Volunteering with Husky Haven of Florida is a privilege for us at Husky Trainers. On November 25, 2023, four other amazing volunteers and I helped transport the Siberian Husky "Bandit" on a 263-mile trip from Ormond Beach, FL, to Cape Coral, FL. Our part of this trip was to go from Longwood to Davenport, FL. Here are a few pictures of Bandit.
We would like to thank all volunteers (Stacey, Tara, Mandar, and Karen) for taking the time out of their day to help Bandit find a new opportunity in life.
Bandit Story
Bandit is a four-year-old husky adopted from Husky Haven of Florida as a puppy. The owners moved from Florida to Ohio, but sadly, Bandit was given away to someone else and then picked up as a stray. He sat at a shelter for several weeks while Husky Haven of Florida desperately tried to get him back to Florida. Thanks to the fantastic efforts of Husky Haven, Bandit had a two-day-long transport from Ohio to Florida and his new foster parent, Stacey. Then, on November 25, 2023, he embarked on another transport to find a forever home. We hope the very best for Bandit.
Dog Training Assessment for Bandit
We had the opportunity to spend about one-hour transporting Bandit, and like all huskies, he had a lot of energy. When we arrived to pick him up in Longwood, FL, he did not look nervous or anxious. As soon as he saw us, he started pulling on the leash. Huskies usually do this because most of them are very friendly and just want to say hello (which is the way huskies communicate).
When the volunteer handed me the leash, Bandit kept pulling and walking around, investigating his surroundings. We asked a few questions about him from the foster, and we were informed that Bandit can be dominant but very friendly with people and dogs. I continued by opening my car door, and Bandit immediately jumped inside without hesitation. That means he likes car rides and is not scared to jump alone.
Dog Training Opportunity
Typically, you should not allow your husky to jump into the car alone. They must wait for your "Go" or "Get In" command before jumping in.
First, open your car door, tell your husky to wait about 5 to 10 seconds, and then tell them the "jump in" command. Once inside, praise them for a job well done. This straightforward dog training exercise helps build discipline and will eventually let your husky know they need your permission before doing something.
We continued our car ride from Longwood to Davenport, FL, and Bandit behaved exceptionally well. However, on one occasion, Bandit leaned in between our seats, and I attempted to push him back with my right hand, but he growled at me and nipped me a little. Immediately, I told him in a firm and deep voice (not screaming at him), "Back!" "Off!" but he did not return when I asked. Instead, he showed me his teeth, growled, and then laid there for me to pet him.
Here is a video of Bandit refusing to go back:
This behavior does NOT mean Bandit is an aggressive husky.
What Bandit was doing here was asserting his dominance over me and letting me know he wanted and would stay there until he wanted to. This behavior can be risky, especially when you are driving. However, it is easy to fix. You need to be proactive and stop the husky from reaching the front.
In the case of Bandit, as soon as I saw him attempting to go between our seats, I immediately put my elbow upwards, blocking him completely. I didn't say or scream anything at Bandit. I let my elbow do all the action, simply blocking his path.
Another thing you can do, which is considerably safer, is to use a dog seat belt and strap it so the husky can't reach the front of the car.
Mighty Paw Dog Car Safety Belt - Ensures Pet Protection While Driving
A new future for Bandit
Overall, Bandit was an excellent and very loving husky. He laid his head many times for us to pet him and was very calm and enjoying it. Bandit needs an owner who can provide him with a training structure, discipline, and a loving home where he can spend the rest of his life.
