Thanks for all your comments so far and warm welcomes. Let me try to answer your queries.
Firstly, I spent about 18 months researching the breed and meeting several breeders before making the decision to own a husky. Please feel free to make all comments you like as I am somehwat confused about what is the right way or the wrong way, as so many people have their own opinions and so many are conflicting. I've spoken with vets, trainers, breeders, owners and get contradicting opinions from many...let me try to clarify....
When I say off lead, my initial thought was, since researching the breed, this will NEVER happen. Nearly everyone I speak with say that the prey drive is too high and why take the risk of having your dog run infront of a car...which I agree! Over the last week, I've discussed this with 2 trainers, and both seem to think that as she is still young, and her desire to follow me is still quite high, I should be trying to do as much work with her on and off lead as I can. So, what I have done since then is limited, but I've taken her to an enclosed area (tennis court) and worked off lead, with surprising ease. Also, as part of her puppy training class, doing small recall to which she has responded perfectly and come straight to me. I know through my own experience with her in my garden and out on walks on the streets near where I live, I wouldn't trust her on the road. If a leaf blows past us too quick she's on the hunt. But I think if possible I should pursue safe work off lead, if possible? What do you all think? I met a trainer who had about 10 dogs with her all off lead, we were in a massive park and she said I should let her off lead and let her play. I said no, and kept her on lead, worrying she might run off...and out the front gate to a busy main rain (approx 400 yards away). She said it wouldn't happen as she'd want to play with the other dogs, which she did ON lead...but I too was worried about her running off! So at least want to get a good recall in place first.
Wasn't sure about your comment Mazz about her 'teenage years'... at only 5/6 months my understanding is she's still just a pup... but and more like adolescent from around 2yrs of age, when they can be a real handful, trying to assert greater dominance. But what did you mean by be prepared? How do I prepare? I can tell you she's more than happy to be confident, mischievous and biosterous already, at only 13 weeks! So I doubt that will change...although hopefully she will listen a bit more reliably to me as we continue training and bonding.
And Dunc, thanks for noting I was a pianist. Intrigued how you found that out, perhaps googling my name? Am I famous already hahaha? Not likely, but yes I work as a professional pianist and piano tutor, which means I'm working from home mostly and Luna is with me almost all of the time, so I'm able to really work alot with her on training.
Sorry if this is long winded, or perhaps not the right place to reply...on other topics...I'm sure Sarah you can help point this out to me! Very keen to simply learn from the wisdom of people who actually own huskies, not trainers and owners that say something, that I think, from all my research, is probably unwise or not quite right for a breed such as ours. If there is a training forum, I'll give it a look and post something in there too as lots of questions already
Thanks everyone
