Huskies are lively and outgoing dogs with a playful side. The dubbed “dog with a thousand expressions,” Huskies are funny canines. However, with such a name, could it be that these dogs actually are danger-prone and dangerous?
Huskies aren’t necessarily dangerous dogs. According to CDC research, Huskies aren’t even the most dangerous dogs based on bite-related deaths. Huskies account for around one death every year. But their active personality and huge dimensions don’t create the ideal sociable dogs. It’s possible that a Husky could accidentally knock over the child’s head.
Dog behaviorists believe that all dogs have the potential to be “good” or “bad” dogs. However, it is contingent on a variety of aspects. The factors that determine this include the genetics of the dog, its history, and, of course, their growing up.
Dog-Bite Related Fatalities in Huskies
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report has the details of dog breeds involved in fatal human attacks for more than twenty years (from 1979 until 1996). Between 1979 and 1996, it was reported that there had been over 300 human DBRFs.
They referred to Rottweilers and Pit Bull type dogs specifically because they were “involved in more than half” of dog bite-related deaths in 1998 and 1997.
The study further states that “at least 25 dog breeds have been involved in 238 human DBRFs during the past 20 years. In particular, the study refers to the period between the 1980s and the 1990s.
Further recent statistics on human DBRFs dating from 2005 through 2017 reveal that “canines killed at least 433 Americans.” As you might have guessed, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are among the top breeds responsible for the highest number of deaths.
However, Huskies are at the 6th spot regarding deaths and are responsible for 13 deaths. This is only 3 percent of total deaths.
When you properly train your Husky at an early age and do not allow any abuse, you’ll get a loving and affectionate Husky.
Understanding Husky Temperament
The history of the Husky is a long way back. In fact, the term “husky” is a contraction of ” Huskimos.”
Huskimos is the way in which older English sailors used ” Eskimos.” In the end, Huskimos mean the indigenous Arctic people.
The Siberian Husky originated from the northwestern part of Siberia and was there all day and nearly its entire existence carrying massive loads.
It is a medium-sized working dog well-known for having traversed across the Bering Straits to get to Alaska in 1909’s Nome Gold Rush 1909.
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Huskies in the Household
In terms of the intelligence of dogs, Huskies do not rank high on the listing of the most intelligent breeds of dogs around. But Huskies are smarter than you imagine.
Huskies might have some impressive sled-pulling skills. However, that’s not all this breed is. They are loving, sweet as well as committed. In addition, they like to cuddle!!
Don’t allow their Wolf-like blue eyes or their appearance to deceive you into thinking they aren’t fully domesticated dogs.
The native dogs of Siberia are naturally at home in extremely cold areas and conditions. In actual fact, they do not fare very well in warmer climates, as you might imagine.
And having pulled sleds through generations of families, Huskies are great jogging companions in the present.
Due to their incredible endurance and stamina, they’re likely to be the first ones to give up. Ensure that they don’t overheat when exercising in the sunshine.
Huskies Can Potentially be “Dangerous”
Whatever breed of dog you have, there could be dangers and risks for owning a pet, especially in the case of little ones. However, with more mature children, they’re great playmates.
According to the owners, these are the main reasons Huskies are able to pose a danger to children and adults, and even other household pets (especially cats).
Size of the Husky Matters
Huskies are medium-sized dogs and aren’t nearly as big or have the weight of the biggest dogs around the globe. However, that doesn’t mean they could not be dangerous.
Siberian Huskies have a medium build and can range in weight between 45 and 60 pounds in males and 35-50 pounds in females.
Intentionally or not, they have the potential to hurdle over kids and senior citizens due to the energy of these dogs.
A Husky’s owner has told us:
If you are a parent with children, it is essential to train your children before engaging them! My dog loves nothing more than playing and jumping on people!
Remember that Huskies aren’t necessarily aggressive dogs. There is a distinct difference between aggression and aggressive behaviors.
The risk of jumping on the delicate is a surefire accident or accident waiting to happen, especially when you have the size of the Husky.
Energetic Personality Can Unintentionally Hurt Others
As per the AKC, Huskies are friendly and reckless. Take this into account with their history of being created to pull sleds 100 miles per day, and you’ve got the ” ultra-hyper dog breed.”
They are Iditarod race dogs which means they race and cover approximately 1000 miles in one week, even with an obligatory 24-hour rest.
