Questions about my soon to be sibe and general dog question

[Sn0wFlaK]

Hi guys, I'm getting my sibe in a few days, too excited. Just answer what you can, if you don't mind (:

Question on Sibes:

I'm getting her at 6 weeks and I know it's really young but the breeder said she's socializing well and her other litter pups are being picked up today(or sometime this week) and I'm not getting her until Saturday but I was told you don't walk pups for long? I/mydad walk my 8 year old dog (not sibe) for 3 miles every other day and I know a pup can't handle that long but I was wondering 1.How long/far? Oh and also, I've never had to deal with vets since my dad always did it (I was too young to go drive there and at school when my dog had appts) So should I take her to the vet before I walk her 'cause I remember my cousin's puppy -- the vet said she shouldn't be taken for walks since it's easy to catch stuff..?

Also, since she's a girl she has periods right -- so if I get her uh... fixed she won't have periods anymore ? 2.meaning I don't have to worry about blood everywhere?

3. I live in Houston and someone I know in Canada said a sibe would practically die here since it's so humid but my breeder (who lives in Tx) gave me a link about someone who said huskies are fine here. And I know a few people who have huskies here (I don't talk to them though so I can't ask lol) So, is it bad that I want a husky and I live in possibly one of the most humid cities in the US? T_T Because it goes up to 100 Fahrenheit on top of the humidity it feels like 110. And I can't even stand higher than 70 (I feel like I'm dying if it's higher) I'm just kind of worried that it might not be the best thing for her ):. (But for the most part she'd be inside in a crate or walking around the house if I'm home, which should be a lot lol)

Question on dogs in general:

I currently have a chihuahua/minpin and he doesn't pull often when I walk him, usually walks next to me but when there's other dogs he you know jumps after them. (He isn't socialized and I regret it but my family and I didn't know that when we got him at a year old ;- He's now almost 8 and still has that problem and we end up having to carry him past other dogs.

So I was wondering what your thoughts were on Choke collars/prong collars? I'm reading around on google atm but it seems as if both are bad in ways and harm the dog? and of course I don't want to hurt my doggy >: .

What do you guys think?

TOO MANY QUESTIONS T_T . So sad.

[BingBlaze n Skyla]

Question on Sibes:

I'm getting her at 6 weeks and I know it's really young but the breeder said she's socializing well and her other litter pups are being picked up today(or sometime this week) and I'm not getting her until Saturday but I was told you don't walk pups for long? I/mydad walk my 8 year old dog (not sibe) for 3 miles every other day and I know a pup can't handle that long but I was wondering 1.How long/far? Oh and also, I've never had to deal with vets since my dad always did it (I was too young to go drive there and at school when my dog had appts) So should I take her to the vet before I walk her 'cause I remember my cousin's puppy -- the vet said she shouldn't be taken for walks since it's easy to catch stuff..?

5 mins per month so a 5 month old puppy for example should get 25 mins per walk

u should always take a new puppy to a vet after getting them to get them checked out , also ur puppy shouldnt go for a walk before its had all of its vaccinations

Also, since she's a girl she has periods right -- so if I get her uh... fixed she won't have periods anymore ? 2.meaning I don't have to worry about blood everywhere?

yep , but u cant get them done till they are 6 months (minimum) some people prefer to wait till they are abit older , thats up2u and ur vet

3. I live in Houston and someone I know in Canada said a sibe would practically die here since it's so humid but my breeder (who lives in Tx) gave me a link about someone who said huskies are fine here. And I know a few people who have huskies here (I don't talk to them though so I can't ask lol) So, is it bad that I want a husky and I live in possibly one of the most humid cities in the US? T_T Because it goes up to 100 Fahrenheit on top of the humidity it feels like 110. And I can't even stand higher than 70 (I feel like I'm dying if it's higher) I'm just kind of worried that it might not be the best thing for her ):. (But for the most part she'd be inside in a crate or walking around the house if I'm home, which should be a lot lol)

there are people on here in canada and florida etc , so long as u keep ur dog cool ( paddling pool , ice cubes etc) it will be fine , walk earlier /later when its cooler , and dont shave ur dog! that wont help , their coats help them regulate their temprature

Question on dogs in general:

I currently have a chihuahua/minpin and he doesn't pull often when I walk him, usually walks next to me but when there's other dogs he you know jumps after them. (He isn't socialized and I regret it but my family and I didn't know that when we got him at a year old ;- He's now almost 8 and still has that problem and we end up having to carry him past other dogs.

