Independent, energetic, and friendly. These are the three main characteristics of a Siberian husky.
With their piercing eyes and wild personalities, it makes sense that huskies are some of the most beloved family pets.
However, the problem with caring for huskies is that they need a lot of commitment and time from you. This is because they’re high-energy dogs that need rigorous exercise to stay healthy and happy.
So, how do you solve this problem if you’re a bit busy? Do huskies need a companion? Would it help?
Let’s find out together!
We understand that huskies are unique and require special care, so we’ve created this one-stop shop to help you find the must-have items for your furry friend.
- Grooming Tools
- Dog Food, Treats & Supplements
- Toys & Enrichment
- Training Aids
- Comfort & Safety
Do Huskies Need Companionship?
Yes, huskies need a companion to help keep them happy and healthy. This is because huskies are very social pack animals.
Back in the day, a husky used to roam across the snowy tundra with a large pack surrounding him. This pack was essentially a close-knit family.
They kept each other safe, hunted, played, and slept together. Then, as the years went on, humans managed to domesticate huskies and turn them into the playful friends we have today.
However, some of the old habits and needs stuck around, such as wanting companionship. This is one of the things that makes a husky high maintenance.
So, when you leave your husky alone for long periods, he’s likely to get lonely and depressed.
4 Other Factors Why Huskies Need Companions
Though the previous reason is the most important when explaining why huskies need companions, there are other factors. These include the following:
1. High Energy Levels
Originally bred to pull sleds around, the Siberian husky has a vast energy reserve that can last hours.
You can find your husky zooming around your home, even after a long walk or a game of fetch.
Sadly for you, this means that if your husky doesn’t get the necessary entertainment and exercise, you’ll be dealing with a very frustrated dog!
2. Loneliness
Did you know that just like you, dogs can feel loneliness? It’s true! When you leave your dog alone for too long, he may get depressed.
If this happens, you’ll notice your dog licking his fur excessively, sleeping more often, and playing less than usual.
Sadly, without a companion for the dog, there’s no way to prevent that loneliness—especially if you work long hours.
3. Separation Anxiety
Whether you’re a long-time dog owner or a new parent, you need to know about separation anxiety in huskies.
Separation anxiety is a condition that affects many dogs, leaving them feeling extra clingy and anxious when their owner leaves.
They’ll also show other signs like excessive excitement when you return, howling, and barking.
4. Behavioral Balance
When huskies lived in the wild and roamed together, they hunted small animals to eat, like squirrels and birds.
Over time, this left them with an intense hunting instinct, also known as a high prey drive. Without a companion to keep the husky grounded, they tend to act often, often chasing small animals.
Plus, huskies love to play, fight and run around a lot. So, if your husky doesn’t have another companion, he’s more likely to bite or scratch strangers—dogs or humans—because he doesn’t have enough experience.
4 Benefits of Having a Companion for Your Husky
Providing your doggie with another friend will guarantee loads of benefits, including the following:
1. Improved Mental Health
Essentially, providing the proper companion for your dog can help him relax and be happy.
That’s because another pet can help reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness while increasing their level of social interaction.
So, while you’re away at work, your little fur ball could be play fighting or chasing his buddy and getting the attention and affection he needs!
Learn about mental stimulation for huskies.
2. Provides Physical Exercise
Did you know that huskies need at least 1 hour of exercise daily? In fact, their energy levels can get the best of them sometimes, and they may require up to 2 hours!
And, let’s be honest, who has this amount of time on a daily basis? Luckily for us, that’s what companion dogs can help with.
Learn how much exercise huskies need.
3. Prevent Destructive Habits
A sad, clingy dog is one thing, but a bored dog is something else entirely. When you leave your dog full of energy and with nothing to do, he’ll find something to do himself!
This means you can come back to lost toys, chewed-up couches, and torn-up shoes. Thankfully, providing a companion takes that energy and redirects it into a safe, healthy outlet, like playing.
4. Helps you
Finally, getting a friend for your husky is beneficial for you, too! How so, you might ask?
It’s because providing a companion gives you more me-time where you don’t have to worry about some little guy chewing up your couch.
It also means feeling less guilty when you want to have a night out or an extra shift at work!
3 Traits to Look For in a Husky Companion
Picking up a friend for your husky isn’t as easy as you might think. Huskies require a specific kind of companion that can handle their tendencies.
Hence, you should look for the following:
1. Energetic
Though it may sound redundant at this point, we must again mention how energetic huskies are.
They can get the zoomies every time they go outside, not just in the middle of the night! That’s why their companion needs to be able to keep up.
A dog that simply sits next to your husky, watching him, isn’t going to be helpful. You need one that’ll run, play fight, and sniff around with your husky.
2. Patient
One thing about huskies that frustrates owners worldwide is how absolutely stubborn they can be! They can be challenging to train, throw tantrums—and be loud about it!—and ignore you completely.
So, imagine this frustrating doggie with another equally frustrating, impatient dog. Not the best picture, right?
Learn why huskies are so stubborn.
3. Intelligent
Finally, huskies are known for their intelligence and need for mental stimulation. They may be too stubborn sometimes to show this intelligence, but it’s definitely there. And because of this, huskies need an equally intelligent dog to keep them on their toes.
To give a few examples, the following dogs would make excellent husky friends:
- Another Husky!
- Labradors Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Alaskan Malamute
- Golden Retriever
Final Thoughts
So, do huskies need a companion? Yes!
Huskies, and most dogs, are natural pack animals that love having family and friends around at all times.
Moreover, providing a companion for your husky can really help ease separation anxiety and balance any behavioral imbalances.
Most importantly, it’ll keep you and your dog happy and healthy, which is what we all want.
So, if you’re considering adopting a husky or already have one, don’t forget his companion!
Does your husky have a companion? What dog breed are they? Let us know in the comments below.