So, you now are aware of how active the dogs could be. They can seem to have an endless quantity of enthusiasm in certain instances.
One owner on Reddit discusses her Husky and says:
Everyone is aware that Huskies can be hyper dogs; however, nobody is truly ready until they encounter one. Prepare yourself in a bid to catch up.
The issue with overly energetic dogs is that they may be able to let out all that stored energy onto humans or other animals.
If you cannot give the Husky the appropriate amount of mental and physical exercise, destructive and aggressive behavior can be seen.
Metabolism Mysteries of Siberian Huskies
“Before running, dogs’ metabolic profile is comparable to that of humans. They then throw the switch – we don’t know what it is, but it will alter everything,” animal exercise researcher Dr. Michael S. Davis explained in the New York Times.
“In 24 hours, the dogs return to the same metabolic baseline that you observe in people in a resting state. However, this is only when they are running 100 miles daily,” according to this report.
However, the days of pulling heavy loads and sleds have come to an end for Siberian Huskies.
These days, Siberian Huskies are frequently companionable pets that live in homes. If they aren’t getting enough exercise and walks, they can cause chaos in your home if you let them go.
Preventing Aggressive Behaviors in Siberian Huskies
If you’re thinking of getting a Husky, but you’re worried about their aggression, do not fret. With the right instruction as well as preparations, you’ll enjoy a quiet and peaceful dog.
The best way to prevent your Husky from developing aggressive traits is, to begin with, obedience classes and socialization early age.
Acknowledge the Aggression in the Husky
The most dangerous thing you could do as the Husky (or the other pet) dog owner is to avoid aggression. This is particularly common among dog owners with young dogs (puppies).
Due to the fact that Husky puppies are tiny in size and “can’t cause serious damage,” certain owners are more likely to avoid this type of behavior.
The issue is that Huskies expand extremely quickly. When they attain adult size, they could cause significant harm.
If they’ve been trained to believe that actions like jumping on others can be “okay,” then it’ll be quite difficult to elicit the behavior when they become adults.
Any signs of aggression must be taken care of and stopped as soon as it is detected, regardless of the dog’s age. It’s cute when they’re tiny but not enough for the 60-pound dog.
Teach Your Husky Obedience Training
Obedience training is an excellent practice for any dog, not only Huskies. You’ll gain more control over your dog’s behaviors by teaching and instilling specific commands.
Some of the most effective and helpful commands are stops, downs, and sit and no. All of these can be useful in preventing an accident from happening.
If your Husky becomes a bit hostile to your pet or child, communicate with the dog “stop” or “no” immediately to signal the unacceptable behavior.
I would like to point out that Huskies are known to be stubborn and independent canines. They may require more time than other breeds to master commands; however, with patience, it is a breeze.
In order to train obedience, you should ensure that you are making use of constructive reinforcement. Do not “punish” them for aggressive actions. Instead, you should reward them for being polite and peaceful.
Socialization Training is a Must
One of the most important ways to stop aggressive behavior for your Husky is to give them ample socialization. You should begin this at the earliest time possible.
Socialization places your Husky in a position where they can be around animals and humans. They discover that animals and humans are generally good and friendly.
One Husky owner highly recommends socializing with other dogs:
Any dog can be very aggressive to anyone who is not properly socialized. They’re also the most loving dogs if you have the time and patience to collaborate with them! Of course, they also require lots of exercise and energy sources because they’re fast-paced, hyper animals.
It is recommended to begin when you’re a puppy and begin socializing your Husky from three weeks old. As per the Humane Society, the Husky’s largest time frame to learn occurs between 16 to 20 weeks of age.
In that short time, your Husky can experience the full range of sensations in the world without being terrified or afraid of the stimulation.
There are numerous ways to interact with a Husky. Start with obedience classes and keep up the weekly socialization with doggie day camp.
The dog parks are an excellent way for puppies to interact with the other dogs and their owners. I highly recommend taking puppies on weekends when you can.
Socialization is essential for active, larger dogs. So, take advantage of every opportunity to offer this to your Husky.
Physical Exercise May Keep a Husky Calm
With the huge amount of energy the Husky can produce, are you surprised that they’re not physically active?
Like any hyper dog, giving them ample exercise is among the most effective ways to keep them from developing destructive aggression or tendencies. Both of these could possibly lead to the development of a dangerous dog.
