Getting my Siberian Husky to behave?

[FastForward]

lately my 2 year old siberian husky, Mia, has taken to jumping on couches/beds. she's not allowed on them, so she'll jump up and run around on the couch/bed, barking at us and growling when we yell at her to get off or trying to grab her. how can we get this to stop? my mom just gives in and gives her treats to tempt her off the bed, but i don't think this is a good way to do it, because it's rewarding the behavior. what should we do?

[D M]

Sounds like your husky needs more stimulation.

You need to walk it everyday for like a mile to drain it of excess energy. After that when she jumps on the bed tell her no. If she doesn't listen put her in time out in seperate room from you or a kennel.


But it sounds like the husky just needs more exercise and activity.

[Elly]

You are definitely right. You don't want to treat her for the bad behavior. I have a female Sibe as well. Here are some things to try:

1. Always put a drag lead on her. Use a light lead, and clip off the loop at the end so it doesn't catch on anything. Make sure to use a flat collar and not a training collar. When you dog gets on the furniture, use the lead to get her down.

2. Time-out. If your dog continues with her bad behavior after you have told her to stop, then say "time-out" and remove her to a time-out area (a safe but boring room, e.g. laundry room). Leave her in there for a couple of minutes and let her out. If she starts up again, non-mark her (ack, ack), and say time-out and put her back in time-out. This time lengthen the duration to about 10-15 minutes. Note that if your dog stops the bad behavior, make sure to praise her a lot and give her good treats. Keep this up and your dog will learn that certain behaviors get her rewards while others get her into a boring room with nothing to do.

3. NILIF program. A great way to establish yourself as leader is through the control of resources. Don't give anything to your dog (including pets and affection) unless she does something for you first. For example ask her for a "sit" before you give her food, toys, or freedom.

4. Obedience training. Try and do some obedience training sessions everyday. Enroll in a class or get a good positive reinforcement obedience book (Other End of the Leash), and practice with her for short sessions (10-15 minutes) every day. This will help establish you as a leader, improve your bond with your dog, exercise your dog's mind, and give you good tools that you can use to help control her in the house.