Huskies are large dog breeds that are highly active.
They move in jerks and often change routes.
Accessories are essential for strict control of an energetic dog.
Husky owners often have to choose between a collar and a harness.
Owners of Siberian dogs prefer the latter device due to its safety for the pet’s health.
Collars can damage a Husky's spine due to their irregular, jerking movements.
Features of the Husky breed
Before getting such a dog, you need to study all the information about the breed. Of course, it will be interesting to know that the variety was born as a result of crossing dogs that lived in the north and wolves. Hence the extraordinary mobility of the husky during walks. Their inexhaustible energy and sudden movements often cause certain difficulties for the owner when walking.
To control the animal you will need special equipment and, in particular, a high-quality harness.
Important! The size and type of this device depends on the external characteristics of the pet.
Which is better, a harness or a leash?
Preparing for a walk
Experts disagree that a harness or leash is more suitable for a husky.
Many of them believe that, due to physiological requirements, it is preferable to use a harness. After all, many vessels and nerves pass through the neck. When the belt is pulled, the animal may receive microtrauma, which will subsequently affect its health.
Most owners use a collar for their Husky at a very early age. This could be a walking option or a product for participation in exhibitions. In other cases, it is preferable to use a harness.
In any case, you need to choose the right accessory that will be used to control the dog.
Important! When choosing a strict collar for a husky, you need to make sure that it does not injure or greatly hinder the dog’s movements.
Strict collar
Do you need a muzzle and harness?
Harnesses are necessary when walking with your pet for the following reasons::
- you can protect your husky from eating food on the street;
- licking the secretions of other dogs;
- the accessory does not allow the animal to get closer to other people and does not injure the pet’s neck;
- ensures control of the husky: a dog in a harness will not be able to chase cats or birds, and will not come into conflict with other dogs.
The decision on whether a husky needs a muzzle should be made by the owner, depending on the nature of the animal..
It is recommended to purchase this device for an aggressive pet that can cause harm to humans or other dogs.
At the same time, huskies have a calm and friendly character, so muzzles are usually purchased for other reasons.:
- the accessory does not allow you to eat leftovers or excrement of other animals on the street;
- other people feel safe in the presence of a large pet.
If you have decided to buy a muzzle, you need to be prepared for the dog’s protests.
The dog will try to tear off the accessory with its paws or begin to rub against surrounding objects. To prevent the animal from injuring its paws or face, it is recommended to buy a muzzle made of leather or nylon.
According to the law of the Russian Federation, muzzles are mandatory for dogs of especially dangerous or hunting breeds . According to the FCI, Siberian Huskies belong to section 1 of group 5 - the breed of Siberian sled dogs. This means that they are not hunting breeds.
The list provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of especially dangerous breeds dated March 7, 2019 does not include huskies. Therefore, walking a husky without a muzzle is not a crime.
What types of harnesses are there?
There are several harness options that are best suited for huskies. The device is a set of straps that go around the animal's chest and extend onto its back.
In such a belt, your pet has some freedom of movement and may feel more comfortable. The accessory can withstand even the strongest jerks, and therefore should be used during training.
When choosing such products, you need to take into account a number of important conditions:
- Size. The harness should not be pressed too hard into the body or hang loosely on the dog.
- Quality of material.
- No sharp edges or protruding corners.
- Easy to put on and take off. If difficulties arise, the dog begins to get nervous.
Walking option
Manufacturers offer the following types of equipment:
- Walking harness. It is necessary in order to accustom the animal to stress or adapt it after an injury. The removable elements on the product allow you to adjust the load. Walking options allow a person to control the dog's jerking. They are usually painted in bright colors.
- Running or riding harness. It runs along the back of the animal, with the leash attached to the croup itself. As a rule, it is made to order. The product protects your pet from injury and at the same time allows you to control its movements. Typically, a running harness for dogs is used when practicing canicros.