As per the PDSA, Siberian Huskies should get a suggested two hours of physical activity every day! It’s a big commitment, and very few pet owners are able to give this.
This is why they are advised to live in the presence of a large, enclosed area, for example, an outdoor space. If you have a second active pet or two, then playing with them can be a big benefit.
Some owners choose to keep their dogs in small enclosures and not take them for everyday walks or jogging. These are the situations that cause these dogs to turn “dangerous.”
Mental Stimulation is Essential in Huskies
Due to the temperaments and personalities of these breeds, mental stimulation is highly suggested to ensure a happy Husky. Insufficient stimulation can result in reckless behavior and even a dangerous dog.
The stimulation for the mind can take various types. For instance, obedience training is the most commonly used method of offering dogs this kind of exercise.
Other types of mental stimulation could include dog-themed puzzles, hiding and seeking, intelligent games, word recognition, and many more.
Here are some puzzles my dog’s favorite game puzzles.
- Nina Ottosson Dog Puzzle This is a traditional dog puzzle with an added twist. Simply place your pet’s favorite snacks, and they’ll figure out how to find them. The Husky will absolutely be delighted!
- StarMark, The Bark-A-Lot Bobble toy, acts as an edible food dispenser for your Husky. It also provides mental stimulation by having your dog work to get their food!
- Outward Hound Hide and Find Plush This Outward Hound plush is my dog’s most loved toy. Relax and observe your Husky to find out how to find the little creatures inside the toy.
It’s okay not to select any of the suggested options. It’s crucial to find an item to give your Husky to keep their minds active.
Make sure you give your Husky a bit of mental stimulation, and it’ll turn into a calm and relaxed dog.
Dealing With a Siberian Husky
They’re far from being the most social breeds nor as aggressive as other breeds. But, it requires perseverance for you to teach them.
Siberian Huskies exhibit a streak of stubbornness and independence. Therefore, they’ll require the right amount of training and gentleness from their puppy years to properly train Siberian Huskies.
Siberian Huskies like to make a sound instead of barking. It’s the way they interact with each other. It’s a good thing because it can lead to beloved videos such as these ones of Husky saying “I love you.”
This could become annoying in time for neighbors, particularly if you reside in an apartment. If you are living inside an apartment, these are the best alternatives.
Siberian Huskies tend to be comfortable with children, humans, and other dogs, particularly those they were raised with. If you allow them to grow up with your children, they’re much more inclined to be affectionate towards them.
Be aware it is not the case that all Huskies will be alike. Temperament can be a mix of genetics, heredity training, and nurture.
Socialization is so crucial for Siberian Huskies, and the advice from the next paragraph is very applicable to Siberian Huskies.
There aren’t any ” good dogs” Take your dog on walks, look for kids to play with, take it on rides in your vehicle, and expose it to loud sounds. Get your dog out into the world and discover things to explore as well as smell, hear and touch. The more you can let your dog experience is exposed to, the greater the range of possibilities is going to be the place it will be comfortable.”
A lack of awareness about the nature of Siberian Huskies usually causes them to be abandoned. Therefore, prospective owners of Siberian Huskies need to be able to conduct a thorough investigation prior to making the decision to bring one home.
So, Are Huskies Dangerous Dogs?
Research has some unexpected results in identifying the breeds with the highest aggression. Yet, Huskies are not considered to be one of the most aggressive breeds of dogs.
Pit Bull Terriers, Akitas, Jack Russell Terriers, Chihuahuas, Beagles, and Dachshunds (that’s right) make the cut based on aggression toward other animals, humans-other-than-owners and owners.
The Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) offers insight into the dog breeds that are most aggressive with regard to both aggressiveness directed by strangers as well as the aggression of dogs that are not familiar with them.
This study comprised a wide range of breeds, including the Siberian Husky. It found Dachshunds, Jack Russell Terriers, German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, and English Springer Spaniels among the breeds that exhibit the most aggression toward strangers and unfamiliar dogs. However, Doberman Pinschers are among the top 10 aggressive breeds of dogs that tend to display aggression toward strangers. Pit Bulls, also known as Boxers, are included in the Top 10 list of breeds known to display aggression toward the other dog breeds.
Therefore, the answer is no. Huskies are a breed of high-energy dog that pulled sleds back in the past times but are now adapting to the contemporary, technological world.
They’ve become pets, and their appearance or proximity to wolves can be confusing. The appearance of wolves does not suggest a wolf-like character.
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