How much exercise do Huskies need? If you’re considering adding a Husky to the family, you shouldn’t base your decision on those fascinating bright blue eyes. While they might pierce into your soul and be incredibly intriguing, one should know that Huskies can be a little bit of a challenge if you’re not prepared. One challenge, without a doubt, is the amount of exercise necessary for a Husky.
So, how much exercise do Huskies need? Huskies need at least two hours of exercise and activity a day. They shouldn’t be left alone to release their energy for too long, though, as they are also known for digging in yards and finding a way to escape. Instead, your Husky will enjoy going out for walks and runs or going to a local dog park.
If you are curious about how much exercise your new beloved pet is going to need, you have come to the right place. We are going to discuss how much exercise and activity your Husky needs, as well as the reasoning behind it. We will also be sharing some fun activities that you and your Husky can enjoy doing together.
How Much Exercise and Activity Does a Husky Need?
Huskies are a stunning breed that truly stands out from the pack. But while they may be alluring to the eye, that doesn’t mean they make the easiest breed to take care of.
In fact, Huskies are known not only for their somewhat stubborn and independent attitude (although they are very sweet and caring), but their great need for exercise every day.
So how much exercise does your Husky actually need?
Research any Husky forum and you’ll find real-life testimonials that go something like this:
“Siberian Huskies are extremely active dogs that need more than 2 hours of exercise. Each. And every. Day.”
And don’t think you can skimp on this time frame – a bored Husky that hasn’t gotten all of his wiggles out may end up being somewhat destructive!
What About Husky Puppies?
You know that your adult Husky is going to need 2 hours of exercise per day, but that can’t be true for Husky puppies- right?
Right.
Your Husky puppy will only need 5 minutes per day, according to their age.
To put it simply, a 1-month-old Husky will only need 5 minutes of exercise per day, while a 4-month-old Husky will be up to 20 minutes of exercise per day.
What About Elderly Huskies?
As your Husky gets older, his activity levels will decrease bit by bit. The amount of exercise necessary will differ from dog to dog.
The best thing to do is to pay attention to your elderly Husky’s behavior while exercising.
It’s fairly easy to tell when your Husky has become worn out: when he is panting and no longer running.
Why Do Huskies Need so Much Exercise?
The main reason behind your Huskies ‘need for speed’, so to speak, is the fact that he was originally bred to pull sleds in the snow.
And as you can imagine, this created a breed that had incredible endurance and plenty of energy to take on the challenge.
While your Husky might not be pulling your sled across the snow nowadays, that doesn’t mean that he is any less powerful, reliable, or full of energy.
This is something that is natural for the Husky, and he will need to let his energy out in other ways.
6 Great Exercise Ideas for Your Siberian Husky
Knowing that your Husky requires at least two hours of exercise a day can be overwhelming.
However…
There are many ways that you can help your Husky release his energy while also stimulating his mind and body – which is just as important as ensuring his energy is being released in a healthy and fun manner.
Here are six:
1. Go for a walk
Of course, this is the most basic answer and the most likely exercise you are going to perform with your beloved furry best friend. Put a few things to keep in mind is that the walks should be no less than 30 minutes long (the longer the better) and you should keep your Husky on a leash. These natural hunters can zip away and it might be difficult to get him back once he’s gone.
2. Play fetch
Dogs love to play fetch, and your Husky is no exception. As an added bonus, this is something you can do from the comfort of your own backyard, so you won’t need to worry about your Husky running off during the game.
There are also automatic ball throwers that allow your Husky to play by himself without you needing to be there.
3. Consider playing fetch with a frisbee
Thanks to the agility of the Husky, it’s easy for this breed to play fetch with a frisbee. This will require your dog to use a bit more skill on his behalf, which enhances his mentality and makes him think before he acts.
4. Toys!
Toys are a great idea for keeping your Husky busy, especially if you are away for work or school for an extended period of time.
Make sure he has got a good collection of toys to choose from.
Bonding time: take him with you to the pet store to pick out his favorite toy!
5. Give him a digging area in the backyard
Your Husky loves to dig, which is why your backyard can become destroyed if you’re not giving your Husky enough attention.
So why not let him enjoy one of his favorite activities, without the destruction?
By giving your Husky a safe space to unleash his digging potential, he satisfies this craving while also burning up some energy.
It’s a win-win situation!
6. Play tug-of-war
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a good ol’ fashioned game of tug.
Your Husky likes to show off how strong he is, so he will definitely get a kick out of indulging in this doggy-beloved game.
Related Questions
Since your Husky is used to being a companion and in a pack of dogs, he does not do well on his own. He should have the company of another dog or human for the bulk of his day, otherwise he may resort to destructive behaviors to appease his loneliness. Dog toys can also help your Husky who needs to be alone for a part of the day.
Huskies are known for being extremely loyal dogs, and that’s why so many people opt for them. However, they are not guarding dogs. While they may be loyal to their owner, they are also known for being incredibly friendly with other people, including strangers.
Of course, you have the option of training your Husky to be more ‘protecting’, but as the Husky is not the most easily trained dog, you may have a hard time doing so. You will also then have the worry of your Husky becoming too aggressive, which is never a positive thing.