- Freight. It is necessary when transporting cargo on a dog sled, when the weight of the animal is less than the luggage, and also to give the dog the correct posture and strengthen the muscles. This husky harness has a special cut. After all, it is important to distribute the load so that it puts equal pressure on the thoracic spine and hind legs. The reins in this case are attached to the lower part of the tail. Comfortable running conditions for your dog are ensured by a combination of high-quality materials and reliable pieces of equipment.
- Medical. These products are needed to adapt injured or partially paralyzed animals. They are made in the form of a vest, covering almost the entire body with fastening at the hind legs.
- Products intended for puppies from six months. A harness for a husky puppy should be comfortable so that the baby does not spoil his posture and remains mobile.
For reference! When understanding the question of which leash is best to choose for a husky, you need to focus on the weight, mobility, and character of the pet.
Step-by-step sewing instructions
If we consider the step-by-step instructions with the materials listed above on how to sew a thing, it looks like this:
- Measure the animal’s body and make a pattern for the dog’s overalls according to your own ideas;
- Sew the edges of the parts together, insert the elastic into the cuffs with a collar and sew in a zipper;
- Decorate the product with various accessories to suit your taste.
As for decoration, you can additionally make a hood. It is not necessary to sew it tightly; you can make it removable. To form a suit, you need to measure the circumference of the head and ears, make a pattern, insert an elastic band into the finished product and sew it to the finished garment. Additionally, you can make a pocket on the side. It is imperative to make a hole for the discharge and cut a hole for the tail, having previously measured the diameter of the corresponding compartment.
You might consider making a onesie with completely closed paws, or come up with detachable shoes with an elastic band, like children's mittens, with a snap or button.
The specifics of how a dog's outfit will be created completely depend on the gender of the dog.
This is why it is so important to choose the appropriate sewing instructions. The following scheme is suitable for both large four-legged friends and small Spitz or other species
The resulting clothing can be used as a regular raincoat. If you add a comfortable pad to it, your pet will feel comfortable wearing it in winter. All you need is:
- Take measurements, cut the material to start sewing;
- Sew the hood to the back of the throat, additionally inserting an elastic band;
- Place the visor so that it is later convenient for the dog, process it along the curved edge;
- Overlap the straight edge of the visor and sew the visor to the front of the hood;
- Sew up the belly with the side elements of the future product;
- Sew the cuff parts and pull the elastic bands over them.
Interestingly, for such a product you can combine several different materials with each other, creating a kind of sporty design. You can also add an inscription on the back, but only after all the work is done.
Additionally, you can decorate the created product with glow-in-the-dark elements. This will be very useful for owners during a night or evening walk. It is also possible to make a jumpsuit with detachable parts. Then it will look more like a suit with a jacket and pants. But in terms of ease of putting on and taking off, this product will be better.
How to choose the right harness for your dog
It is better to choose a product by trying it on an animal. But it is not always possible to go to the store with a dog. Therefore, before buying this accessory you need to measure it.
You should know the following parameters:
- Length from tips of ears to tail.
- The volume of the pet's chest.
- The circumference of his neck.
And of course, you should know the weight of your pet so that the purchased equipment fits snugly to his body and does not rub him.
Most accessories have the ability to adjust the length.
Correct selection
To ensure that the harness does not harm your pet, it is necessary to choose it correctly. Major manufacturers of pet accessories have special tables that take into account dog sizes, weights and volumes. Some brands make adjustments based on breed.
To choose the right harness, you will need the following measurements:
- The dog's height is measured in a standing position from the withers to the floor.
- The length of the back is equal to the distance from the tail to the base of the neck.
- The chest is measured along the front surface from the right front paw to the left. The centimeter should not be too tight so that the harness does not restrict freedom of movement.
- The size of the neck is measured at the base, it is in this area that the top strap of the harness is located.
- The length from chest to withers is measured for sled dogs.
- Therapeutic harness is made individually, taking measurements and leaving 2 cm for freedom of fit. For small dogs, the allowance is smaller.
