Husky News

Local dog owner Jeri Culbertson got dragged to dog training class. That’s not because she didn’t want to go �” it was just the way Canyon, her 8-month-old Siberian husky, behaved when he was on a leash.

Siberian huskies are bred to pull, so Canyon wasn’t aware that his instinctual behavior was causing any problems.

Pulling on the leash also was causing the Jason family of Rapid City to find walking their new puppy, Red, a tedious chore. As a first-time dog owner, Shanna Jason was pleased with her purebred Vizsla, whose parents and grandparents are champions. The valuable dog is co-owned by the breeder, who wants to show Red when she is ready to compete.

Jeri Culbertson feeds her Siberian husky, Canyon, a treat after he correctly performed a trick. (Seth A. McConnell/Journal staff)

“She is a very loveable dog, but we wanted her to have some manners,” Jason said. “She would pull and pull and pull.” Along with classes, pet training instructor Robyn Wass advised Jason to buy a specific dog harness for Red. Today, after about five weeks of beginner classes, Jason said, “She is a joy to walk with.”

A special harness also helps Culbertson control the movements of Canyon, and she also has seen positive results from the classes. Canyon also has a tendency to nip at people and other dogs, “but now, he is more controllable and more behaved,” Culbertson said.

Culbertson’s daughter, Melody, accompanied her mother to a recent training class since Canyon is technically her dog.

“We have smaller kids at home,” Culbertson said, “and he can easily overpower them by playing. We just wanted to make him a little more manageable.” So far, while Canyon can still be pretty rambunctious at home, training has “taken the edge off.”

All of Jason’s family went to the first class with Red. “Usually, somebody will come with me,” Jason said. “They all participate in training at home.”

Both “pet parents” understand that it is their families’ commitment to building a good relationship with their dogs that makes the difference.

Source: Rapid City Journal