So I was wondering what your thoughts were on Choke collars/prong collars? I'm reading around on google atm but it seems as if both are bad in ways and harm the dog? and of course I don't want to hurt my doggy >: .

What do you guys think?

ive used a half check and it worked to some extent , or there the martingale which is like a half check but all material , or a slip collar

but i prefer a non-pull harness, works wonders on my male sibe and hes a bad puller

any tool used wrong can hurt a dog , but used correctly will be fine

[Sn0wFlaK]

Question on Sibes:

3. I live in Houston and someone I know in Canada said a sibe would practically die here since it's so humid but my breeder (who lives in Tx) gave me a link about someone who said huskies are fine here. And I know a few people who have huskies here (I don't talk to them though so I can't ask lol) So, is it bad that I want a husky and I live in possibly one of the most humid cities in the US? T_T Because it goes up to 100 Fahrenheit on top of the humidity it feels like 110. And I can't even stand higher than 70 (I feel like I'm dying if it's higher) I'm just kind of worried that it might not be the best thing for her ):. (But for the most part she'd be inside in a crate or walking around the house if I'm home, which should be a lot lol)

there are people on here in canada and florida etc , so long as u keep ur dog cool ( paddling pool , ice cubes etc) it will be fine , walk earlier /later when its cooler , and dont shave ur dog! that wont help , their coats help them regulate their temprature

Are they allowed to swim in pools? I have a pool in my back yard but I think my dad uses chlorine for the pool? Not sure. Should I just give her a shower afterwards? And should I introduce her to the pool early aka 2 month? 3? (I saw a youtube video of a husky swimming in a pool +_+)

[BingBlaze n Skyla]

Are they allowed to swim in pools? I have a pool in my back yard but I think my dad uses chlorine for the pool? Not sure. Should I just give her a shower afterwards? And should I introduce her to the pool early aka 2 month? 3? (I saw a youtube video of a husky swimming in a pool +_+)

not sure Rosemary has a pool , she might know , i just use a kiddie pool thats small for them to play in with just tap water from a hose

[Rosemary]

As Nix says, they have a pool - but it is an above ground pool. We use half the chlorine we are supposed to use and have had no problems. If you are worried about chlorine you can rinse her off with a hose pipe afterwards. Ozzy has been swimming from the age of three months. One thing though - brush them before they swim, your dad may not be happy about the hair in the pool

[Sn0wFlaK]

As Nix says, they have a pool - but it is an above ground pool. We use half the chlorine we are supposed to use and have had no problems. If you are worried about chlorine you can rinse her off with a hose pipe afterwards. Ozzy has been swimming from the age of three months. One thing though - brush them before they swim, your dad may not be happy about the hair in the pool

haha yeah, my dad said their hair would clog his pipes / pool cleaner machine thing . Even though none of us ever use it except maybe 10-20 times a year... lol

Thanks for the info guys ^-^

[Storm Angel n Auroras Mum]

your dad may not have a choice in keeping the dog out of it

[Sn0wFlaK]

your dad may not have a choice in keeping the dog out of it

Why? Huskies like to just jump in when they're hot? .

My miniature pinscher/ chihuahua won't go near water lol. I put him in on the steps and he jumps right out so I've never actually physically seen a dog WANT to jump in .

In any case, I'll just offer to clean up the pool afterwards since I should watch her anyways .

[Lightsiber]

Don't wish to cause offence, but Sibes are not easy dogs to own and your general lack of knowledge about all dogs is scary. It might be too late for me to say this, but I think you should think a bit more and do some more research about the breed that you seem to know very little about. If you admit to failing to socialise your chihuahua/minpin I worry that you will struggle with training a very strong willed Husky.

As I said, apologies if I cause offence, just worried about the dog.

And finally I wouldn't want a puppy from a breeder that was willing to let it go at 6 weeks.

[Jerad]

As Nix says, they have a pool - but it is an above ground pool. We use half the chlorine we are supposed to use and have had no problems. If you are worried about chlorine you can rinse her off with a hose pipe afterwards. Ozzy has been swimming from the age of three months. One thing though - brush them before they swim, your dad may not be happy about the hair in the pool

Also brushing before swimming or bathing is crucial since water will tighten mats you might have not even known were there. I always give Gibson a once-over before rinsing him off if he needs it.