The accessory is also used for cats; the method of habituation for them is similar to that described above using the example of dogs.
Making an accessory with your own hands
The cost of such accessories depends on their purpose and the material used. The most expensive of them is a cargo sled for huskies. The cheapest option would be a walking harness.
In order not to overpay, owners can make such an accessory themselves. To do this, you need instructions on sewing technology and a website where there is a special pattern for the product.
You can sew a harness with your own hands using the following step-by-step method:
- Prepare a tool and durable material for the base and soft fabric to create the interior decoration of the product.
- Buy carbines and rings.
- Take measurements from the dog.
Next you need to choose the type of harness. For the first two types of products, one cutting pattern is used. The only thing that differs is the way the rein mounts are installed. The materials you can use are leather, denim, tarpaulin and other durable material.
The main work is as follows:
- After copying the drawing, you need to adjust it to the size of the dog and cut out the blanks.
- Having swept and tried on the product, it is adjusted and sewn on a machine.
- Then an auxiliary belt is sewn onto the harness, and loops are sewn along the edge of the braid.
- To ensure durability, they are stitched up to eight times.
- The stripes are additionally stitched in the center.
- Make loops from strong nylon thread for attaching a carabiner.
- Make a harness for walking, decorating it with beautiful decor.
The result is an inexpensive accessory that will fit your pet perfectly.
How to choose the right product
How to properly punish a dog for disobedience
A dog leash should be selected according to several different criteria.
The first thing you should pay attention to is the size. Too tight a product can lead to the development of various diseases or deformities of the paws.
Too loose ammunition can cause the pet to break out.
Sizing
The wrong size makes it difficult to fasten the harness, it begins to move, and the chest strap ends up too close to the armpit. This situation causes severe discomfort. Over time, the dog will constantly struggle and twist, and will develop an abnormal gait.
There is a direct correlation between leash tugging and back problems.
Before heading to a specialty store, you need to take your dog's measurements. Measurements should be taken in this order:
- Neck circumference. The measurement is taken in the area where the collar is usually worn.
- Chest circumference. This indicator is determined behind the elbows in front of the paws, a little further from the armpits. If the dog is small, you need to add one centimeter. It will be easier for your pet to wear such a harness.
- Back length. It is measured from the withers to the base of the tail.
An important indicator is weight. Some products are not designed for the heavy load that will be exerted by large individuals. It should be taken into account that after purchasing a leash for a puppy, you will have to buy a new product in the near future, since the pet grows very quickly.
Material selection
The next selection criterion is the type of material used in manufacturing. The most commonly used material is canvas fabric, which is cheap but wears out quickly. If the structure gets wet quickly, it takes a long time to dry.
Another common choice is natural or artificial leather. Such material wears out quickly in extreme situations, so it is used for making exhibition harnesses. It is also worth considering that puppies love to chew on such material.
Nylon or nylon is considered to be a universal material. Basic properties:
- practically does not get wet;
- the surface is easy to clean at any time;
- nylon does not burst, does not become rough over time, and keeps its shape.
- The resulting seams are strong and tear very rarely.
The only serious disadvantage of artificial materials is that artificial materials cause an allergic reaction. Such a reaction occurs extremely rarely.
The harness is ideal for active animals and sledding breeds
Types of fasteners and belts
Another selection criterion is the number of fasteners and straps. A small animal requires a product with only a few straps. The relatively small load that is placed on the harness determines the use of plastic fasteners. They are inexpensive and durable.
Problems may arise when the product has only a few fasteners and the dog is heavy. They can be pressed into the fur.
For large dogs, you need to purchase a product with metal fasteners. The number of belts is selected depending on the task at hand. For a regular walk, only 3 harnesses are enough; for a sled dog, an option with 5-8 elements is required. They must run along the entire length of the body and are attached to the edges with special carabiners.
The design of the harness depends on the purpose
As the number of rings increases, the leash will hold stronger. If the pet often rushes forward, has a playful disposition and a large mass, then an option with three or more rings will be required.
