Huskies are versatile dogs with a wide range of interests. Here is a brief overview of some canine activities that you may enjoy trying. For more information, consult your local kennel club, breed club, or the American Kennel Club. Participation is open to all.
This list is not exhaustive and the possibilities for activities with your Husky are limited only by your imagination.
Agility
Canine agility is a rapidly growing dog sport that provides excellent exercise for both the dog and its owner. It involves a timed race over 14 to 16 obstacles at the Novice level, including jumps, tunnels, ramps, seesaws, pause tables, and weave poles. Both speed and accuracy are important.
The dog relies on the owner’s cues and body language to navigate the course. Agility is open to all breeds and sizes, and the agile, speedy, and energetic Siberian Husky is an excellent candidate. However, due to their independent nature, it may be necessary to convince them to follow directions rather than making their own decisions. Siberian Huskies can excel at this sport with the use of treats and positive encouragement. Obedience training is recommended prior to participating in agility due to the Siberian Husky’s tendency to run wherever they please.
Warning
Due to their tendency to have focus issues, it is not recommended to attempt agility with a Siberian Husky off-leash unless the area is completely fenced, even if the dog has completed obedience training.
Tip
To begin agility training with your Siberian Husky, enroll in an agility class at a local dog club. It is recommended that your dog be at least one year old and fully developed before starting. Official American Kennel Club competitions are only open to dogs aged 15 months or older. It is strongly recommended to have your dog undergo a thorough veterinary examination and ensure that their vaccinations are up to date before beginning agility training.
Many dog clubs have the necessary equipment for agility training. If your Siberian Husky enjoys agility, you may consider purchasing your own obstacles, provided that you have sufficient space in your backyard. It is recommended to devote approximately 20 minutes per day to practice, as Siberian Huskies may have difficulty remembering commands due to their active minds.
If you are a member of a dog club or dog park with publicly available equipment, you may not need to purchase your own. However, if desired, you can gradually build or purchase your own hurdles and walks online. It is not necessary to acquire all the equipment at once.
Bikejoring
Are you ready for a new adventure? Grab your mountain bike and your Siberian Husky (or Huskies) and try bikejoring. This sport allows you to experience the thrill of sledding without snow and allows your Husky to fulfill their natural talent as a puller. In bikejoring, the dogs pull the rider over land while the rider can assist by pedaling. There are a few competitions for this sport in the United States (with more in Europe), and the races are generally geared towards fun rather than winning. However, it is important to note that both you and your dog must be in top physical condition to participate.
You dog needs to able to follow verbal cues, so a strong obedience background is a must. Common commands are
- Hike! (“Let’s go!”)
- On by! (“Ignore the dead possum in the road.”)
- Leave It! (“Okay, drop the dead possum!”)
- Out There! (“Run to the end of line and pull.”)
- Slow! (“Take it down a notch.”)
- Stop/Halt/Whoa! (“Stop!”)
- Straight! (“Go straight through the crossroad!”)
- Turn! (“Reverse direction.”)
- Yield! (“Move off the trail; someone is coming the other way.”)
Technical stuff
Using traditional commands such as “Gee!” (meaning “Turn right”) and “Haw!” (meaning “Turn left”) can be an enjoyable experience for more advanced dogs.
Before attempting bikejoring, it is important to train your Siberian Husky while on foot and gradually progress to using a bike at a slow speed. Avoid practicing this sport on concrete as it can be harmful to your dog’s feet. Sandy or soft soil is the best surface for bikejoring.
It is important to bring a first-aid kit and plenty of water when participating in this sport. Regularly check your Husky’s feet during practice. If you pursue bikejoring with passion, it is recommended that your Husky wear booties to protect their feet.
In addition to a dog or two and bike, you need the following equipment:
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Booties for the dog
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Eye protection for you (dogs kick up a lot of debris)
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Gloves
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Padded x-back harness
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Skijoring line, 9 or 10 foot
If you’re running two dogs, you’ll need a neckline between them, bridle loop to attach to the bike.
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Reflective vests for both of you
Another sport similar to bikejoring is footbiking or scottering.
