If you are considering adding a puppy to your family and are pondering over two choices, either the German shepherd or the Siberian Husky, why not look into the German shepherd husky mix?
This dog is often called the Gerberian shepsky and can give you the best of both breeds combined!
The German shepherd crossed with a Siberian husky is purebred, many times called a hybrid, coming from two purebred dogs, giving you the best of each with a perfect blend of stellar traits and stunning good looks.
The German shepherd husky mix is an intelligent breed, but all puppies do need training, they will not arrive at your house fully trained, so it leaves you with this daunting task.
Being that this breed originates from two herding and hard-working dogs, they need plenty of exercise along with training.
If you and your family live a more sedentary lifestyle, this may not be the breed for you. If you are an active and energetic family, this pup will fit right in.
Training your German shepherd Siberian husky mix doesn’t have to be confusing or difficult.
In this post, I will give you some tips on Gerberian shepsky puppy training and include some necessary information on potty training as well.
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Traits of the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky
Before hearing about some tips on training your Gerberian shepsky, it’s best to know about each of the two breeds that will comprise their traits and personality, the German shepherd and the Siberian husky.
As a puppy, there is no way of knowing if your puppy will have inherited more traits from one or the other.
They will inherit traits from each one but one breed will always be more dominant. Below are the temperaments and personalities of both breeds.
German Shepherd
The German shepherd is known for its intelligence, guarding, and protective nature. The shepherd was originally bred to herd sheep, hence the name “shepherd.”
They are a serious, intense, and focused breed, being also loyal to family. This dog is the second most popular breed of dog.
The German shepherd is also used as a K-9 partner to the military and law enforcement due to its keen senses and brave demeanor.
They are also very active dogs and require plenty of exercise. Early socialization is a must to have a more outgoing German shepherd.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian husky has been around for centuries, beginning as sled dog for the Chukchi people of Siberian in brutally cold weather.
The fun-loving and energetic Siberian husky is an extremely social animal and loves its pack. These dogs are the fourteenth most popular dog.
They are not at all cut out to be guard dogs but do display an independent streak quite often.
As you can see, these two breeds, The German shepherd and the Siberian husky are dissimilar in many ways but blended together, their differences complement each other to form the awesome Gerberian shepsky.
To check your shepherds’ health status or their DNA checks, please visit the Embark vet website for all the help you may need.
Tips For Gerberian Shepsky Puppy Training
Be the Boss
Because dogs are descendants of wolves and wolves live in packs, every pack has a boss or alpha leader. This is the one in charge who keeps everyone in line and guides them.
To have your Gerberian shepsky obey you doesn’t mean yelling or punishing, it just means being consistent and firm with rules. Some ways to assert your leadership are:
- You and your family should always eat meals before your pup.
- When walking, always be in control. Never allow your shepsky to lead you.
- Do not allow your pup to jump on you. This is never good especially when guests are visiting.
- It is never good to let your shepsky sleep in your bed. This shows that you and your pup are equals. You should always be above them. The pack leader is always the highest.
Begin early
Begin training as soon as your Gerberian shepsky sets its little paws in your home. Although it will be a while for your pup to perfectly accomplish some commands, it’s never too early to start training.
They are quick to learn as a puppy and especially to pick up on what is considered good and bad behavior.
Socialization
Socialization should have begun in their last few weeks at the breeders and you should continue this very important aspect of their training.
Your German shepherd husky mix needs to become acclimated to people, places, different experiences, and other dogs.
This will make them less likely to be overly excited and too exuberant with people and also show aggression.
Proper socialization will make training much easier. Puppy obedience classes are an excellent way to mix socialization and training by having them around other people and a variety of dogs.
Positivity
With training, always use positive reinforcement. This is done by rewarding good behavior, when they are playing nicely, following commands,s or greeting you in a gentle way without acting hyper.
Correct bad behavior or in some cases ignore it. This gives them no attention and this is what they are sometimes seeking. You only want to give your pup positive attention for good behavior.
Short and sweet but direct
The commands you give your shepsky should be short but direct. Use, “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
You may add their name but don’t say, “come and sit by me.” Long sentences will only confuse your pup.
Also, keep training sessions short and no longer than ten or fifteen minutes. Puppies have a shorter attention span. They do get tired and need their naps too!
To treat or not to treat?
Using treats for training can be helpful but they aren’t always necessary. Save treats for only certain training types or sessions or don’t use any at all.
Praise, exuberance, and positivity are the best way to train. If you want your pup to come to you quickly in a dangerous situation, you may not have a treat handy to bribe them.
This is why they need to learn commands well and without treats, if possible. Treats also contain empty calories which can lead to weight gain if used in excess.
Gerberian Shepsky Potty Training
Gerberian shepsky potty training need not be a daunting task. Some refer to it as “housebreaking,” but it is in actuality, training.
This “training” should begin just like other training, as soon as your pup steps into your home. Following are some steps to help with potty training.
- Have a designated outdoor area specifically for potty purposes and familiarize your shepsky with this spot.
- Use a specific word for bathroom time like “go out.” “potty” or anything you prefer, but stick with that word or phrase.
- Take your pup out to their designated area every twenty to thirty minutes when they are small so they can get the hang of things. Being vigilant will pay off. Also, take your shepsky out after eating.
- Give plenty of exciting praise when your pup is successful.
- Your Gerberian shepsky will have accidents in your home at first, so be prepared. If you see your pup circling or sniffing, quickly whisk them up and take them outside to their area. If you catch them “in the act,” say, “no,” and take them out to finish, if possible. If you don’t see an accident happen, don’t scold. They will not understand when it is “after the fact.”
- Clean up all accidents thoroughly. Any leftover smells can lead to another accident in the same area. There are many safe cleaners on the market specifically for this purpose.
- Consistency is the key to success and before you know it they will be letting you know when they need to go out, with a bark, howl, or whimper.
With the German shepherd’s intelligence and the eagerness and willingness to learn the attitude of the Siberian husky, the Gerberian shepsky puppy is an easily trained breed. Always have patience and use positive reinforcement or redirect bad behavior. Scold if necessary, but never yell or use physical punishment. This will just create problems.
If you are unsure of training, seek out a professional or enroll you and your pup in obedience classes.
Gerberian shepsky puppy training does not have to be overwhelming. With consistency and a lot of love, your shepsky will be a well-mannered and fun-loving adult in no time.
