The Do’s and Don’ts for Jumping with Huskies

Huskies are known for their athleticism and love of jumping. Their powerful hind legs allow them to propel themselves several feet into the air.

Huskies are known for their athleticism and love of jumping. Their powerful hind legs allow them to propel themselves several feet into the air.

While fun, jumping activities require caution to prevent injury to both humans and husks. This article provides tips on how high can huskies jump.

Huskies can jump incredibly high, with some capable of leaping over 4 feet vertically. Understanding proper technique is key before engaging in jumping activities.

Use Treats and Toys to Initiate Jumps

The easiest way to get your husky jumping is by utilizing their love of toys and treats. Initiate playtime by waving or throwing a favorite toy just out of reach. Huskies will instinctively spring into the air trying to reach it.

You can also train them to jump on cue to catch treats you toss. Starting low and using the verbal cue “jump” will have them bouncing in no time. Always reward with praise and more treats when they successfully jump up and catch their toy or snack.

Begin Jumps at a Low Level

When first teaching your husky to jump up and catch toys or treats, start low, at just above their head level. High jumping right off the bat can risk injury if they land awkwardly. Build up height slowly over multiple sessions to develop strength and skill.

Use treats, toys, and lots of encouragement to motivate them to jump a little higher each time. Watch for any hesitancy or discomfort and do not push them beyond their capability. For higher jumps, clear communication helps avoid accidents.

Use Soft Landing Surfaces

While the powerful hind legs of huskies allow them to jump very high, the impact of landing can strain joints if they hit the ground wrong. Using soft surfaces helps cushion landings to prevent injury.

Outdoors, having them jump and catch onto grass or sand is ideal. Indoors, a thick padded mat or dog bed is safer than bare floors.

Check for slippery surfaces that may cause them to slide upon landing as well. Secure footing is a must for safe husky hijinks.

Do Not Allow Jumping on People

Though cute as puppies, even medium-sized huskies can knock over a person by jumping on them in adulthood. Do not encourage them to jump up on you or your guests. Instead, train them to keep all four paws on the floor when interacting with humans.

If they get overexcited and break the rules, calmly say “off” and ignore them until they calm down. Consistency with this house rule keeps everyone safer. Reward calm behavior generously. An obedient husky is less likely to cause accidental harm.

Supervise High Jumping

While huskies may make jumping look easy, allowing them to leap and bind without guidance can lead to injuries. Sprains, fractures, and dislocated joints are all risks associated with improper or overly enthusiastic jumping.

Always supervise jump sessions and do not encourage maximum vertical heights. Keep lengths of broad jumps short as well and watch for signs of fatigue or reluctance. Interactive play also helps you monitor and minimize risks.

Do Not Allow Jumping Down From Heights

Allowing a husky to jump down from porches, decks, playground equipment or other elevated areas risks significant injury.

Their joint and muscle strength enables their powerful launch upward, not shock absorption for hard landings. Instead, teach stairs or ramp use for safely descending any height, keeping joints aligned.

If they do happen to jump off furniture or fixtures foolishly, check for limping or discomfort afterward. Restrict access if necessary to keep these leaping acrobats safe.

Do Not Jump on Hard or Slick Surfaces

While a husky can clear over 4 feet vertically from a standstill on the right surface, they should never jump at maximum heights onto hard ground or slick floors.

Take jumping play outdoors whenever possible onto softer grass, sand pits, or rubberized playground surfaces.

Indoors, only allow moderate jumping onto padded mats with good traction. Hardwood, tile, concrete, and other slick, non-cushioned materials risk injury. Monitor for slides and spills.

Do Cool Down Stretches Afterwards

As with any strenuous athletic dog activity, appropriate cool-down stretches following jumping sessions reduce soreness and injury risks.

Gently flexing and extending their hips, knees, and ankles realigns bone, muscle, and connective tissues impacted by all that bouncing.

Massaging shoulders and hips where huskies hold greater tension also aids recovery. Keep sessions short for puppies and older dogs.

Hydrate and rest between active playtimes. Learn your husky’s limits and always help them strengthen muscles properly over time.