Canicross
Canicross, also known as CaniX, is a sport that involves jogging with your dog without holding a leash. While Siberian Huskies are not typically reliable off-leash, in Canicross the leash is attached to a belt rather than your hand, allowing the dog to pull you. This makes it an ideal sport for Huskies.
Canicross is not a sport for the faint of heart or those with physical limitations. However, it has been estimated that dedicated joggers can reduce their time by 30 seconds per mile due to the added power provided by their dog. Siberian Huskies are ready for Canicross between the ages of 12 and 18 months, with light training possible before then.
Remember
While bikejoring and skijoring are primarily dog races, Canicross is a race for humans. However, the dog also receives a significant workout, particularly when pulling the owner uphill.
You need the following equipment to race:
- Padded x-back harness
- Husky boots
- Bungee cord (2 feet long at full stretch)
- Belt secured with leg straps
In Canicross, the same commands used in bikejoring can be applied. As you become more comfortable with running, you can learn to use your body weight and lean back to slow down your dog.
Carting (with a Cart or with Equipment)
Carting, also known as drafting, is an activity in which a Siberian Husky (or Huskies) pulls a two- or four-wheeled vehicle. It is a summertime version of mushing or sledding and is done using a cart instead of a sled.
Carting can be done for fun or competitively, with separate events for dogs pulling people and those pulling equipment. Different styles of carts are used for each event. Voice commands can be used to control the Husky during carting, or the dog can be led if children are riding in the cart. The commands used in carting are the same as those used in bikejoring and canicross, with a special emphasis on the “Stop” command. It is important for any dog to learn to stop when instructed.
Technical stuff
In carting, a two-wheeled vehicle is technically referred to as a cart or sulky, while a four-wheeled vehicle is called a wagon. A wagon can carry more weight and has the advantage of supporting itself without bearing down on the dog as a cart does. It is important to carefully balance carts to avoid injuring the Siberian Husky.
In carting competitions (both this type and the type in the next section), dogs have to pass ten tests:
- Making 90 degree right and left turns
- Making right and left circles
- Halting
- Moving at normal, fast, and slow speeds
- Backing up
- Ignoring sound and moving distractions
- Moving through gates of different widths
- Weaving through poles or posts
- Making Figure 8s around a tree or traffic cones
- Standing quietly while persons or objects are being unloaded
Some carting competitions include a freight haul of half a mile or more to test the endurance of the dogs.
In carting, you are not limited to using just one Siberian Husky. Two Huskies working side by side can make excellent partners. However, it is important to ensure that the dog is at least 18 months old before allowing them to pull anything heavier than their own weight. Dogs are capable of pulling several times their own weight with ease and all breeds can enjoy this sport, with Siberian Huskies being particularly well-suited.
Obedience training is essential for participating in carting. An untrained dog pulling a cart can be dangerous. While carting can be enjoyable, it also has practical applications. Service dogs trained in carting can assist their owners by carrying heavy items.
Conformation
Huskies are a highly admired breed of dogs, and showcasing them in conformation events can be a rewarding experience. These events, also known as dog shows, involve a judge evaluating the dog's adherence to the breed standard. For those interested in participating, it is recommended to refer to Chapter Recognizing What a Siberian Husky Is (and Isn’t) of the Husky's breed standard for guidance.
Your Husky will compete against other Huskies in conformation shows. If chosen as Best of Breed, your Husky will then compete against other dogs in the Working Group. If your Husky wins this competition, it will be eligible for the Best in Show title and compete against other group winners.
Dogs entering conformation shows must be registered with the sponsoring organization, such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. In the United Kingdom, it is The Kennel Club.
Conformation shows can vary in scale and atmosphere. While some shows may have a high level of glitz and glamour, others may be more low-key and family-oriented. To participate, all that is required is the right dog. However, conformation can be unforgiving and subjective. Small physical imperfections or variations in judging can greatly impact a dog’s performance. It is not uncommon for a dog to place first one day and not receive a ribbon on another day with a different judge.
