OK, folks, let me tell you about my little experiment with having a Siberian Husky in my tiny apartment. I’ve always been a dog lover, and huskies? Man, they’re just gorgeous. But everyone kept telling me, “No way, you can’t have a husky in an apartment! They need tons of space!” Well, I’m here to tell you, it’s totally doable. Challenging, yes, but doable.
First things first, I started reading everything I could about huskies. I learned that they’re super active and need a lot of exercise. They also have a strong prey drive, which could be, let’s say, “problematic” for my neighbor’s cat.
So, I began with adjusting my own schedule. Before I even got my husky, a beautiful girl I named Luna, I started waking up earlier to go for runs. I figured if I could handle the exercise part, the rest would fall into place, right?
When I finally brought Luna home, the first thing I did was puppy-proof the apartment. And let me tell you, “puppy-proofing” is a whole different level of securing things when you’ve got a husky. I put away anything that could be chewed, destroyed, or swallowed. I mean, everything.
The first few weeks were rough. Luna had so much energy! I’d take her out for long walks and runs in the morning, but by noon, she was ready to go again. I started taking her to a dog park nearby so she could run off-leash and play with other dogs. That really helped tire her out.
Crate training was my next move. I learned that huskies can get anxious when left alone, so I wanted to give Luna a safe space. It took some time and a lot of patience, but eventually, she started seeing her crate as her own little den. I got her a bunch of toys to keep her occupied. She seemed to like the ones that made her think, like puzzles you put treats in.
- Early morning runs: We started with 30-minute runs, but now we’re up to an hour.
- Dog park visits: At least an hour a day, sometimes more on weekends.
- Training sessions: Short, 10-15 minute sessions a couple of times a day.
Now, here’s the thing about huskies – they’re smart. Like, really smart. But they’re also stubborn. Training Luna was like a game of chess. I had to be consistent, firm, but also positive. I used a lot of treats and praise. We worked on basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Recall was especially important since I wanted her to be safe off-leash.
And the shedding! Oh boy, the shedding. I invested in a good vacuum cleaner and brushed her every day. It helped, but let’s be honest, there was always some fur floating around.
Feeding her was another story, she was always hungry. My vet recommended a high-quality food specifically for active breeds. This helped her stay full longer and gave her the energy she needed. I also made sure to give her plenty of fresh water, especially after our runs. One thing I noticed is that she tended to eat small meals throughout the day rather than one big meal, so I adjusted her feeding schedule accordingly.
But you know what? After a few months, we found our rhythm. Luna adapted to apartment life better than I expected. She learned the rules, and I learned how to keep her happy and stimulated. We still have our challenges, of course, especially on rainy days when we can’t go out as much. But we make it work with indoor games, puzzle toys, and lots of cuddles.
Here are some things I did for having a Husky in an apartment:
- Exercise: Long walks, runs, and playtime at the dog park.
- Mental Stimulation: Training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive games.
- Crate Training: To give her a safe space and prevent anxiety.
- Consistent Training: To teach her commands and boundaries.
- Grooming: Daily brushing to manage shedding.
- Socialization: Introducing her to other dogs and people.
So, can a Siberian Husky be a good apartment dog? In my experience, absolutely. It takes work, dedication, and a whole lot of love. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll have a loyal, loving, and furry companion by your side, no matter how small your living space might be.
It’s been two years now, and Luna is a part of the family. We go on adventures, we cuddle on the couch, and yes, sometimes she still drives me crazy. But I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Living with a husky in an apartment is an adventure, but it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
If you are planning on adopting a Siberian Husky, I highly recommend it, but with caution. Make sure you are truly ready and prepared.
