My Husky Won’t Come Home When Called

Huskies are highly active dogs. They can also have their attention drawn away at a moment’s notice. The last thing any dog owner will want is for them to run off on an adventure, not knowing how to come back.

If your husky isn’t coming back when you call them, it can be a frustrating experience. Knowing the why behind the action is definitely helpful. From there, it is about getting them to come back and to even run alongside you going forward.

Why is My Husky Running?

There are any number of reasons why your husky is running. If you are wondering, “My husky won’t come home when called, what do I do?” it starts by knowing why they are running in the first.

The simple fact of the matter is that huskies have short attention spans. They can be easily distracted and drawn to something that they see. They can also get quite bored, so a lack of attention can cause them to run to get your attention.

It isn’t so much that they don’t want to be near you but are trying to meet basic needs. Whether that be for attention, stimulation, exercise, or boredom, they can all lead to your husky becoming a flight risk.

How to Train a Husky to Run with You?

Though it might seem simple, you need more than a leash and a husky with a good attitude to get them to run alongside you. There are some pieces of equipment that will be necessary to use as a dog owner to keep them safe while they run.

Running Leash

Not all leashes are created equally. If you want your husky to run alongside you, make sure that you have the proper leash to go along with it. Having a nylon running leash is one of the must-have items for this activity.

A bungee leash would be a bad idea in this case. Huskies love to run, and they are always on the lookout for prey, as this is part of their nature. You want better control over them as you run. It is better not only for their safety but yours as well.

There are wearable leashes that work great. They have no spring action to them, so your husky will have no choice but to stay alongside you. There are various options to choose from, but they can be an invaluable tool for helping your husky to better understand how to stay nearby. There is a learning curve to be had with this gear, so take them for walks to get them used to it.

Heel Command

If you want to run with your husky, they must know the “heel” command. Heel is traditionally at your left side; this helps establish consistency in the command and leaves no question about where the dog should be when you issue it.

Work with them, offering positive reinforcement and treats frequently. It takes time, and you have to gradually spread the distance out. Give them more ground to command and make sure to reward them every step of the way.

The “heel” command is necessary because, should they get away, you want them to stop in their tracks. It is one of the must-have commands for any dog, let alone an active, curious breed like the husky.

Speed

Don’t just start out at a brisk jog—build them up to it. Start with a light jog, allowing them to get used to running next to you. Make sure to take frequent breaks to keep them energetic; make sure to have some water on you.

Slowly but surely, you can pick up the pace. Ideally, you should cap it where you feel comfortable. Don’t worry about going too fast for your husky, as they have a natural “cruising” speed of around 10 mph. You won’t outrun them even if you tried.

If you like to run a bit faster, make sure to implement a few slower stretches. Not only does it give you a chance to rest, but them as well. It also allows them to sniff and do their business.

Distance

As is the case with speed, start small. Go short distances to get them used to the idea of running with you and to avoid fatigue. You can slowly increase the distance as you go. The dog shouldn’t notice, which is definitely a good thing.

Just keep an eye on fatigue in your dog. If they pant a lot or start to slow down, take a break. Don’t push them, either. Put a limit on how far you go to make sure that it is good for the both of you. With regularity, they should become familiar with the pace and activity of the run.

Can Huskies Find Their Way Home?

So, your husky has run away. The most pressing question is whether they will be able to find their way home again. After all, it is scary enough dealing with those escapes when you feel pretty good about getting them back.

Huskies like to run, but they aren’t the best with direction. When they take off, they can lose all sense of direction and find themselves lost. If your husky escapes to a distance of more than a few hundred feet, it is entirely possible that they may not be able to figure out how to return.

If you are wondering why “my husky won’t come home when called,” it could simply be that they can’t hear you. They have gotten too far away to hear you and are trying to find their way back, which is why it is so important to ensure that they have proper training and all of their basic needs met.

Why Is My Dog Not Listening to Me?

If you have wondered why my husky won’t come home when called, it can be a frustrating experience. You want to correct the behavior, but knowing why it is a challenge in the first place can definitely be illuminating.

In most cases, your dog does not listen because they don’t have the proper obedience training. It isn’t necessarily that they don’t want to listen to you, more than they don’t know how. This is because they have not learned to look to you for guidance when there are distractions.

Eventually, when they realize that they can do whatever they want without consequence, they ignore commands. Instilling discipline in your dog is crucial. It takes time and consistency to establish, creating a better relationship between you and your pup.

Conclusion

Huskies can be stubborn dogs. Without the proper training, there is always a risk that they could escape and wind up on their own. Getting them to come back is crucial for their safety and should be part of established training.

Knowing how to properly train them should help to alleviate the issue of them not coming back. It is a good tool to have because huskies are naturally curious and energetic. That is sure to lead them on an adventure or two that you had not planned for.