Remember
A reputable breeder should provide honest information about a dog’s potential for conformation shows. Not all puppies in a litter may be of show quality, and this may not be apparent until the puppy is several months old. If you are interested in showing your dog, it is important to discuss this with the breeder before purchasing a puppy. A responsible breeder will assist you in selecting the right dog and may also provide guidance and mentorship. It is not in the best interest of a reputable breeder to sell a non-show quality dog for the purpose of showing, as it could reflect poorly on their reputation.
One technicality to note is that conformation dogs are typically not allowed to be shown if they have been neutered. This is because the original purpose of dog shows was to promote breeding stock. Despite objections to this rule, it remains in place. However, neutered dogs are allowed to participate in other events such as agility and obedience.
To get started in conformation shows, it is recommended to work with your breeder and local kennel club. Handling classes may be available to help you learn how to show your dog. While some individuals may choose to hire a professional handler, there is no reason why you cannot learn to handle your own dog. It is not a difficult skill to acquire and can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Technical stuff
Experienced dog handlers are often familiar with the preferences of different judges and may choose to enter shows accordingly. This knowledge can help increase the chances of success in conformation shows.
Diving Dog
Diving Dog is a sport that originated from dock diving. It requires a dock or a similar structure that is approximately 40 feet in length. The North America Diving Dog (NADD) offers events that may be held in conjunction with AKC dog shows, and the AKC recognizes NADD titles.
In this sport, the handler stands at the edge of the dock and throws their dog’s favorite toy into the water. On command, the dog races to the end of the dock and jumps into the water to retrieve the toy. The goal is for the dog to jump as far as possible. Beginner dogs may only jump a few feet, while more experienced dogs can jump 30 feet or more. Dogs can compete for distance or height, with the latter being called air retrieve.
To participate in this sport, all that is required is a towel and a toy. Life vests are also permitted for dogs. Dogs must be at least 6 months old to compete.
Obedience
AKC Obedience is a competitive sport that highlights the proficiency of your Husky in adhering to prescribed commands and routines. The objective is to achieve a perfect score of 200, while a score of 170 is deemed qualifying. Obedience encompasses various levels, and the dog is confronted with several challenges, including the following:
- Heeling off Leash
- Standing for Examination
- Recall
- Long Sit (1 minute)
- Long Down (3 minutes)
At higher levels of AKC Obedience, dogs are required to perform more advanced tasks such as broad jumps, high jumps, retrieving on command, and scent discrimination. Obedience is a sport that has benefits beyond the show ring, teaching dogs to follow commands and perform various tasks.
Obedience is a judged AKC event that was developed in the 1930s. Unlike other dog sports that involve high levels of physical activity, obedience focuses on training dogs to follow commands and perform specific tasks such as sitting, lying down, jumping, and retrieving.
All dogs are eligible to compete in obedience, with the caveat that mixed breeds must be neutered. Dogs must be at least 6 months old to compete and blind dogs are not eligible. Obedience tests are available at multiple levels, from Novice to Utility.
Huskies are known for their independent nature and may require more patience when training for obedience. However, with dedication and persistence, it is possible for a Husky to excel in this sport.
Rally
Rally Obedience, also known as Rally-O, is a competition that was once considered a beginner’s obedience event but is now recognized as a sport in its own right. Unlike traditional obedience, which follows a set course and pattern, Rally has no predetermined course. The course is typically not revealed until approximately half an hour before the event, adding an element of unpredictability to the competition.
The Rally course is marked with between 10 and 20 signs indicating what you should do at each sign. Examples include the following:
- About turn right. Halt.
- 180 pivot left. Halt.
- Halt. Down. Walk around dog.
- Back up three steps. Dog stays in position.
- Halt. Turn right one step. Call to heel. Halt.
In Rally Obedience, the goal is to achieve a score of 100 points. At lower levels, dogs are allowed to be on a leash, which can be helpful when training Huskies. Higher levels of Rally include jumps and directed jumps, where the dog is required to jump in a specific location as directed by the handler.
One key difference between Rally and traditional obedience is that handlers are allowed to talk to and encourage their dogs during Rally, but not touch them. In traditional obedience, handlers are not permitted to talk to their dogs. Rally also allows for a redo, while traditional obedience does not. Some individuals believe that Rally judges are less strict than obedience judges in terms of heeling position and other criteria. However, this is a matter of individual opinion and may vary.
