How to prepare for Siberian Husky puppy

Bringing a Siberian Husky pup home? We're excited for you! These dogs are endlessly entertaining, but we do recommend knowing what you're doing before getting one.

Here, we discuss how to prepare, what you should do and some Siberian Husky accessories we recommend.

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Research the Siberian Husky breed

Siberian Huskies tend to do well with experienced owners. It's okay if you're not one, but it means you need to put in the groundwork and research the breed.

Given their intelligence, you need to make sure you train and socialise them well early on. This will help keep them mentally active too, as they can get bored easily due to their active minds.

Siberian Husky characteristics

• Affectionate: Huskies are very affectionate dogs, and they love spending time with their owners, especially when they see you as the pack leader. This comes through with their sense of humour and playful nature.

• Independence: Huskies, while they bond closely to their owners, have an independent streak, so it's important you keep them on a lead when they're out and about; sometimes, their strong prey drive can land them in trouble.

• Active: They're a high-maintenance dog so they need a good one or two hours of exercise a day. Plus, they'll need a good bit of grooming too to keep that coat nice and tidy.

• Vocal: Huskies howl. It's loud. They like to hear themselves howl. We'll may need to work on stopping barking and howling as owners.

Siberian Husky must-haves

Here's a list of essential Siberian Husky puppy supplies:

Food and water bowls

Huskies get big, and they get big quickly. So, you'll need a larger bowl than normal. For larger bowls, one that holds between four and eight cups works, which is around what a Siberian Husky needs.

But Huskies aren't always large. So, get a smaller bowl at first, then increase the size as your pup grows. Dogs can get fussy about their bowls, so watch your pup as they eat. Generally, you should consider:

• Their eating style 

• Preferred height

• The floor

• Age

Remember: pet nutrition isn't easy, so read our guide if you want some pointers.

High-quality puppy food

Huskies need high-quality food and more calories than smaller dogs. But each dog is different, so make sure you observe them closely. Oh, and don't feed them too much: Huskies are very food-motivated and can get obese quickly.

Comfortable bedding

Huskies are prone to dysplasia, especially in their hip, so them having the right bed is important.

We recommend picking one that suits:

• Husky size - Each Husky is different, so get a bed that's the right size for them. Some may prefer an orthopaedic dog bed for their frame.

• Material - Avoid beds with known irritants. Some dogs can have allergies to dog bed materials like wool and synthetic fabrics.

• Comfort - A dog isn't going to like a bed they don't find comfortable.

Huskies can get fussy about their sleeping space, and they may prefer to sleep in your bed, so this will need some trial and error.

Leash and harness

As mentioned, Huskies must get used to their leash or harness. They have a strong prey instinct, and it gets difficult to keep them safe out and about without one.

Choosing between a leash and a collar is tough. We have a handy guide on it, but it really comes down to testing them out to see what your dog responds best to.

Identification tags

Sure, microchips do work and there's a reason why it's the law to get your dog one. But ID tags can go a long way to keeping your Husky pup safe too.

They quickly help anyone who finds your dog get back into contact with you. We recommend picking a tag with:

• Your name and address, not your dog's

• Weather-resistant materials

• Scratch-proof materials

• Clearly legible

Siberian Husky grooming tools and accessories

A Siberian Husky's coat is one of the key reasons owners love them so much, but it doesn't groom itself. You need to know how to groom them, bathe them and keep them prim and proper, and that starts from puppyhood.

Gentle brush for their skin and coat

You'll need to brush your Husky's coat weekly, as this helps encourage natural shedding and keeps their coat healthy.

Given their size, we recommend getting a large brush. But a lot will depend on what your Husky likes and adapts to.

Tearless puppy shampoo and conditioner

You won't need to bathe your Husky too often, but if you do, we recommend using tearless puppy shampoo and conditioner and reading our guide on how to bathe a puppy properly.

Nail clippers or grinder for regular grooming

You should cut your Husky's nails when they need it. We know that's a bit of a non-answer, but they'll need a cut if you notice them getting caught on things or hear them on the floor.

Our article on how to cut dog nails will have everything you need.

Ear cleaning solution and cotton balls

Yes, we know this job can get a bit gross, but it's needed! Keeping your dog's ears clean can help prevent ear infections, but you need to know what you're doing.

Read our ear-cleaning guide, and remember to reward your pup with positive reinforcement for this, as it'll make things easier when your Husky's all grown up.

Siberian Husky toys and enrichment

As mentioned, Huskies love to play, and we recommend getting them a puppy-safe toy as soon as possible.

Overall, we recommend getting a mix of:

• Chew toys, which help with teething and chewing

• Interactive toys, which keep them mentally stimulated

• Puzzle feeders, which help them solve problems

• Tough, durable toys that can survive a Husky's strength (just make sure they don't have nasty chemicals or choking hazards)

• Comfort toys, to help them relax and gain companionship

Dog enrichment is a lifelong thing, and your Husky's tastes and likes can change quite a bit.

Siberian Husky safety and travel accessories

If you're one to travel, you'll need some Siberian Husky accessories to make it seamless. And you should know these things to consider when going away with one.

Overall, we recommend:

• A crate or a carrier for safe transportation, but make sure it's the right size for your Husky

• Seat belt or harness for car safety that's the right size

• Reflective gear for nighttime walks

• First aid kit for emergencies

• Doggy life jacket for water activities, and you should make sure your Husky knows how to swim beforehand

Our guide on travelling with a dog can help too.

Prepare with dog insurance

Of course, dog insurance and puppy insurance can keep you prepared throughout your Husky's life.

Siberian Husky insurance helps with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of other perks.

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