[Storm Angel n Auroras Mum]

Why? Huskies like to just jump in when they're hot? :eek:.

My miniature pinscher/ chihuahua won't go near water lol. I put him in on the steps and he jumps right out so I've never actually physically seen a dog WANT to jump in .

In any case, I'll just offer to clean up the pool afterwards since I should watch her anyways .

huskies do what they want when they want if they are not disciplined properly.

I hope you know what you are getting into.

also I wanted to add, a pup being removed from its mum at 6 weeks could potentially develop social issues and be harder to raise.

[RoseWillow&Dexter]

Why? Huskies like to just jump in when they're hot? :eek:.

My miniature pinscher/ chihuahua won't go near water lol. I put him in on the steps and he jumps right out so I've never actually physically seen a dog WANT to jump in .

In any case, I'll just offer to clean up the pool afterwards since I should watch her anyways .

You might want to make sure the puppy is supervised around the pool..it could be disastrous if he falls in and can't get out

[Lightsiber]

also I wanted to add, a pup being removed from its mum at 6 weeks could potentially develop social issues and be harder to raise.

I would be concerned with separation anxiety developing which is the last thing you want with a Husky.

[Storm Angel n Auroras Mum]

I would be concerned with separation anxiety developing which is the last thing you want with a Husky.

absolutely agree

[Sn0wFlaK]

Don't wish to cause offence, but Sibes are not easy dogs to own and your general lack of knowledge about all dogs is scary. It might be too late for me to say this, but I think you should think a bit more and do some more research about the breed that you seem to know very little about. If you admit to failing to socialise your chihuahua/minpin I worry that you will struggle with training a very strong willed Husky.

As I said, apologies if I cause offence, just worried about the dog.

And finally I wouldn't want a puppy from a breeder that was willing to let it go at 6 weeks.

Thanks for letting me know. And yeah, when I was a kid just having a dog was cool. But I think I'll still take my chances. After all, we learn from our mistakes and we keep correcting them to reach perfection, do we not? I don't expect everyone who was a first time husky owner to know Everything there is to know about them. There's an endless list of things I would need to know -- temperamental, separation anxiety, bite inhibition, need fo running, socializing, cooling, shots, common genetic diseases, eye problems, and so on. I think if I had to know everything, I'd be reading for a month at the very least. We don't all start out knowing everything there is to know about a husky. And I'm sure some people on this forum have made a mistake like I have and were unaware of issues as well. There's a first time for everything and although it shouldn't be a husky since my lack of knowledge and huskies aren't good for first time I will do everything in my power to correct my mistakes and as time progresses I will learn them. I can assure you guys of that.

As for my minpin/chihuahua I didn't know about socializing, I was in 7th grade and my mind as a 7th grader was just the fact that I have a dog (a horrible reason to own a dog) and my friends who owned dogs never did anything with their dogs either so I didn't ask. but that is not the reason now that I have grown to him. My dad told me it's too late to socialize him and we don't want to hurt him and that being said, at the time I thought my dad is right. Dads were always right. I'm not blaming my dad but I'm just saying I know better now and already signed up for classes. (I didn't mention before because I was hoping for an answer for that so I could do it myself)

You guys have all the reason to doubt me and I agree that my knowledge probably is less than minimal to owning a dog. After all, you guys have had experience.... But, I'm going to go ahead and give it a go. Regardless of how bad/good it will end up, the husky is here to stay. Once in the family, always in the family. And I will always be by her side to help her.

As for the rest of you concerned with separation anxiety and 6 weeks being a young age, Around the internet people were saying 6-8 weeks is fine for take home date. I've seen a lot of breeders say 8 weeks strictly like kortar and celtic acres farm and so on. Of course I value you guys opinion more since you own the breed I was interested in but I can keep her there longer if you guys think it's best... while I study more about dogs.

(btw I don't mean to sound mad if it comes off like that. I can't tell . But yeah if it does, I apologize, just wrote a sad story so I'm feeling kind of emotional atm and might have let our unknown anger/emotions. Mb!)