Important! It is not recommended to take options with a large number of fasteners. This is due to the fact that the dressing procedure can take a long time.
Training a dog to wear a harness
From the age of two months you can accustom your dog to a harness. The first time you put it on an animal, you need to be as careful as possible, making sure that it does not feel severe discomfort. As soon as your pet begins to behave restlessly, you need to stop and pet him or give him a tasty treat. If this does not work, then it is better to try again a little later.
Important! In order for the husky to get used to it, you need to repeat the procedure at least three times a day.
When your pet gets used to the harness, you should attach a leash to it and try to pull it several times. Once the dog understands the meaning of the command, the pull can be eased.
At the same time, you need to make sure that the husky does not chew the leash or pull it too hard. Every time the dog does everything right, he is given a treat. Such a reward will help you quickly teach your pet to behave correctly during a walk.
With regular practice, it will take several months to achieve good results.
Does your Yorkie avoid other dogs and doesn't want to go outside?
The problem is the socialization of the animal. In the process of raising a dog, it is necessary to provide it with frequent communication with other animals. If you keep your Yorkie isolated from the outside world from two to four months, then as an adult he will begin to avoid other dogs. The dog, accustomed to a warm and quiet home, simply does not understand that you forgot on the street, because everything he needs is left in the apartment, including food, toys, a tray and a sleeping place.
Even if the moment of natural socialization is missed, with the right approach, a Yorkie can be accustomed to the street, the company of other dogs and strangers.
Try to walk your Yorkie regularly, at least once a day, to avoid problems with socialization.
Why shouldn't a puppy wear a harness?
When purchasing accessories for your puppy, you should skip the harness. Some experts may call it a half-stroke due to the negative impact on young animals. In such equipment, the puppy's front legs are often injured.
Collars are more suitable for fragile dogs.
How to choose a collar for a puppy
The way to choose a collar for a puppy is quite simple. If we talk about the material, it is better to choose fabric or leather products, the width of which is no more than two centimeters. It is preferable to choose a lightweight carabiner with a leash about two meters long.
Puppy harness
Diseases
Like all breeding species, Yorkies are susceptible to diseases of the breed. These include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels).
- Parter's disease. Characterized by aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. It only affects puppies between 5 and 10 months of age.
- Dysplasia (improper development) of the retina. In addition, Yorkies are susceptible to other retinal defects: degeneration and sudden detachment.
- Dislocation of the kneecap. It is a hereditary disease.
- Collapse (sharp narrowing) of the trachea. Contributes to difficulty breathing. May be caused by constant pressure from the collar.
- Protosystemic shunt. This is an incorrect connection of the vessels responsible for the normal functioning of the liver.
In addition to the listed diseases, Yorkies often have bloody diarrhea caused by damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Its reasons may be:
- foreign objects swallowed by the dog;
- poisoning from spoiled foods;
- infectious process;
- helminths;
- abdominal diseases;
- allergy.
If the owner notices bloody feces in a Yorkie, then it is necessary to respond to this symptom as quickly as possible, otherwise, as in the case of diarrhea, the consequences will be very serious. It indicates the presence of worms, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, canine distemper and parvovirus enteritis in the body.
If a Yorkie pees frequently, this may be caused by age and behavioral characteristics, and in the case of males, by the desire to mark their territory. However, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out incontinence.
Why is the dog shaking? The Yorkshire Terrier, like other toy breeds, is very sensitive to temperature changes. If the owner notices that the pet is trembling, it needs to be dressed or brought into a warm room. Sometimes Yorkies shake from fear or stress. Medical causes include hypoglycemia, allergies and poisoning.
Your Yorkie's stomach is rumbling: what should I do? The best way out is to consult a doctor, because this may be a symptom of flatulence, poisoning, or serious gastrointestinal pathologies. In addition, it is associated with poor nutrition.