Skijoring
Skijoring is a Norwegian word that means “ski-driving.” It is a sport that combines sledding and cross-country skiing and can be done with horses, motorized vehicles, or dogs such as Siberian Huskies. Skijoring races vary in length, with short-distance events ranging from 3 to 10 miles and long-distance events covering 20 to 50 miles. The Alaskan Iditasport is a particularly challenging race that covers 64 miles.
While some individuals claim that expert skiing skills are not necessary to participate in skijoring, it is recommended to have a strong foundation in skiing before attempting this sport. The number of dogs used in skijoring can vary, with most teams consisting of one to three dogs. No leashes are used and the dogs are guided by voice and gesture commands. The equipment and commands used in skijoring are similar to those used in bikejoring.
One of the challenges of training a Husky for skijoring is teaching the “On By!” command, which instructs the dog to pass another team without slowing down. As with any sport, it is important to have your dog checked by a veterinarian before beginning training and to start slowly, gradually introducing each element of the sport.
Fun fact: In 1924, equine skijoring was featured at the Winter Olympics in St. Moritz. However, this experiment was not repeated in subsequent years.
Therapy Dog
Becoming a therapy dog can be a rewarding experience for both you and your Husky. Unlike many other activities, therapy dogs do not need to be in peak physical condition and can even have disabilities. Older dogs are also well-suited for this role.
Many organizations offer therapy dog training and certification, which may be required by some hospitals before allowing visits. The AKC provides a list of approved organizations on their website. It is recommended to check with local institutions to determine their specific requirements.
The role of a therapy dog can vary. Some therapy dogs provide comfort simply by being present and allowing patients to pet and interact with them. Others may take a more active role, helping patients with exercise and joint mobility or encouraging social interaction.
To excel as a therapy dog, a dog should be calm, well-behaved, well-groomed, and interested in people. Most organizations require dogs to be at least one year old before granting certification. While performing tricks is not necessary, obedience to commands is important. Therapy dogs can bring joy and comfort to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities.
Remember
While the AKC does not offer therapy dog training and certification, it does recognize the work of certified therapy dogs by granting them official AKC titles based on the number of visits they have completed. The highest title is AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD), which requires a minimum of 400 visits.
Remember
It is important to note that a therapy dog is not the same as a service dog. Service dogs are highly trained animals that provide vital assistance to individuals with disabilities. They have special privileges and rights under the law. Some individuals may attempt to pass off their pets as service dogs, but this is not acceptable and undermines the important work of legitimate service dogs.
Tracking
If your Husky has a keen sense of smell and enjoys exploring their surroundings, you may want to consider training them for search and rescue or the sport of tracking. In tracking, the dog is in charge and uses their sense of smell to follow a previously laid track. This can be a rewarding experience for both the dog and the handler.
To earn a Tracking Dog (TD) credential, a dog must successfully follow a track that is 440 to 500 yards long with three to five changes of direction. At the end of the track, the dog must locate an article, such as a glove, that has been imbued with human scent. This sport allows Huskies to use their natural instincts and abilities to lead and make decisions.
In tracking events, a human tracklayer lays the track 30 minutes to 2 hours before the event. The dog, on a 40-foot lead, follows the track while the handler offers encouragement. More advanced dogs can earn additional credentials such as
- Tracking Dog Urban (TDU)
- Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX)
- Variable Surface Tracker (VST)
- Champion Tracker (TC).
One of the challenges of tracking is that the dog must put aside their instinctive prey drive and remain focused on following the track. The AKC allows some leeway in tracking, permitting dogs to wander slightly from the track as long as they appear to be working. Other organizations may require more precise tracking.
Tracking is a test of a dog’s focus and ability to follow a scent. Some dogs may lose interest and become distracted by other scents or stimuli. The only way to determine if your Husky is well-suited for tracking is to try it and see how they perform.
Tip
For dedicated handlers and their Huskies, it is possible to achieve the prestigious Versatile Companion Dog (VCD) title. This title is awarded to dogs that have achieved certification in Agility, Obedience, and Tracking. It represents a high level of skill and versatility in multiple disciplines.
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