt the hard way the first time and have never forgotten. I am doing the same no food is free, even bones.

So who rules your roost?

We do now, thanks to NILIF

Minook used to barge through the back door as soon as we opened it to let her in of an evening. We have taught her now that she must sit and wait for permission to enter the house. Even if I am standing there with the door wide open, she won't come in now until she is invited. Same with her food bowl - we put it down, BUT she's not allowed to touch one morsel of food until given permission.

It has taken a lot of persistence and frustration, but when you finally succeed it is well worth all the effort

Good luck with Sayuri!!

[husky princess]

Yaha.

How many times a day, sometimes 5, sometimes 2, sometimes none. I just judge how eager they are at the time.

So if you go longer than that they just lose interest? The reason for asking is that in class they're currently want us to teach them 2-3 sets of 10 minute lessons.

Miss B - I agree recall is not their thing and would never let her off the leash ever, I'd learnt the hard way the first time and have never forgotten. I am doing the same no food is free, even bones.

So who rules your roost?

We do now, thanks to NILIF

Minook used to barge through the back door as soon as we opened it to let her in of an evening. We have taught her now that she must sit and wait for permission to enter the house. Even if I am standing there with the door wide open, she won't come in now until she is invited. Same with her food bowl - we put it down, BUT she's not allowed to touch one morsel of food until given permission.

It has taken a lot of persistence and frustration, but when you finally succeed it is well worth all the effort

Good luck with Sayuri!!

Oh thank you for your well wishes and you sound like a great teacher. They learn very fast sibes, but sometimes I feel like she knows it but slips up and then either way it becomes a test where if we don't pick it up and correct put them in their place they learn to ignore then forget. I did that in the beginning but my husband decided one slip up was ok and didn't send her back out and correct her, next time she just ran in. Now months later you don't even need to ask just open the door wide open and sits right in front even with my husband enticing her waving a bone. She gets the bone once she sits and waits for "come in."

To be honest I am very proud of her progess as she learnt very early at only 9 weeks old to sit and adding more commands, so my problem isn't with her but the perception and comments dished out to my face. You know what I mean?

X

Edited September 1, 2008 by husky princess

[Just Midol]

Yeah they lose interest.

10 minutes is far too long imo.

Try dropping back to 3m three times a day and see if they improve at all. Longer doesn't necessarily mean better.

Edited September 1, 2008 by Lord Midol

[poodlefan]

HP:

I to be honest is very proud of her progess as she learnt very early only a 9 weeks old to sit and adding me commands, so my problem isn't with her but the perception and comments dished out to my face. You know what I mean.

The best way to deal with detractors is to prove them wrong. Success is always the best revenge.

Your average dog club trainer will see a lot of Sibes bought by novice owners "because they look like wolves" and has to deal with people who don't understand why their dog isn't doing and may never do what the Border Collies and Golden Retrievers are doing. Frankly the limitation factors are often at the owners end of the leash.

Sibes aren't usually easy to train, few will be drilled and many have high prey drive that makes them switch off to everything when they are in hunt mode. That doesnt' make them "untrainable".. for an owner who's prepared to step up.

There are Sibes out there who are trained by talented owners to do a great many things.

[husky princess]

Yeah they lose interest.

10 minutes is far too long imo.

Try dropping back to 3m three times a day and see if they improve at all. Longer doesn't necessarily mean better.

That sounds great thanks and should there be limits to how many tricks per lesson, or do you stick to 4 a lesson or less/more?

Edited September 1, 2008 by husky princess

[husky princess]

Thank you poodlefan for your encouraging and kind words. I am so determined and driven to do exactly what you wrote and prove everyone wrong. Oh and excuse me for the typo I just finished editing it to make more sense. LOL. I type so fast and click things here and there then my fingers press the wrong button before you know it, it's been posted.

Oh and the poodle in the small dog group is so adorable, you must get adoring looks and great comments while walking yours.

[poodlefan]

Thank you poodlefan for your encouraging and kind words. I am so determined and driven to do exactly what you wrote and prove everyone wrong. Oh and excuse me for the typo I just finished editing it to make more sense. LOL. I type so fast and click things here and there then my fingers press the wrong button before you know it, it's been posted.

Oh and the poodle in the small dog group is so adorable, you must get adoring looks and great comments while walking yours.

I'm frequently told that my poodles aren't "real dogs". Many breeds suffer from negative stereotypes.. ask any Pitbull owner.

You will have to think outside the square training a Sibe. You'll learn a lot.