The change of teeth in puppies begins at 3 months and ends at 7. Often milk teeth have to be removed by a doctor because the molars cannot break through. This applies, first of all, to fangs. If the owner sees that the baby tooth will not be replaced by the molar, it should be removed immediately, otherwise the rest will grow crookedly.
Types of leashes for huskies
For clear control over the dog, dog handlers advise using the following leashes:
- Walking manual, allowing the animal to move its head. Simplest.
- Special. It helps the owner keep the pet in the desired position.
You need to know this when choosing a leash for your husky. Which of the two options is better depends on the size of the dog and its character.
But it is very important that the material is soft and very durable. It is important to choose a soft and durable material used in the manufacture of collars, especially if the harness is for a Malamute.
Rules for sewing a harness for a pet
Sewing a harness for a husky with your own hands is quite simple. The patterns for dogs of any breed are the same, except for the sizes.
Important! Before cutting the material, you need to take measurements from your four-legged friend
Pay special attention to the neck and chest circumference
When sewing a harness, consider the following rules:
the fabric must be strong, soft and wear-resistant; you can sew a neck from nylon or leather; for a harness made of leather or a substitute, it is better to make a lining of velor or fleece; For ease of use, equip the harness with several fasteners; hooks for attaching the leash must be fixed firmly and securely; the harness should fit snugly, but in no case squeeze the animal’s skin; Pay attention to the location of the harness straps under the front paws, because the pet should not experience discomfort.
Important! Experienced breeders advise putting a harness on dogs over ten months of age, otherwise the front legs may become deformed. And show animals are trained to wear both a harness and a collar at the same time
If you want to go for a ride: a husky sled
Harness running
Nowadays, dog riding is very popular. Moreover, this can be done not only in the north, but also in almost any region of the country. The high endurance of such dogs and their physical characteristics inspire confidence that sledding for Husky dogs is a pleasure. However, in order for a dog to become a sled dog, you need to wait until it is at least a year old and only then begin training. This process will require at least another four months. When a riding harness for a husky becomes commonplace, you can begin full-fledged races.
For your information! The owner is obliged to provide good nutrition, teach the pet to move in a harness and monitor its health. So greyhound racing, especially sports, is a troublesome and expensive business.
Thus, every owner of a Husky dog should pay attention to raising the pet, choose the right walking equipment for it and, most importantly, love your dog.
Character and behavior
The Chukotka sled dog is a hardy, strong, patient and obedient dog, a bright representative of ancient primitive breeds. Combines many talents. It can be a sled dog, a hunting dog, a faithful companion and protector of the owner. The attitude towards strangers is friendly or passive-defensive. Chukotka sled dogs perform a good guard function; many are able to protect their owner from predators.
The Chukotka sled dog is not popular among city residents. In terms of appearance and beauty, it is inferior to huskies or other huskies. In addition, this is an aboriginal dog, a pack dog, while huskies and huskies are individualists.
Chukchi sled dogs have a highly developed pack instinct. A strict hierarchy reigns in their “family” and only the sensitive leadership of the leader allows them to avoid minor brawls. This role can be performed by either a male or a female. Sled dogs are very kind and trusting. They sometimes bark at strangers, but more often they greet by wagging their tail and howling. Do not apply to dogs of the same owner. With sled dogs, the owner is the one who feeds. Therefore, animals are often rented out.
The leader for the team is chosen in early childhood. Puppies are placed in a basin on a skin, they get out, but are not held on the edge and fall down. The one who can hold on and walk along the edge becomes the leader. According to experts, such a dog will be able to lead a sled in any weather, at any time of day, on any terrain. Or they simply choose the strongest and, in the person’s opinion, the smartest. Leader training begins at six months of age and continues for 2 years. No “voice” or “give me your paw.” There are only four commands: “Forward!” (“Hike!”), “Stop!” (“Hoa!”), “Right!” (“Gee!”) and “Left!” ("Ha!"). The musher commands only the leader, this is enough for the entire team to obey.