Best way to train them off leash? I have dreamed of walking my husky off leash.

Is the apartment life ok for the husky?

Is about 5 mile walk decent for the husky?

How hard is it to train them to sit and not poop on the furniture and stay in the cage?

I also heard of people using e collars for recall training but will they have to the kept on even if you have finished recall training?

First, I'm going to ask you a question: What is it about huskies that make you want one?

Now to your questions:
1. The general rule of thumb is that huskies are not reliable off leash dogs. Yes, there are people who have successfully trained them to be off leash, and you may be successful as well, but it is not in their general nature to stick around. I would not go into husky ownership with the expectation that you will have an off leash dog. It is better to assume and be satisfied with the fact that you will never have an off leash dog, and then if you end up being one of the successful ones, it will be a pleasant surprise.

2. This is a controversial topic. Most breed specific rescues will not adopt to someone in an apartment. That being said, it is possible. We moved from a house with a yard to an apartment with our then 2 year old husky, and have added a now 8 month old to the mix as well. If you are going to do it, you are making the commitment to make sure the dog is getting enough exercise and stimulation. The other major concern is that they are not quiet dogs. This has the potential to be a problem if you have thin walls or sensitive neighbors that may complain. Particularly during crate training. One of our members here who isn't around too much anymore lives in a studio apartment in NYC with her husky and two cats. It's doable, but it is far from convenient.

3. It depends on the dog. Some huskies will need that every day. Some will be fine being a little lazier. However, huskies are an extreme breed. In order to have realistic expectations, always assume the most rigorous needs.

4. Super complex question. I suggest you browse the section of this forum devoted to training. Short answers: I find sit to be the easiest command to teach. Crate and house training can be time consuming and nerve wrecking, but is definitely doable with consistency.

Some other members on here are ecollar users and may chime in about that part.

Sara answered your questions and I could not answer them any better!! As far as e-collar training, I am successful with it. But Miya still wears hers when we go off of our property. Just like with huskies, e-collars are not for everyone. Just because you have a solid recall with one on doesn't mean they will have a solid recall with out one on. It takes a vast amount of training, first on your end as not to make any negative reactions to your dog and then vast amounts of training with your dog. If you have never used one, I strongly recommend you seek professional help in using an e-collar.

I am going to ask the same question as Sara....what is it about huskies that make you want one? If you haven't done a ton of reading on the breed, and perhaps read through the vast threads on this forum as well, then you are not ready for a husky. I do not want to discourage you, however, just becasue the breed is beautiful and unique looking, doesn't mean that the husky breed is for everyone.

Sara and Renee to the rescue!

I would never walk mine off leash. Even if I had a Chihuahua I could grab in two seconds and he was the most well trained creature on the planet. It only takes one mistake to run in front of a car. Not worth it to me. But there are lots of threads addressing your various questions. On the right you should see a search function.

What research have you done so far? Nothing wrong with wanting a husky you just need to be prepared lol. This forum is definitely a great starting place. Have you read any books on huskies? They're an interesting breed with a unique history I think. A cool blog I would recommend is shibashake. It's mostly about shibas of course but it has a lot of things on huskies too.

Good luck!

^ ShibaShake SAVED MY LIFE when I first brought Koda home. They really know what they're talking about and they break it down so it's very easy to read and understand. Great Resource!

Koda is TERRIBLE off lead (as in I chased her for a mile and a half one day with no shoes through ALL of my neighbors back yards ) unless there is another dog around. She will usually stay right beside the other dogs.
I live in an apartment, and she does alright in it. I will say, It's more of a townhouse, so we have a small yard, and I have a 20' lead out there I will hook her onto until she's ready to come back inside. The key to the apartment life with a husky is walks. (More walking than I ever want to do in my life.)
Potty training is hit or miss. I've had dogs that potty train within a few days. Koda took a little longer, but it's all about persistence.

As the others have said, do your research and know what you're getting into. Far too many people get a husky because they are so pretty, but they give them up because they are a TON of work. To the right person, that work is so much fun. They aren't for everyone, but if you can handle it, it is very rewarding indeed. Good luck!

well said Tyler, Danielle, Renee and Sara.

Wanted a husky since i was little. I have done research as to watching videos and reading information about the breed. I was mainly well aware with most of the questions but i just wanted to reconfirm with the community. Honestly not too worried about the off leash as i believe my state requires dogs to be leashed 24/7 when outside. Mainly scared about the potty train but after hearing and seeing many huskies able to be trained i have no fear. Honestly this will be my first dog ever but i am not discouraged. I actually believe i can do a good job. I am a very dedicated person. I have studied the breed for a long time now and i believe i am ready.

To be honest, potty training isn't that bad. There are a few threads on here already about potty training. I was very worried about potty training as well, but dogs naturally don't like to soil their den, so he/she will get it.

As long as you know what you're getting into, you'll do fine. I still learn something new about my Koda almost every day. If you have any more questions about puppy raising or the breed you can use the search feature to browse past threads, or if your issue hasn't been addressed, you can always start a new thread. Good luck and post pictures once you find your baby!