[loops]

But I think I'll still take my chances. After all, we learn from our mistakes .

unfortunately there are a shed load of sibes in rescues and put to sleep each year from owners who took the chance and could not handle it. Lol i am not for one minute saying that you will give up, i am just saying that it will be a lot harder than any other dog you have owned or known

[BingBlaze n Skyla]

Why? Huskies like to just jump in when they're hot? :eek:.

My miniature pinscher/ chihuahua won't go near water lol. I put him in on the steps and he jumps right out so I've never actually physically seen a dog WANT to jump in .

In any case, I'll just offer to clean up the pool afterwards since I should watch her anyways .

ooh yes! lol , well atleast my girl does , any body of water she sees she HAS to go in it! lol , she even goes and jumps in the bath when its empty lol :/ weird pup

just make sure u always supervise the dog , maybe fence off the pool if thats possible so u can let the dog out without having to worry n watch him/her constantly

i think its great that ur doing all the research n asking all the questions u can before knowing if u can or if ur ready to commit to a sibe , well done

[sjwrx]

It is Definitely better to do all your research before you get him.

Panda is my first dog, and im glad i did all the reading and researching i did or else he'd be a big mess right now. I'm sure even the experienced members continue to learn, huskies never fail to surprise us! It's good to learn and make mistakes as long as you at least have the basic knowledge about the breed.

No one is doubting you, they just want the best for the dog, and rushing into it without knowing anything isn't one.

6 Weeks is fairly young for the pup to leave it's mother, they have things they need to learn from their mother or littermates like bite inhibitation etc.

8 Weeks minimum but most reputable breeders here hold onto them for 10 weeks. What's the rush? he will be with you for a long time to come, waiting a few more weeks for what's best for the pup is nothing.

[Sn0wFlaK]

unfortunately there are a shed load of sibes in rescues and put to sleep each year from owners who took the chance and could not handle it. Lol i am not for one minute saying that you will give up, i am just saying that it will be a lot harder than any other dog you have owned or known

Yeah, I read about that and it's sad. I know that it's going to be hard, I just don't know how hard Since I've never experienced it before. But I guess I'll take these next 2 weeks to see if I should get her now or wait until I'm more experienced in this field of doggy-ness.

Do you guys know any good books? Not like the how to teach your dog ____; Honestly, I've only talked to some friends who own huskies and read, I don't know maybe 500-750 pages on the internet about them on huskies and I'm guessing a book would do me better than constantly asking questions..

[BingBlaze n Skyla]

Yeah, I read about that and it's sad. I know that it's going to be hard, I just don't know how hard Since I've never experienced it before. But I guess I'll take these next 2 weeks to see if I should get her now or wait until I'm more experienced in this field of doggy-ness.

Do you guys know any good books? Not like the how to teach your dog ____; Honestly, I've only talked to some friends who own huskies and read, I don't know maybe 500-750 pages on the internet about them on huskies and I'm guessing a book would do me better than constantly asking questions..

siberian huskies for dummies is a good one

but honestly , ask away , thats what we are here for

[Rosemary]

Why? Huskies like to just jump in when they're hot? :eek:.

My miniature pinscher/ chihuahua won't go near water lol. I put him in on the steps and he jumps right out so I've never actually physically seen a dog WANT to jump in .

In any case, I'll just offer to clean up the pool afterwards since I should watch her anyways .

They will jump into the pool any time they feel like it. Ozzy found it hilarious to jump into the pool at night (usually at around 22h00) and taunt me by swimming into the middle of the pool - just out of reach. When I walk away he swims to the side, and so on and so on. We eventually put a fence up to make sure he doesn't swim after 15h00.

[Removed #1]

Hi guys, I'm getting my sibe in a few days, too excited. Just answer what you can, if you don't mind

Question on Sibes:

I'm getting her at 6 weeks and I know it's really young but the breeder said she's socializing well and her other litter pups are being picked up today(or sometime this week) and I'm not getting her until Saturday but I was told you don't walk pups for long? I/mydad walk my 8 year old dog (not sibe) for 3 miles every other day and I know a pup can't handle that long but I was wondering 1.How long/far? Oh and also, I've never had to deal with vets since my dad always did it (I was too young to go drive there and at school when my dog had appts) So should I take her to the vet before I walk her 'cause I remember my cousin's puppy -- the vet said she shouldn't be taken for walks since it's easy to catch stuff..?

Also, since she's a girl she has periods right -- so if I get her uh... fixed she won't have periods anymore ? 2.meaning I don't have to worry about blood everywhere?

As has been voiced there are some concerns with a breeder whose willing to give a pup a new home at six week instead of keeping it until 8. The largest concern is that during those two weeks things like bite inhibition are taught within the pecking order of things and this is a pain in the rump to teach afterwards. It can be done, but you're going to have to be patient.

Getting your female spayed will do more than prevent menstration all over your house a couple times a year. It removes the risk of cervical cancer, and you won't have to deal with male dogs trying to mount her when she's in heat...the random stray, etc...additionally some cities DO have laws regarding bitches in heat. My own town only allows them outside for potty breaks.

She should be immunized before you take her for walks. A good rule of thumb is to assume that everyone who owns a dog isn't as responsible as you're being. Which means some people don't have their dogs vaccinated, some don't clean up their poop, and some give the gift of whipworm infested feces to the world without realizing it. Parvo can be deadly for a puppy and terribly traumatic for an owner.

3. I live in Houston and someone I know in Canada said a sibe would practically die here since it's so humid but my breeder (who lives in Tx) gave me a link about someone who said huskies are fine here. And I know a few people who have huskies here (I don't talk to them though so I can't ask lol) So, is it bad that I want a husky and I live in possibly one of the most humid cities in the US? T_T Because it goes up to 100 Fahrenheit on top of the humidity it feels like 110. And I can't even stand higher than 70 (I feel like I'm dying if it's higher) I'm just kind of worried that it might not be the best thing for her ):. (But for the most part she'd be inside in a crate or walking around the house if I'm home, which should be a lot lol)

My advise here is pretty simple. Go to the member map...zoom into texas. Get in touch with other HO's in your area who know exactly what you're talking about with the heat and humidity and see what they have to offer in the way of advise.

Also pin yourself on the member map

Question on dogs in general:

I currently have a chihuahua/minpin and he doesn't pull often when I walk him, usually walks next to me but when there's other dogs he you know jumps after them. (He isn't socialized and I regret it but my family and I didn't know that when we got him at a year old ;- He's now almost 8 and still has that problem and we end up having to carry him past other dogs.

Honestly my advise here would be to get in touch with a behaviorist. See who your vet recommends...you can teach an older dog how to behave appropriately, but it will probably be more work now.

So I was wondering what your thoughts were on Choke collars/prong collars? I'm reading around on google atm but it seems as if both are bad in ways and harm the dog? and of course I don't want to hurt my doggy >: .

What do you guys think?

At the puppy age I'd say no to a prong or a choke collar, and would recommend doing more research on how they're appropriately used if at all. Improper use can result in injury to a dog, and that' the last thing anyone wants. Your best bet when you start walks is to not allow pulling. Again doing more research on the web will bring up a variety of techniques, and members here have several suggetions that could prove helpful.

I've used a Prong, and we till use a Prong sometimes as Fox will pull on a flat collar hard enough to make himelf vomit when he sees another dog...a family member down the street...a squirrel...etc. But he knows when it's on, and it does nothing to curb his pulling when he's not wearing it. I prefer a harness for a variety of reasons at this point, namely that I really do think that if I keep at it eventually Fox will give me more than three feet a a time of loose leash walking.

TOO MANY QUESTIONS T_T . So sad.

I'd recommend doing more research before you bring your girl home. It's so much less frustrating to read up on things BEFORE you have a problem than it is to search for answers in the midst of frustration and tell yourself after finding your answers, "if I'd only known..."

[loops]

Panda is my first dog, .

Panda? what an absolutely ace name!!

[LittleLuka]

i researched for months before i got Luka, i've had him for a week, and i still feel like i don't know what im doing half the time. I've owned dogs my entire life, but i can promise you huskies are NOTHING like other dogs. Luka is a little over 8 weeks and he is already the most independent dog i've ever seen. He does not like to follow my rules. that being said they are sweet, loveable, and the best cuddlers ever! I just think you should really research before you bring a husky home or you will be severely overwhelmed. With huskies you do learn by trying but you also need to have some general knowledge. i don't recommend anyone try "winging it"!

[LittleLuka]

also i live in memphis, basically and we have HORRIBLE humidity and heat. (it was 91 yesterday) Luka is fine. i take him out during the early morning and evening and we chill in the ac during the day. just be smart.